Hood River Rat (Hood River Hoodlums #1) - K Webster Page 0,41
to something splashing nearby.
I swim blindly toward it, my body seizing from the cold. Fifteen feet away maybe. Swim faster, goddammit. I throw every ounce of power I have into swimming his way. The current is carrying us at a steady rate. If I don’t catch up to him soon, the waters will quicken and then dump us into the Columbia River. We may as well be dead then. The currents are much too strong in that river.
My fingers, stiff and aching, make purchase. A coat. I grab for it, but pull too hard. The coat yanks off into my arms. I sink under the water with the weight of it until I release it. Under the icy surface, I see a pale limb. Swimming hard, ignoring all my pains, I snatch the cold arm. I manage to get my arms around him and kick to the surface.
“Hollis,” I croak, my voice hoarse from the exertion and cold. “Hollis!”
No response.
Fuck.
Fuck.
Think, Roan.
I start for the shore, my mind reeling. He needs CPR. I remember the basics from what we learned in eighth grade gym class. It’ll have to do. My feet hit gravel and I drag us onto the banks. People can be heard hollering a distance back. I’m not worried about them. Just him.
Hot tears burn down my cheeks as I try to focus on reviving him. Fuck. I need to revive him. I don’t know that he’s breathing. My mind goes into autopilot, remembering Mr. Lancaster’s lessons. Pinch the nose. Tilt the head back. Breathe. Chest compressions. If he pukes, turn his head to the side.
Though my heart is frantic inside my chest, I focus on helping him. Remembering every lesson learned. I repeat my actions until he chokes.
Oh fuck.
He’s alive.
A garbled cry escapes me as I move his head to the side. River water rushes from his lips, followed by the most beautiful whine in the world. Music to my ears.
I’m so tired.
He starts shuddering, choked sobs coming from him, and all I can do is fall against him, desperate for warmth now that the chill from the air on my wet body is making me colder. Sleepiness hits fast. My eyes flutter closed until a bunch of voices surround us.
Gio.
He’s so loud.
Barking out orders left and right.
I’m lifted by Terrence and Cal. Two other guys come for Hollis. I try to open my mouth to speak, but my teeth are chattering too hard. Sidney and Wendy both are sobbing hard nearby.
What the fuck just happened?
Where’s Jordy?
I grow dizzy and dazed on our journey. We’re led to someone’s Tahoe and then pushed inside. They drive like bats out of hell until we’re back at the cabin. Once more, we’re led inside.
“We should call an ambulance.”
“We can’t call this in.”
“Holy shit, we’re going to be in so much trouble.”
“What the fuck is wrong with Jordy?”
“Stop talking and get their clothes off?”
All the voices are talking at once. It’s confusing and maddening. I’m blinking hard trying to stay awake as Cal and Terrence practically rip all my clothes off. Why are they getting me naked? It’s fucking cold. I glance over to see some guys from the team doing the same for Hollis.
His ribs.
I can see his ribs.
Why is he so blue?
“Don’t touch him,” I snarl, my voice but a whisper.
“We’re touching you because we have to get you warm,” Cal says, lowering me onto the cabin bed.
Not me.
Him.
Hollis.
“Get him in here too,” Cal instructs.
The guys lower Hollis into the bed beside me. It’s weird as fuck that we’re all naked. Cal’s body is warm though as he curls around my body. The other guy, Gage, is coming in behind Hollis. Terrence and Gio are throwing blankets on us. It’s like some fucked up, warped wannabe orgy.
But no one is having sex.
Gage’s arm brushes against mine and I bristle. I don’t like the fact he’s in his fucking boxers, rutting against Hollis. I don’t care if it’s for warmth, I don’t like it. My arm slides around Hollis’s cold, limp body and I pull him to me.
His head turns toward mine. Blue eyes the same color as his lips now are glassy, but they assess me in a way that makes me think he’s okay. I try to get closer to him. I need to feel him—to know he’s alive. His cold hands find mine, clutching weakly. Cal is a wriggly fucker behind me but damn if I’m not enjoying every second of his warmth.