Broken Hill Hearts (Broken Hill High 4)

“You guys ready?”

“Hell yeah,” Courtney cheers. “I want to nail Puck right in the ass.”

“That’s the spirit,” Brooke laughs. “I’m going to nail Max right in the balls.”

“Ooooh,” Jesse cringes, defensively grabbing his junk.

“Alright, ladies,” I say. “Let’s do this.”

We file out of our little room with each and every one of us cautiously looking around. We walk out into a massive field which has been built up with obstacles, targets, and little hidey holes for people like me to hide in.

Not one of the boys are in sight, but I don’t doubt they see us. Especially Nate. He has a gift for this kind of thing. But not today. Today, I am kicking his ass.

Courtney and Bry hurry off to the left, deciding to work in a team. Brooke launches herself forward, determined not to have anyone slow her down. Kaylah grabs Elle and they hide behind a tree, poking their heads out, probably searching for Jackson, while Jess and I stick together like glue. I wasn’t kidding when I told him he was going to be my human shield, and what the birthday girl wants, the birthday girl gets.

Jackson’s head darts out from behind a rock while Tyson darts across the field. “Crap,” Jesse grunts for all us girls to hear as he spins his gun around to aim at Ty. “They’re using him as a distraction.”

Just as the boys had hoped, all the girls start aiming for Tyson while the rest of them dart out from their hiding spots.

And it’s on.

Paintballs start flying.

I duck for cover as Jesse shields me.

Laughter bubbles up.

Grunts are heard.

“Holy shit,” I laugh, peeking my head up to get a look at the field. Shots are heard from every direction followed by laughter and the girls’ terrified shrieks.

Nate darts across my vision and I can’t help myself. “Shit,” I gasp, grabbing Jesse and hauling him up. “There he is.”

I force Jesse forward and we haul ass across the field with me hiding behind his back. I keep Nate in my sights. The fucker is fast, but not fast enough for me. No matter how long it takes, I will get him.

Paintballs zoom past my head and it’s almost as though it’s happening in slow motion.

I distantly hear Brylee scream out followed by Jackson’s booming laughter. Though, that doesn’t last long as a grunt is quickly pulled from him. I look over to see Kaylah literally standing on top of her brother with her gun held in the air triumphantly.

I want to burst into laughter, but we’re too visible here. There’s no time for that, and besides, I have a target in sight and there’s no way I’m about to let him go.

Nate Ryder is mine.

Nate turns with his gun held out and Jesse grabs me before hauling us down behind a massive rock. A green paintball goes sailing past Jesse’s head, missing him by only millimeters. “Fuck,” he grunts as I burst into laughter.

I poke my head over the top of the rock, bringing my gun with me.

I find Nate instantly. He’s staring right at me, though, staring is probably the wrong word. He’s smirking at me like a cocky bastard who thinks he’s got this in the bag.

No way in hell, buster.

He crouches down behind a wooden target and I realize this is going to be a waiting game, but then, why shouldn’t I have fun in the process?

I aim my gun right beside the target. I went shooting a few years ago and honestly, my aim absolutely sucks so I don’t know why I even bother aiming, though I’m sure it helps a little.

I pull the trigger and watch with a grin as a perfectly round paintball flies through the air and crashes down into the ground, right beside Nate.

His head shoots out from the target a second later, looking at me in shock. “You’re dead, babe.”

“Bring it,” I tease.

He shakes his head and I know he’s not moving a muscle while I’ve still got Jesse right beside me. He doesn’t stand a chance.

Movement out of the corner of my eye has me glancing across the field to see Brooke commando crawling through the dirt with her paintball gun already held out. I follow her gaze to see her sneaking up on Maxen and grin.

This is the moment she’s been waiting for and I don’t doubt she’s aiming for the crown jewels. Let’s just hope he’s wearing some sort of protection.

Not a moment later, Maxen’s howl of pain is echoed throughout the whole field.

I’d dare say she got him.

I look over and watch as Brooke pulls herself off the ground, dusts off the dirt, shoots herself in the foot, and drops her gun. “I’m done,” she announces to everyone before walking away with her gun held proudly over her shoulder.

With Brooke out of the way. I focus on my target. If something doesn’t happen soon, we’re going to be stuck here all day and night. Nate is just as stubborn as me and Jess. “We need to draw him out,” I tell Jess.