Dragon's Burn Read online

  Ryu

  “Buddy. . .” douchebag starts.

  Figures.

  Drunky here thinks my threat is a joke.

  “Time’s up,” I cut him off.

  I gave him a chance to man up and walk away, which is more than fair in this situation. I didn’t want to come over here and get involved, but when I saw her snatched up, I felt my feet move before I could stop them. It could be as simple as not wanting to see a female harmed, or specifically this one—the girl I met earlier today, whose name I still don’t know. Or a little of both?

  Given this guy's intoxicated state, I plan on using it to my advantage, but before my hands even touch him, he’s doubled over, grabbing his crotch and falling into her. Her hands are on his shoulders, and I catch her foot settling back on the ground. I move in and yank him toward me, then spin and toss him on the ground so he is out in the open where everyone can see.

  Better to have an audience if he decides to swing first. The more witnesses, the better for me in the end. But I’ve got to be careful how I handle this. Smashing his face isn’t in tonight's job description. Tempting as it is, I’m wearing my cut, which means I’m here representing the club. Can’t go starting trouble with minors. Staying out of jail for hitting a child is high on the list of don'ts. Gotta keep my eye on the prize—money.

  One unsuspecting girl gets knocked over when douchebag rolls into her. Her yelp and his groans cause a chain reaction, and next thing I know, all eyes are on me; even the music dies down.

  Great.

  I ignore all the questioning looks and turn my attention to the beautiful girl now standing beside me. Turquoise eyes, flashing between anger, fear, relief, and confusion, shine back at me. It’s hard to keep up with the barrage of emotion while not getting lost in them. I normally love nighttime with the quiet and darkness it brings, but right now, I wish I could see the bright blue of her eyes. She cocks a brow, and I can’t tell if she’s pissed at me for coming over here and saving her, or confused over why I came to begin with.

  You and me both.

  “You good?”

  “Yeah.” She lifts her chin and steels her spine, focusing on the guy rolling around on the ground. “I was reminiscing with Ralph about what happened to him two years ago. He apparently suffered some memory loss, but I think it’s fixed now. Too much asshole clouding his brain.”

  The alarm that was present in her eyes when I came around the corner is gone, replaced with a mask of confidence and control. An interesting trick, one I know all too well and perfected growing up. Without even knowing her story, there's a familiarity I feel with her. It’s an odd feeling, and it makes me want to move closer to her while at the same time keeping my distance. Her scowl darkens. She’s even sexy glaring at Ralph, who’s wobbling his way to a standing position.

  “You fucking bitch.” He advances, but I move in front of the blonde, putting myself between them. The second act of chivalry I’ve done tonight. One too many in my book, but for some reason I feel driven to protect her. I’m not generally the saving type, yet here I am—like a knight in dirty leather.

  I was hoping he’d take the hint after being thrown on the ground like a rag doll. Pretentious drunk prick. I’d bet my left nut this kid’s never been in a real fight. He looks like the type that's all talk, but when push comes to shove, he’s the first to bail like a pussy.

  “I think you’re done for the night. How ‘bout you find a friend and bounce?” I peer over his shoulder and notice a few guys moving in our direction. At the same time, I feel someone step to my side—JD.

  “Fuck you. This is between me and her. We’ve got unfinished business.” His words slur as he takes a step toward me, getting right in my face.

  “Not gonna happen. Your boys need to get you up out of here before you do something you’ll regret.”

  “You’re nothing but trash like her,” he snarls, pushing me in the chest.

  The move has me taking a small step back. If he wasn't drunk, he’d have some power behind him. I smile at him, enjoying his sloppiness and how much easier this will be should he swing first.

  Nope, can’t hit him. Could be a minor.

  Fuck.

  That stupid voice is talking again.

  I knew this night was going to be a shit show. I didn’t want to come in the first place. And here I am, intervening between a drunk getting handsy with a girl, who clearly isn’t interested. How long have I been here? Has enough time passed that I can leave?

  “Yo, man. Get your boy outta here cuz if he touches that chick, I’ll break his fucking face,” JD threatens the few guys now standing behind Ralph.

