Adrenaline Rush (Death Chasers MC 4)

“I’ll have one of those too, while you elaborate,” I add when he just remains quiet.

He pours a second glass of whiskey, and swirls it in the glass before leisurely walking back toward me. Those cold, assessing eyes rake over me once before he hands me the glass.

I’m not sure if the brush of fingers is intentional or not, but I know the way he steps into me and crowds my space is intentional.

Glaring up at him, I watch as he stares down at me like he has all the power. A lot has changed since last I was in Halo.

“You missed the reconstruction,” he says as he breaks the eye contact and moves to take a seat in a chair. “Be thankful of that. It was paranoia central, from what I’ve heard.”

I don’t even know where to begin with responding to that confusing statement.

“I don’t understand what that—”

The door swings open, and my heart lodges in my throat when Drex steps inside, his burbs girl trailing him. His eyes land on me with that same hard look he’s always had, as the girlfriend shuts the door.

“Long time, no see,” he states in a very underwhelming sort of anti-greeting.

“Not long enough,” I say with a bitter smile.

He seems taller, even though I know he’s not. I don’t remember my brother taking up this much space. I feel a lot smaller than usual, and I find myself taking a step toward Rush when Drex doesn’t crack a single expression.

Rush leans up, elbows on knees.

“Are we going to stare at each other all night, or are you going to tell me the stipulations of my newfound captivity?” I drawl, hoping to lighten the tension, while also feeling out the escape-planning boundaries.

Drex levels me with a slightly worrisome sinister look.

“You want revenge. I want Pop dead. I think it’s time we be family, Kara. We’re finally working toward the same goal. I can make your fucking dreams come true, and no one thinks like Herrin the way I’m sure you do by now.”

I can’t tell if he’s complimenting me or calling me an evil bitch.

From Drex’s mouth, calling me an evil bitch could very well be a compliment.

I really don’t get the burbs girl. She just stands out in her ridiculous cardigan.

“I’m Eve, by the way,” she says with another awkward wave.

Seriously, I don’t know how to deal with this.

I cut my gaze to Rush to figure out if this is for real. He slips and almost lets his lips tug up on one side, but he stifles it before he can smile.

“I’m confused,” I confess, looking back over at her.

She nods like she understands. “I had a family thing today. My brothers had a birthday party yesterday, and I flew back today. I usually don’t wear stuff like this.”

Family thing…

My gaze cuts back to Drex, and I arch a questioning eyebrow.

He rolls his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose while exhaling. “It’s a long story,” he says in answer. “We have more pressing matters to discuss.”

“Violent kidnapping is always a way to lead into hospitable discussions,” I deadpan as I take a seat on another chair, avoiding the bed that has an actual matching comforter set.

What’s with all the drawings scattered on all the tables in this room? Drex has a problem with butterflies and shit.

“I wouldn’t call it violent,” Rush drawls as he leans back, acting bored with all of this.

Eve glances at him, canting her head like she’s studying him in confusion.

“Someone should start at the beginning if you want me to take this seriously. Because I need to know how real this is,” I tell them, slowly getting somewhat comfortable, even though I don’t yet have time to process any emotions.

The adrenaline is still present and pressing down all else.

Rush lazily rakes his gaze over me again, as he says, “I’ll leave you to it. Call me when you need her cuffed down for the night.”

With that, he stands and walks out like that’s the official plan.

“Since when does he get to talk to the P that way?” I muse, noticing the patch on my brother’s cut.

Drex scrubs a hand over his jaw, showing zero emotion about seeing me. I pretend I’m not bothered by that.

“Rush is in charge of you during your stay. He’ll be by your side around the clock,” Drex tells me as if it’s law because he says so.

Same shit. Different P.

“Glad I have some say in all this,” I point out in a wry tone as I idly start picking at imaginary lint to play the aloof girl who can pick up right where she left off before our brief intermission of however many years it’s been.

“Rush is protective of you, so Drex thought it would be a good—”

Eve stops talking when Drex shoots her a look, and she swallows the rest of her words while rocking back on her heels. Still, I perk up. Rush is protective of me?