Page 63 of Deceptive Games

“Maybe not, but you forget that I don’t need you to get me off. Holloway will if you can’t.”

I was pushing it, and even Tyler sounded nervous as he huffed out a laugh.

“Hey, can we focus on the murder that already happened and not a new one?”

“I won’t murder her, but her pussy’s another thing,” Skeeter deadpanned, forcing me down on the bed to cuddle.

“Oh no, not a terrifying cuddle. Someone help me,” I snorted, laughing as he jabbed me in the ribs.

“Sit still and shut up. Diesel said it’s tense at the Shed today. Slash is stomping around like an idiot, and he’s pissed that I’m not there.”

“Are you supposed to be?”

“Yeah, we had a job this morning, but those lazy fuckers can handle one thing without me. There are fights tonight, so I’ll have to go in later to run that.”

“Can I come?”

“Absolutely not,” he grunted, and Caden looked at me like I was crazy.

“Why the fuck would you even want to? You need to stay away from them.”

“I like to fight. There’s nowhere else around that I can,” I replied with irritation. “Not to mention the money’s good.”

“You have a fucking unlimited credit card,” Caden said flatly, my nose wrinkling with disgust.

“No, your mom does. It’s not mine. Relying on others gets you nowhere. My family had money until one day they didn’t. Financial security isn’t secure unless it’s your own,” I pointed out.

“You’re impossible. You need more clothes, you own two pairs of shoes, and I know you don’t eat every day. Ask Mom to put some money into an account of your choice if you’re that worried someone will take it away from you,” Caden argued, and Skeeter groaned.

“You’re such a privileged rich fucker. She doesn’t want the money because she likes to work for it. She’s not a trust fund baby like you.”

“Yes, she is. She lived like this as a kid.”

“Yeah, until someone took it away and she learned to rely on herself. What does she need more shoes for, anyway? She only has two feet,” Skeeter said dryly, and I couldn’t help but smile. He understood my reasons perfectly.

Caden studied me, but Jensen sat on the edge of the bed with a nod. “Maybe you could ask Josie to help get you a job if it’s that important to you?”

“Dude, don’t give her ideas,” Caden hissed, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Normal people get jobs, Holloway. Josie wants me to finish school first. Wouldn’t it be funny if I worked for her and became the boss when she retired? I’d own your ass.”

“Hilarious,” he scoffed.

My phone rang, and I was surprised to see Lukas’ name on the screen, instantly answering it. “Hey, are you okay?”

“No.” His breath was shaky, and I sat up as if it would help me hear him better.

“Where are you?”

“At home. Can you come over? Alone? Mom’s not here,” he stated, and Jensen must have heard his voice because his eyes widened.

“Is that Luke?”

“Yes,” I answered Jensen before swatting Skeeter’s grabby hands away so I could get to my feet. “I’ll be there soon, I’m just at home.”

“Don’t bring anyone with you,” he repeated, his voice hitching with worry.

“I won’t, I’ll come alone,” I promised, moving the phone away from my ear to speak to the others. “I’m going to Luke’s. Don’t follow me.”