The Punk and the Plaything (When Rivals Play #3) - B.B. Reid Page 0,83
but there was nothing. Had I been cured or plagued by something much stronger?
“Which is?”
I have no idea.
Rushing to the window I’d peeked through moments ago, I quickly unlocked it, but when I tried to push it open, it wouldn’t budge. My frustration grew, knowing that it wouldn’t be long before the guard came back.
“I might be able to help you get that open if you untie me.”
Peering through the darkness outside, I saw the guard scanning the area with his flashlight. I just hoped the guys had hidden well enough. I grabbed the pair of scissors I’d spotted on the desk, then rushed over to Ever, who held up his hands. I looked for an opening, somewhere to cut the plastic, but they were so tight it would be impossible to free Ever without hurting him.
“Just do it,” he said, sensing the reason for my hesitation. “We don’t have a lot of time.”
Forcing the sharp end of the scissors between the cuff and his hand, I cringed the moment his skin split and blood oozed from the wound. He hissed from the pain, so I quickly cut away the plastic, though it was tougher than it looked. Once the plastic gave, I did the next one, and in no time, Ever was free. He quickly stood from the chair, but our eyes widened the moment we heard footsteps approaching.
We made a break for the window. “You go first,” we both said at the same time.
I was shaking my head before he could argue. “If we’re caught, you’ll be in a lot more trouble than I will. You could go to juvie.”
With the same defiance that got us into this mess, he shrugged. “Then I’ll go to juvie. I’m not leaving you.”
“You will be if you get arrested, and then I’ll have to deal with your cousin all summer alone.” Ever had been refereeing us all week, and even though I was sure he was sick of it by now, he saw my point.
“Fine, but as soon as I’m through, I’m pulling you out. No exceptions.”
“Deal.”
Grabbing both sides of the window frame, he pulled himself up and over with ease. I wasn’t so sure it would be that easy for me. Even though we were the same height, Ever had way more upper body strength.
None of that mattered a moment later when the trailer door opened, and the guard stepped inside.
“I’m afraid there’s no one out there. How about we just give your parent’s a call?” The guard looked ready to say more until he noticed the empty chair where Ever had been and the plastic cuffs lying on the floor. “What the—where’d he go?”
Realizing I was the one to set Ever free, his face turned a tomato red. “Why, you little bitch.”
I took a step back and then two more when he charged toward me. Seeing the look in his eyes, I realized he wasn’t quite as nice as I’d thought. I searched for somewhere to run, but there was nowhere to go, and pretty soon, I was backed into a corner. He reached for me, and my heart squeezed painfully tight. As I wondered if I was having a heart attack, I heard something crack, and then his eyes widened. I’d just managed to jump out of the way when he toppled over.
And standing there, holding a tree branch of all things, was Jamie.
Oh, no no no… What had he done?
“Come on!” he said when I continued to stand there, staring at him through wide eyes. Taking my hand, he dragged me behind him out of the trailer and into the night. Ever, Jason, and Vaughn were all waiting for us outside. None of us stopped running until we reached our bikes, and then we pedaled as fast as we could all the way home.
Present
SHORTLY AFTER I CAME DOWN, a sleepy-eyed Four wandered into the kitchen with Jay D at her side. I gave off two short whistles, and her pup immediately rounded the corner before sitting dutifully at my side. Four stopped short, her confused frown traveling from me to Jay D and back again. I smirked, making her prop her hand on her hip.
“What the hell did you do to my dog?”
I slowly took a sip of my coffee. “I taught him a few tricks. Not my fault you didn’t bother training him.”
Rolling her eyes, she bent low to make eye contact with Jay D. “Come here, baby.”