  I keep my focus on drunkey, but his attention is now placed on JD. That’s the thing about the club, you threaten one of us, you threaten us all. JD’s doing what he’s supposed to, what’s expected of him: club first. From the looks of it, one punch will knock this kid’s ass out cold.

  “Pettington, let’s go, man,” a guy with brown hair says, moving into his line of sight. Two more guys flank him and grab his shoulders, tugging him backward.

  “Get the fuck off me.” Ralph jerks away and stumbles but somehow manages to catch his footing. He tries coming after me, but he’s pulled back again, and this time is dragged up the porch and into the house—kicking and hollering the entire time about how he’s going to kick my ass.

  Well, that was mildly entertaining.

  Made this dull high school party a tad livelier. Too bad it ended as quickly as it started. Now, what the fuck am I going to do with the rest of my night? Seriously, is it time to go yet?

  As soon as the back door closes, everyone turns their attention back to us, specifically JD and me, for a split second before going back to whatever they were doing prior to the commotion. Their conversations fade as the music turns back up. It’s in that moment I’m reminded how much of an outsider I am, but I shrug off the feeling.

  I’m so used to being with a group of club members when we go out, I guess I never paid much attention to the stares and quiet opinions others cast our way. But standing here, with only JD at my side, we are the minority, and with that comes the heaviness of the crowd’s unspoken judgment.

  It’s like an itch at the bottom of my foot. The more I pay attention to it, the longer it remains. Best to ignore the unpleasant feeling; eventually, it will go away. I block out the bullshit around me and spin to face the female once more.

  She’s scanning the crowd, and if the fire wasn’t so big, I would’ve missed her embarrassment. Is she concerned with what everyone thinks because all the focus is pointed in our direction? Doesn’t she know they’re looking at me and not her? If anyone is going to be the center of attention, it’s me.

  For some reason, the thought of her feeling even the slightest bit of shame makes me want to charge into the house and knock that fucker’s teeth out, then storm back out here and threaten anyone who dares make her feel sorry or guilty.

  Fuck.

  Me.

  I clench my jaw in frustration at the wild thoughts I’m having. My head is really screwed tonight. I need to shake whatever this is off.

  While her attention is elsewhere, I take the opportunity to run my eyes over her body, which is fit with nice curves that I only caught a glimpse of earlier. Her full lips are pressed in a hard line when her eyes find mine. My first thought is how adorable she looks with the crease between her brows, but my next thought is how sexy she is in that jean skirt and purple tank top—it does little to hide her perfectly round breasts, that I wouldn't mind molding my hands around.

  “Dragon, there you are.”

  Brittney bounces up beside me and hooks her arm through mine. I suck in a breath, my body tightening under her touch. I can't stand this girl, but instead of lashing out, I grit my teeth and remind myself why I’m here in the first place. I notice the blonde girl’s gaze drop to where Brittney’s arm is, then flicks back up to me. Something dances across her eyes, but again I can’t get a read on her, and it’s drivin
g me nuts. It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask what she’s thinking, but I clamp my mouth shut; I have no business worrying about whatever is up in her head.

  “Oh, hi, Poppy.”

  Holy shit, Brittney is finally good for something. Not that I would ever tell her that, but now I know the name of the gorgeous girl in front of me. Poppy’s forehead creases more; clearly, these two don’t get along, something we have in common.

  “Hey, I want you to meet some of my friends,” Brittney says, pulling on my arm.

  Damn, I need this bitch gone, but I also can’t be an ass about it considering what’s on the line. “In a minute. I want to finish my conversation with Poppy. Be a doll and take JD with you. I’ll catch up with you.” I flash her a panty-melting smile and hope she falls for it. “Hey, JD?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Take Brittney. I’ll be there in a sec.”

  “But I want you to come with me,” she whines, like a petulant child.

  I peel her arm off me and try to hide my relief when she’s no longer touching me. Seriously, she’s as annoying as a starved mosquito looking for its next fix. No matter how many times you swat it away it keeps coming back.

