TAINTED

Chapter 10

RHYS

Charlie and Grayson both turned pale-faced when I walked through the patio doors. They were both having a cigarette, leaning against the deck and sharing a laugh in swim shorts before I startled them. We all grew up together with Eddie and were super close in high school. Seeing them again really didn't ignite any excitement of rekindling my past. All their presence did was fill me with rage, knowing that they were hanging out with Ivy in her tiny bikini.

"Rhys?" Charlie finally mustered. They shared an awkward glance and then looked back at me.

"How's it going, boys?" I walked across the wooden planks and leaned against the hot tub. "Having a good night?"

I was trying as hard as I could to hide how much I angry I was at them for getting Ivy drunk.

"What are you doing here? Are you back in Moose Creek for the summer?" Grayson held his cigarette pack out toward me. I took the cigarette, even though I wasn't drunk enough to smoke it. "We haven't heard or seen you in forever."

"Yeah, I'm back for a bit." I took a drag of the cigarette. "Spending some time back home before my Senior year."

"Are you staying here with Ivy?" Charlie's prying tone had me clenching my fists.

What a nosy, good-for-nothing prick.

"Well, this is my ranch. Plus, someone's got to keep an eye on her with Blaine gone."

So fuck off Charlie.

"What the hell is with the long hair, tattoos, tight-ass t-shirt and facial hair?" Grayson laughed like a dick, giving me a head-to-toe body scan.

"I guess people in California don't wear cowboy boots and flannels," Charlie added with a smirk, taking a drag of his smoke.

I didn't respond and calmly took a sip of my whiskey. I felt so far removed from their small-town shit. Three years might not be long in the grand scheme of things, but suddenly, it felt like an eternity.

"I found some chips," Ivy's sweet and innocent voice cooed from my right side.

Her long blonde hair was pulled over her shoulder in a ponytail. Her tits, perfectly round, were more than distracting especially seeing her tight nipples perked up under her tiny triangle top. I took a deep breath and shifted slightly to cool down and not try to stare at her heavenly assets on display for everyone to see. But when I saw Charlie and Grayson zero in on her chest, body, and legs, I saw red.

She ripped open the bag and held it in front of me. "Want some?"

I shook my head and took another puff of my smoke. She shrugged, turned away and said, "Suit yourself, Rhys."

"Pass those over here." Grayson waved her over with a smile.

Ivy swayed over to Grayson and held out the bag. Knowing her body was displayed in front of these guys was my breaking point. Something close to jealously simmered in my veins, but I told myself I was irritated on Blaine's behalf. As his brother, I was doing my job and looking out for him and Ivy. Because there was no way I was jealous Charlie and Grayson were checking out Ivy Bishop.

"Take a picture. It lasts longer." Missy whispered in my ear.

With a bent knee, I propped my foot against the hot tub, one hand in my pocket and the other holding my cigarette. "I don't know what you're talking about," I growled.

Missy smirked at my side, then turned toward Ivy and shouted. "Hey. This vodka isn't going to drink itself." She lifted one of the two drinks she was holding and waved it in the air.