Charade by Nyrae Dawn Read Free Book Online

enough of the testosterone fest, boys.” I look at Gregory. “Yes, I’m with him, though I’m not sure that’s your business.” For added effect I grab onto Colt’s arm. Or maybe it’s because I’m suddenly feeling a little woozy.
                  And, damn, are his arms firm. Does this boy live in a gym or something?
                  “G— honey, maybe we should go.” Red has her cocky smile. The one that says she thinks I’m out here pining for her boyfriend. That he’s being a gentleman by worrying about his poor, little ex-girlfriend.
    Gregory’s face is pale. Jaw stiff. He definitely doesn’t like the idea of me being with Colt.
                  Colt doesn’t touch me back. It feels as though someone injected cement into him as tense as he is. The only thing moving is his chest, up and down from heavy breathing. Wow. He’s taking this much more seriously than I thought he would. Or he hates Gregory more than I thought he did.
                  “Gregory…let’s go. They’re not worth it.” Red pulls him back as Colt steps forward.
                  “Are we not worth it or are you too scared?”
                  Gregory gives his cocky grin and I start to feel a little nervous. Gregory has a friend with him and Colt doesn’t. I have no doubt who would win one on one, but the odds aren’t in Colt’s favor.
                  “What do we have here? Why didn’t you tell me we moved the party outside, Colt?” A guy steps up beside us. He’s got nearly as many tattoos as Colt does, but he has dark hair. Short and spikey, and he’s tall. Taller than Colt or Gregory.
                  “Party hasn’t started yet,” Colt replies simply.
                  I’m willing to admit this might be getting out of hand. Starting a brawl is not something I’m into. All I want to do is show Gregory I don’t need him. That I’m better off without him.
                  “Gregory… take me home. I can think of something much better we can do,” Red says. Yep, I’m going to puke. Definitely going to vomit.
                  Gregory eyes Colt and then his friend before shaking his head. “You can have her. She’s not worth all the trouble. I’m not the first one to think so either.” He backs up before looping his arm through Red’s. He used to do that with me. Dizziness hits me again, but I try to fight it down. I’m not the first one to think so either…
                  He might not have known everything about me, but he knew Mom left me. He was supposed to be safe, but he’s throwing that back at me.
    Relax, relax, relax.
                  When Gregory, Red and his friend walk around the corner, Colt jerks away from me, almost making me lose my balance. Somehow I keep the panic at bay, but he’s obviously not doing as well.
                  “Fuck!” Colt yells. His face is red and I’m pretty sure he might explode at any second.
                  “Simmer down,” I tell him though I feel like doing the sam e thing. At least I don’t show it like he does.
                  “Hey, baby. I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Adrian,” his friend steps up to me.
                  I roll my eyes, but Colt answers before I can. “Back off, Adrian.”
                  “Sorry, man. Didn’t know she was your girl.”
                  I open my mouth to say I’m not, but then remember I am. Well, that I’m supposed to be. I think.
                  “Sexist, much?” is what I decide on.
                  Adrian grins and Colt steps up to us again. “Not now.” He shakes his head and his blond hair falls in front of his eyes. Colt pushes it back and talks to his friend. “I gotta get the hell out of here. You cool? You leaving? I need to have a talk with the