  I do find a sick sort of pleasure in the confusion and defeat on Brittney’s face. I want her away from me and don’t care if I have to make other people do it. Do I feel bad for JD? Nope, I outrank him, but I’ll make sure to get him a beer later and say thanks anyway.

  “Your friends hot and single? Meh, you know what? Don’t care.” JD snickers, ushering Brittney away from us. He looks back and winks before disappearing into the crowd that has grown even larger since we got here.

  “Dragon, huh?”

  A sweet but terse voice with a southern twang pulls my attention back around. My dick twitches with enthusiasm. Fucker has been half hard since we laid eyes on her. I quickly remind him that whatever he thinks he wants we’re staying clear of. She’s pure and innocent looking and doesn't need my kind of darkness anywhere near her.

  “It’s a nickname.” I can tell my answer doesn’t placate her.

  “Well, thanks for earlier, but I’m fine, so you can go.”

  I blink a few times at her dismissal. She starts to wrap her arms around herself but stops the movement, letting them fall to her side. She wants to show me, or maybe herself, that she’s strong despite how she may be feeling inside. I know I shouldn’t say anything, but again, just like my feet, I find my mouth moving before my brain can catch up.

  “You’re welcome. But I’m curious, do you always clip your words at people you don’t know, or is it just those that help you that are deserving of the honor?” Yeah, I can’t help being snide. It's like she’s judging me, and having it come from her bothers me. I mean, I did just help her out. The least she can do is show me some type of gratitude besides a quick ‘thank you’ that’s layered in contempt.

  Her face falls, her mask of confidence slipping, but she recovers quickly, and this time it’s replaced with an intense, more determined version.

  Now here’s the part where stopping would’ve been a good idea, but I find myself drawn to her in a way I can’t seem to stay away from. It’s almost as if I’m looking at my own reflection, she hides behind an illusion created for everyone else. It makes me want to push more—see where the cracks in her facade are, see what she’s hiding.

  “I’m curious, what bothers you more; the fact that I stopped that asshole from putting his hands on you, or for taking the opportunity away from you doing it yourself?”

  Her challenging glare has me biting the inside of my cheek, holding back a laugh. I watch the wrinkle between her eyes deepen as her irritation ignites into a brighter flame. Looks like I hit a nerve. She’s straining to hold on to her composure, and while I should feel like an ass, I don’t. Not really.

  “No answer?” I taunt.

  She stares at the ground, and for half a second I worry that I’ve pushed her too far. When she snaps her head back up and runs her tongue across her teeth, I know I’ve gotten under her skin. My dick jumps with excitement.

  Here we go.

  Why am I amped over this?

  “First of all, I had the situation with Ralph handled. Not my first go-round with him. And while I already said thank you for your assistance, I’ve no problems taking care of myself.”

  I snort, but with the music, it goes unnoticed. She may think she can handle herself, but I saw more of what happened than she thinks. We both know that things could’ve turned out a lot differently had I not stuck my nose in. But I’ll file that one away for later. She’s on a roll, and I’m not about to stop her.

  “If you think I’m going to crawl all over you for helping me, then you thought wrong. Does your ego think every girl will just fall at your feet by your mere presence alone?”

  I shrug and cross my arms over my chest. “Not my fault they generally do,” I deadpan. “And if they don’t, they're thinking about it.” It was the truth. Why lie about it?

  “You’re arrogant,” she huffs. Her anger wraps around me like I’m the target it wants to take down, but I know that’s not the case. I think she’s mad at herself for letting her vulnerability show. And I understand that more than I should. Having your weaknesses exposed is just asking for people to walk all over you.

  “And you’re directing your bitchy attitude at the wrong person. Is this how you always treat people?”

  Damn, this girl may have more pent-up anger than me. Most females look at me like a dirty little secret they can’t wait to have, not like they want to rip my head clean off my shoulders. This is a first. Why do I like it so much?

  She starts to say something but is interrupted when a girl with pink hair comes bouncing over.

  “Hey. What’s going on over here? Are you ok? I saw you and Ralph going at it.”

