Tough Shit (Rejects Paradise 1)

Sebastian’s head surfaces from the water and panic sets into the fine features of his face. He gasps, his eyes big and frantic as his hand dives down into the water and he digs through his jean’s pocket.

“NOOOOO,” he cries, producing all his joints from his pocket, now dripping wet and destroyed then trying his lighter only to find it waterlogged and completely useless. Though, if it were me, I’d be more concerned about the gun at his back which is probably now fucked, but judging by the look on his face, the gun is the furthest thing from his mind.

His bottom lip pouts out and if I didn’t find it so damn funny I’d even feel sorry for the guy, but as it is, I struggle to reel in my laughter. “Oh, shit, man,” Eli booms, not caring about hiding his amusement. “I didn’t mean to do that.”

Sebastian’s gaze darkens as he turns his scowl on Eli. He slowly starts making his way out of the pool.

Eli’s face drops. “Oh, fuck.”

Sebastian takes off after him at a sprint, the idea of losing his weed managing to sober him up a little. Eli runs, crashing into things and launching himself over plants and garden gnomes.

This isn’t going to end well but seeing as though we don’t have much in the way of entertainment right now, Nic and Kairo don’t do a thing to stop it.

“What the fuck is going on out here?” a loud booming voice demands, somehow managing to steal the breath right out of my lungs.

The boys instantly stop fucking around as my head whips to the back entrance of the main house. Colton fucking Carrington.

I should have known his douchiness was going to come down here and ruin all my fun.

His eyes rake over me on Nic’s lap, taking in his arm secured around my waist. His eyes darken and I’m instantly reminded how it was his hands on me last night.

Nic stands, holding onto me as I slide to my feet. “Who the fuck is asking?” he demands despite already knowing exactly who this is, striding forward with the boys at his back looking like the baddest group of motherfuckers I’ve ever seen.

Colton’s eyes travel over them with distaste and I cock a brow at how he doesn’t back off. Everyone always backs off. It’s like a silent rule. These four guys look as though they’re ready to deliver death on a silver platter and Colton isn’t even batting an eyelash.

Panic starts to surge within me and I hurry forward, squeezing myself between the boys. They stare over the top of my head and it’s as though they don’t even realize I’m here.

Colton’s eyes narrow in challenge and chills sweep through my body. I’ve seen all sides of his douchiness, but I’ve never quite seen him like this. He looks just as lethal as my boys do, yet somehow he manages to do it without the tattoos, bandanas, or guns. Maybe it’s the power that comes off him in waves or maybe it’s all in my head and it’s just this stupid attraction I have for him.

“You know exactly who I am,” Colton says, easily pointing out Nic as the leader and making the other three straighten, their scowls deepening. “And you know exactly whose house you’re in.”

Nic’s eyes travel up and down, sizing him up and mentally working out what it would be worth to beat the shit out of him. “Yeah, I know who you are, and I also know that you’ve been causing trouble for my girl.”

Colton scoffs. “Your girl? If she was your girl, she’d be left satisfied and wouldn’t need to take care of matters herself, but don’t worry, Nic,” he says with a slow grin, guessing who this is by the texts he read on my phone yesterday, “I’ll take real good care of her.”

Oh, fuck.

Nic goes to make a move and I slam my back up against Colton’s chest so I can fight for Nic’s attention. “Nic, look at me,” I demand, pressing my hand on his chest and feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my palm. Nic doesn’t dare cut his sharp gaze from Colton’s so I push hard. “For fuck’s sake, Nic. Look at me.”

Reluctantly, Nic’s gaze drops to mine, heated, wild, and pissed off. “Don’t,” I warn. “It’s not fucking worth it. I’ve already made it damn clear that this fucker will never touch me.”

“Maybe he needs a refresher course,” Nic growls, his hands bunching into fists.

“Nic,” I demand, reaching up and grabbing his face. “Time to go. You’re not getting involved with this shit.”

“The fuck I’m not.”

“Please,” I beg. “You heard what mom said. We need this.”

Nic’s jaw clenches and I feel the vibration of Colton’s chest against my back as he silently laughs, making me want to cause all sorts of damage. Nic’s eyes come back to mine and I watch in relief as the fight begins to leave him.