Trouble at Brayshaw High (Brayshaw, #2)(25)

Still, looking at her, all I see is mine.

Yet, she’s not here with me tonight.

She’s with him, the dick that wants to take my family’s power. The guy who wants to push Brayshaw out and regain control of this town with his family’s name, so he can run it dirty and in a way that makes him rich and powerful, not respected and feared like worthy leaders, like Brayshaw.

Like we fucking are.

He doesn’t want to help the weak grow stronger so long as they stay in line, doesn’t want to watch the local business in this town thrive and create a better, tighter community of local life. No, he wants to reign over all and shit on the little guy along the way. That’s not a society people want to be a part of – that’s how an era ends.

We’re not the only power families around, there are several of us spread across the state, protecting the lives we live and the towns we created. It’s how we live under our own laws, we have others who look out for us just the same.

But our town, we’re the last split in two, the only one left with a power struggle among founders. According to our dad, it’s up to me and my brothers to put an end to it before the other families step in and help decide for us. Only one name can lead, and it will be Brayshaw.

The Gravens were pushed out for a reason.

They’re dirty and know no loyalty. They fuck their own in a heartbeat if there’s a means to benefit from it. Our town, our family and populace was built on three things: honesty, loyalty, and respect.

Collins would trade all three for more green in his pocket – as if the sole heir needs any more than what his grandfather will be leaving him with when he croaks.

Greed brings lies and deceit and if this place turns to anarchy, we’d all fall down. The surrounding cities and their head makers won’t hesitate to step in if we can’t control our own people.

Question is, did money already speak louder to my girl than I could?

I glance at Tisha, one of the chicks in Chloe’s little pack of peasants, perched on top of the bar so she can chat up the bartender.

“I’m done waiting, let’s test this shit now.”

I look back to Raven, who tries real fucking hard to hide her body behind the bar stool.

“You sure about this?” Captain speaks low so only I can hear. “That chick should be here anytime.”

“I need to know.”

“I’m with Maddoc.” Royce gives a jerky nod, his body swaying a bit as the alcohol kicks in.

Cap eyes him before sliding his stare to me, his concern easily read. “And you’re ready for this?” he pushes. “What happens if this doesn’t roll the way you want?”

“Then she’ll be begging for her trailer when we’re done with her.”

Cap sighs, his shoulders falling slightly as he nods and Royce rubs his hands together, shooting for confident and ready, but I know he’s nervous as fuck. He’s been downing shots since we got here.

I down the rest of my drink and push to my feet. I haven’t drunk this much in months, and I’m not trashed, but I can’t say I don’t like that my body is finally chill after days of nothing but pure fucking tension.

Tisha sees me coming and her back shoots straight.

I give her no warning other than my eyes on her as I grow closer, then I’m gripping her behind the knee, and yanking her to the edge. I step between her legs and she gasps, her eyes widening.

“You’ve had your eyes on me the last hour, Tisha.” I lean closer. “You got something for me?” I whisper, sliding my hands up her thighs and she tenses.

A nervous laugh leaves her, and she recoils, her eyes flying right briefly.

“I...” She starts pulling away with a shrug. “Look, I’ve been dying for this, and maybe I was looking at you, but that’s all. Before, I’d have been all over this, but things have changed. I have a shoot next week, and I can’t risk getting my ass beat. Sorry.” She hops off the bar and walks away.

“You’re an idiot.”

I spin around to find Vienna behind me. Cap and Royce walk over to us.

“I told you to be here at ten,” I hiss.

“And I had to wait for Maybell to pass out, then hitch a ride here because I don’t got it like that. But...” Vienna licks her lips and smiles up at me. “I’m here now.”

“Why’d you even go for this?” Royce questions, studying her with his cloudy glower.

“Like I told you guys before, I happen not to like her newest move. She shouldn’t have gone against you.” Her hand reaches out to touch my bicep and I glare. “I don’t believe she’s as scandalous as her little trade-off paints her.” She steps closer to me, her palms now planted on my chest. “So, like I said I would, I’m gonna take one for the team here, Brayshaws, hoping that it helps you get what you want.”

My brothers reluctantly take a few steps away, both mumbling something under their breaths as they do.

Vienna hesitates a moment, then cautiously pulls herself up on her tiptoes and slides her lips across mine.

It takes me a second, but I force my hands around her and pull her body against mine.

She grins and covers my lips with hers, driving her tongue inside my mouth. I kiss her back, forcing my tongue to meet her careful swipes.

It’s all fucking wrong.