have pushed me too far. But as my feet start to lift off the ground, it’s like I’m plucked from mid-air and suspended. When I look around, I see only the pavement and the well-toned shoulders of a large mass. The mass turns, and when I lift my head, that’s when I see Chase standing there in front of me seemingly lost in the scene before him.
“Dyl, man, even I know that was too far. Let up already.” I know the voice, it’s the minion, Jake, Jeff—what did Chase say his name was—Jordan, that’s it.
“Can you please put me down, Jordan,” I request in my sweetest voice.
“That depends, are you going to try and kill Dylan?”
“Yes.”
Jordan lets out a laugh. “Then sorry, no can do, little one.”
I let out a rush of air, arching up to look at Chase once again, and from here he seems to be mildly amused. He moves toward me, stopping behind us and looks to Jordan. “I’ll make sure she behaves. You just keep my brother at a safe distance
and from opening his mouth again before we’re out of sight.”
I feel the grip on my legs release, and soon I’m on my feet. I inhale deeply, gaining my composure then without looking back, I start to walk
away. I can hear Dylan begin to say something, but he’s quickly quieted by Jordan advising against it.
Chase comes up beside me. “Want some company?”
I keep my focus straight ahead. “You have class.”
“It’s okay there’s no lecture today, it’s more of a study period,” he replies.
I look to him. “What do you know about building a sub?”
“Boat or sandwich?”
I let out a chuckle. “Sandwich, smartass.”
Chase snickers. “Nothing, but I’ve been told I learn quickly.”
I nod and pick up the pace. “Good, then follow me.”
Chapter 5 Dylan
“Dylan, I have no idea what’s up with you and that broad, but man you have to let it go. I mean, I know we can be douchey, but even we have a limit.”
I let out a growl. “She gets under my skin, and I don’t like her hanging out with Chase.”
“She’s harmless. Well, aside from the fact that she wants to run you down with a semi, throw it in reverse, then do it again. But other than that, she’s not so bad. I mean, props to your little brother for nailing an older hottie.”
“I thought you said she was a light seven.”
“We were basing that on looks alone. But after seeing her in action, she’s most definitely a ten. Hell, I’m thinking of bumping her up to a twelve just because of the way she was about to jump you—I’m pretty sure she has balls of steel.”
“Yeah, well, balls of steel or not, I don't like it, and I’m going to put a stop to that whole thing. Chase needs someone to look out for him. When it comes to women, he doesn’t have the best sense.” I glance over to Jordan, and he has that look, the one that says, ‘ah, now I see.’ “What?”
The laugh that pours from his mouth is deep and slow. “Man, you’re jealous.”
“Have you lost your mind? What’s wrong with you? Dylan Dandridge doesn’t get jealous. Hell, I don’t even care enough most times ever to be jealous. I’m not jealous. Never. It would never happen.”
Jordan’s laugh booms. “That–that right there. That sliver of hesitation in your voice and the realization of defeat in your eyes. That there is all the confirmation anyone would need to know you’re jealous. There’s no denying it, brother, you’re jealous. And right now, I don’t know whether to tell you I’m here for you or to document this shit because it’s real, man, like stop the presses real.”
“Listen, asshat, I’m not jealous.” I’m starting to get angry, and I don’t ever get mad with Jord because he’s too much of an idiot to get mad at, but this-this is making me angry.
Jordan must realize I’m about to lose it on him because he takes a step back. “Bro, I’m playing with you.” He pauses, taking a moment to look me over then continues. “All kidding aside, Dyl. We’ve never held back, and I’m not about to now because you might kick my ass. I’m only keeping it real when I say that broad has done some number on you.”
“No, she hasn’t. She’s done a number on my brother and I know how that ends. I’m just looking out for him,” I reply.
Jordan throws up his hands. “If you say so. But ten years from now, when you wake up next to her in bed, remember who told you so.”
“You’re an idiot.”
He lets out a laugh. “Maybe, but I’m on point with this and deep down in that abyss of denial, you know I am.”
I straighten my shoulders and puff out my chest, letting out a slight growl. “What I know is that this conversation has taken up too much of my time—party at my place tonight. Get a hold of that red-head for me and make sure she’s there.”
“I thought you said she was forgettable after the last time?”
I look to Jordan. “She was, I’ve just decided to give her another chance to redeem herself.”
“If you say so. I’ll put the word out. Catch you later, Dyl.”
Jordan heads off and I make my way to my next class. He’s wrong, and I’m going to prove it. There’s no way I’m jealous of Chase and Velyn. That would have to mean that I’m remotely interested in her, and let’s face it, she has nothing I could be interested in.
“Where’s my brown belt, Dyl?” Chase comes into
