Adrenaline Rush (Death Chasers MC 4)

I’m scared out of my damn mind the closer we draw, and he trails me with his imposing presence that seems to take up a lot more space than it used to. People move out of his way now, instead of tossing him their garbage to dispose of.

My footsteps stumble, and Rush’s hands come down on my hips like he’s stopping himself from plowing into me when I come to an abrupt stop. He just barely bumps me, and I stare with wide-eyes, ignoring his touch, as a girl with some roller skating Princess Lea chick glides by very randomly in a figure skating pose.

I have to make a conscious effort to remain relaxed when Rush pushes my hair to the side and leans in close to my ear. I feel his lips brush there, and I’m supremely embarrassed by the stupid response my body has.

I blame all the adrenaline. It’s always done something to me. I blame my damage.

It’s been a stimulating day.

“I suggest being nice to that one,” Rush says just loud enough for me to hear him over the music.

I feel his grin, like he intentionally provokes the memory of me saying those nearly exact words to him on his first day through the club when he eyed Axle.

Speaking of Axle…

His eyes cut to mine just as I look away from the roller skating enigma who is parting the room with her unconcerned path, and everyone moves accordingly.

She pulls to an abrupt halt at his side, looks between us, and narrows her eyes on me like I have her full attention now.

She looks insane, if I’m being honest. I’ll be very nice to her indeed.

I break eye contact with Axle, since that’s clearly what’s got her interest in me piqued. Don’t speak to Axle and piss off his somewhat disturbing roller girl. Got it.

Rush’s hands squeeze my hips before gently shoving me forward, forcing me to move toward my brother once again.

But I hesitate my steps when I find Drex’s eyes already on me, and his face is completely stoic. With as much bravado as I can muster, I fake my confidence and walk tall until I’m standing just a few feet in front of him.

I don’t really recognize too many people. Only about ten or so faces remain noticeably familiar.

Drex’s eyes flick away from me and over my head to presumably stare at Rush. I take the chance to glance over the cardigan-wearing girl tucked against his side like he’s trying to ensure she doesn’t get more than an inch away.

“Take her upstairs to my room. I’ll be up in a minute,” he tells Rush.

The girl smiles at me like she’s trying to establish a friendly tone between us. Then she gives me a tentative little wave…

Is she for real?

I’m tugged away before I can have any sort of reaction, and my brother doesn’t cast me another look before I force my head away and pretend to be okay with being a captive.

“Who’s the girl dressed like she belongs in the burbs?” I call over the music as Rush guides me toward a staircase that resembles the proverbial gallows.

“A girl from the burbs,” he deadpans from behind me as the music tapers down.

I look over my shoulder, finding his chilling blue eyes immediately fixed to mine as he arches an eyebrow.

“My brother is dating a girl from the fucking suburbs? What the hell is her damage?” I ask on impulse, because I need a distraction from my mounting anxiety.

He shrugs his shoulder. “Long story. Move.”

He slaps my ass like he’s prompting me along, and I narrow my eyes. “Do that again, and I’ll knee you in the balls at my first chance.”

His lips twitch like he thinks I make empty threats or something.

When he just continues to give me an amused look, I turn and head up the stairs, receiving no more demeaning ass-slaps. I glance over the railing to see Drex leaned over to the burbs girl’s ear.

She’s definitely damaged. Has to be. There’s no way he can make a normal girl smile like that, no matter what he says. Drex doesn’t exactly have a way with words meant for girls to smile like lovesick puppies.

“How long they been together?” I ask as Rush steers me away from the edge.

“Why do you want to know?”

“My brother looks suspiciously happy,” I point out.

“That girl is the reason he turned on Herrin,” he says as he starts guiding me into a room, pulling me away from viewing the girl as she pats Drex’s chest like the man is a teddy bear.

“Care to elaborate?” I ask as he shuts the door, quietening the room so much that I can actually hear my heart heavily thumping in my chest.

He casually moves over to a mini bar and starts pouring himself a drink.