  I take in the new small-framed guest. Her eyes dart between Poppy and me. She’s cute, but she doesn’t do it for me. Seems my interest is being held by the one person I shouldn’t want and who obviously feels the same about me.

  “Thank heavens. I need a drink. Let’s go.” Poppy reaches for the girl’s arm, but she moves out of her grasp and takes a step closer to me. If looks could kill, Poppy would’ve succeeded in committing murder.

  “I was talking to this guy here,” the girl beside me says with a light laugh. “You were doing your ‘Poppy thing’ where when you’re mad, your hands start moving frantically; I was scared you were going to maim this poor guy when it looked like he was helping you.”

  Poppy’s mouth gapes open then snaps shut with an exaggerated huff, her small hands balling up at her sides.

  “My name’s Deb, by the way. Thank you for stopping whatever it was Ralph did. That guy is a serious creeper. He’s been obsessed with Poppy for a while now.”

  Deb extends her hand in my direction, and I take it, giving it a light shake. “Ryu.”

  “A man of many words, I see.” She runs her eyes over me, but I don’t get the sense that she’s checking me out. It’s more like she’s sizing me up, seeing what kind of guy I am and if I’m worthy enough to talk to her friend. Got to respect that.

  “Deb, let’s go.” Poppy latches on to Deb’s arm and yanks her away from me, practically dragging her along.

  “It was nice meeting you, Ryu,” Deb throws out, trying to maintain her balance and keep up with Poppy.

  I chuckle. Damn, Poppy is something else. Most women act like Brittney and crawl all over me. This is the first girl who straight-up walked away without batting an eye. I find myself intrigued by her sassy behavior. Which is exactly why I need to stay away. She’s a distraction I don’t need to think about, a possible illegal one at that. I head inside the house in search of JD, ignoring Poppy’s eyes tracking me. Poor guy is probably ready to scratch his own eyes out. I let out one last chuckle then disappear into the crush of people.

  Poppy

  It’s stupid of me, I know, but there’s no stopping myself from watching Ryu’s sexy ass walk across
the yard and disappear into the house. He has this ‘I don’t give a fuck’ confidence that makes my insides twirl in delight. There is something seriously wrong with me.

  “Ugghhh.” I snatch a cup and fill it halfway with beer. Who the hell does he think he is, calling me out like that? Screw him! I totally had that situation handled.

  No, you didn’t, a small voice in the back of my mind whispers.

  Yes, I did.

  I correct the thought because I don’t want to be seen as meek or weak. I’ve lived this long doing most stuff on my own. Hell, I’m moving to Boston with no one there to help me.

  I don’t know who to be mad at more, Ralph for his disgusting behavior or Ryu for working his way under my skin. I toss back some of the beer, secretly wishing it will wipe away the lingering feeling of Ralph’s body pressed close to mine. Taking in a quick breath, I down the remaining beer, hoping it will provide me with clarity over why it seemed like Ryu was trying to strip down my defenses.

  “Damn, girl,” Deb gasps. “What the hell happened? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you spun this tight.”

  “I think Ralph was trying to cross my name off his list before he went off to college.” I dig through the cooler, trying to find a bottle of water.

  “Oh my god. Did he touch you? Hurt you?” I uncover a bottle buried in the ice and turn back to Deb. Her face is contorted with shock.

  I shake my head. “No, he didn’t. Not like that. Ryu stopped him before he could.”

  I’ve no idea how much Ryu saw or heard, but I wish he hadn’t seen any of it. One less person to make assumptions about me. Everyone in this town knows who my parents are, and I’m already judged for it. I don’t miss the looks on people's faces when they see me, wondering if I’m going to follow the same path. It’s like they pigeonhole me for something I have no control over. But I’ve learned I can control my life and the things I do—to define myself how I want to be seen.

  Looking down at the bottle in my hand, I secretly will it to turn into alcohol to ease the erratic beating of my heart. It’s tempting to go for more beer, but I refrain—I have to drive home. Flashes of memory rush to the front of my mind. I can still see everyone’s eyes landing on me when Ralph was tossed onto the ground.