Renegade Hearts (Rebels of Sandland 1)

“I didn’t even feed you. I should stop off to pick us up some breakfast on the way back to yours. We need coffee too,” he said on a big yawn.

“I think I need to get back before my mum gets up. I’d prefer to avoid the twenty questions.”

“Tell her you stayed at your friend’s house.”

“I would, but I’m a crap liar. She’d see right through me in a second. No. Best to get home and face the music.”

“Can I see you tonight?” he ventured as if he expected me to say no.

“I’d like that.”

We held hands as he led us out into the dusky morning. The sun had barely come up and the breeze had that dewy crisp morning feel to it. I felt alive and I took a deep breath, smiling over at Ryan as I did. He went to open the van, but a deep voice stopped him.

“Morning, Emily, son. Good night was it?”

We both turned to see Sean standing a few feet away with a steaming mug in his hands. He was dressed in his overalls, ready for his working day. I had no idea they started so early.

“Hi, Mr. Hardy. Sorry. I would stay to chat, but I’m late home.” I waved awkwardly and cringed at how ridiculous I sounded. Ryan must’ve agreed as I heard him give a low chuckle.

“It’s Sean, I told you.” He glanced at his watch then looked back up at me. “And I’d say you’re about seven hours too late, young lady. I hope your dad doesn’t get the shotgun out. He might look fit, but my son can’t run for toffee.”

It was my turn to scoff under my breath.

“Son, run in a zig-zag. It’ll make it harder for him to get a decent shot in,” Sean said laughing.

As if the morning wasn’t mortifying enough, Connor, Ryan’s brother, chose that exact moment to come out and join us. He wasn’t work-ready though. He had a towel wrapped around his hips and rivulets of water still trickled down his chest from the shower he’d just taken. I tried not to look, but it was hard not to.

“Jesus. Really, Con?” Ryan said, and he grabbed the door handle to the van with a bit too much aggression, yanking it open and huffing as he did.

“Did you like my scones?” Connor asked, looking at me with a twinkle in his eyes. “They’re pretty good, aren’t they?”

“Best scones I had last night,” I answered, and Ryan smirked.

“I’m taking Em home, then I’ll be back to clean up and get to work,” Ryan said addressing his dad. “And next time you talk to my girl, put some fucking clothes on,” he snapped at Connor.

Connor threw his head back and laughed, then he sauntered off towards the house they all lived in that adjoined their thriving little garage. That must be a Hardy family trait, I guessed. No wonder all the ladies they dated were losing their shit. That laugh did things to a girl.

“I’m sorry about my asshole brother,” Ryan said, starting the van up and grinding his teeth in irritation. “I swear to God he does that shit on purpose, just to fuck with me.”

I reached over to squeeze his thigh as we pulled out onto the road. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I only had eyes for you back there.”

He chuckled and glanced at me before focusing back on his driving. “Good answer, babe. Good answer.”

As it turned out, the Gods were on my side that morning and I managed to sneak back home just before six without waking anyone. Mum’s empty bottle of chardonnay still sat on the island in the kitchen. She probably crawled off to her vacant bed in a wine-induced haze and wouldn’t be up until around midday. She tended to drink more when Dad was away. I guessed she was lonely. I’d tried to fill the gap, create movie nights and give her the attention I knew she craved, but I was a poor substitute. Most days, when Dad worked, Mum was on the wine by mid-afternoon.

“That’s what a great orgasm will do to you.” Liv cackled as I filled her and Effy in on everything that’d happened since the Cha

se Lockwood debacle. I wasn’t sure how they’d take the news about me and Ryan being… Well, I wasn’t sure what we were. Was he my boyfriend? We were definitely dating.

“It’s a scientific fact,” she carried on, talking way too loudly in the café we were in and drawing unwanted attention our way. “Some hormone or chemical that it creates. You orgasm and then you have the best sleep ever. I tell you, a hot guy is the cure for all insomniacs.”

“I don’t think insomnia is cured that easily,” I whispered shaking my head, but I couldn’t help smiling at her enthusiasm.

“Maybe not. It helps me though.” Liv winked and then continued to grill me on every sordid detail she could get out of me, which wasn’t a lot. I was happy to share the basics, but the rest was private, between Ryan and me. I liked it that way.

“Any news on the Zak front?” I asked, steering the conversation away from the size of Ryan’s dick.

“Don’t say that name to me.” Liv clammed up and Effy took over.