Page 7 of Striker’s Rebel

Jamie is standing behind me.

My hand tightens around my keys.

His two friends step out from between a pair of trucks.

For one second, nobody speaks.

Then I look at Jamie.

“Where’s Eliana?”

“Home.”

“And why are you here?”

His jaw tightens. “You really don’t know when to shut the fuck up.”

I glance toward the Red Den.

The front door is already locked.

“Move.”

I start around him.

One of his friends grabs my upper arm.

I wrench away. “Get your fucking hands off me.”

Jamie steps into my path.

“You embarrassed me tonight.”

“You managed that yourself.”

His mouth twists. “You think you’re tough?”

“I think you’re pathetic.”

His friend catches my arm again, harder this time.

I twist, but Jamie grabs my other shoulder before I can get loose.

Pain bites into my skin.

“Let go.”

“You need to learn when to mind your own business.”

“Eliana is my business.”

“She’s mine.”

“She’s not your property.”

Something ugly flashes across his face.

I drive my knee toward him.