Hood River Rat (Hood River Hoodlums Book 1) Read online

  “What?” I’m so fucking confused right now. “Why?”

  “It’s not safe there.” Her voice is firm. Motherly. Fuck, it makes my heart hurt worse than my head. “We can bring you here—”

  “No,” I bark out. “I mean, we have someplace to go. The fire station. I have a friend there.”

  “We’ll be there shortly. If it feels unsafe to leave, let me know and I’ll call the police.”

  “Please don’t,” I beg. I’m eighteen, but Roux? They’ll fucking take her from me.

  “Okay,” she says with a ragged sigh. “Be there soon. You have Hollis’s cell if you need to call us.”

  We hang up and I frown at Roux, which makes my head throb worse.

  “Why did you call them?” I murmur, hurt in my tone. I always take care of her. We don’t need anyone else.

  Her bottom lip wobbles. “I tried all your friends. No one answered.”

  “Mike?”

  “He must be asleep or at a fire. He didn’t answer either.”

  “The dresser is there. We would’ve been fine,” I try, hating that I don’t even believe my own words.

  “Not you,” she utters. “You’re bleeding and I think you have a concussion.”

  “Okay, Dr. Hirsch.”

  She laughs and the sound is a miracle worker. “My new best friend said she’s going to be a doctor like her dad when she grows up. I think I’ll be a doctor too.”

  “Good,” I tease. “Then you can take care of me in my old age.”

  I hug her to me and kiss the top of her head. We stay like that for a moment before we get up and pack our shit. Everything we own fits into a couple of bags. There’s no coming back here. Not after Alejandro pulled a gun on me. Next time, if he’s fucked up on drugs, he might just pull the trigger. I can’t live without Roux and I’ll be damned if I let her watch me die. I’m not sure where we’ll go or how we’ll manage, but I have to try. Anything is better than this. Hell, I’d be happy camping in my favorite tent at Cal’s campground if it meant never having to see Alejandro again.

  “Let me make sure it’s clear first,” I tell Roux as I move the dresser from the door.

  The apartment is quiet aside from the music playing in the living room. One quick look toward my mother’s door and it’s still shut. I walk back into our room, gather up most of the bags, and leave a couple for Roux to carry. Quietly, we slip out of the apartment. At five in the morning, no one is up. We make it out of the building and into the blistery cold just as a suped up Denali pulls up with Hollis at the wheel.

  “Oh, thank God you’re both okay,” Kelsey cries out the moment the passenger door flings open. She rushes to the hatch and opens it. We toss our bags inside and she closes it. Before we can get in the car, she pulls us both to her for a hug. “I have you now. You’re safe.”

  Tears burn at my eyes as I slump against this woman. She’s small, but her strength is addictive. I need so badly to be strong right now. A sob catches in my throat. Her hand pats my back as she whispers assurances. I break away and quickly jump into the backseat with Roux so I don’t do something stupid like cry. Everyone is quiet on the way to the fire station. Hollis keeps glancing at me in the mirror, worry evident in his stare.

  I can’t look at him.

  I can’t look at either of them.

  When I try to see myself through their eyes, I see a weak brother who can’t keep his sister safe. I see all of my insecurities like blinking lights for all to witness. I see the fatigue of a life that’s too fucking tiring for someone only eighteen.

  Defeated, I close my eyes and hope I’ll find my way to a bed soon. We pull up to the fire station and park. One of Mike’s friends, Frank, comes out to greet us.

  “Everything okay? Do you need medical attention?” Frank asks. When he realizes it’s Roux and me, concern washes over his features. “Roan, what the hell, man? You might need stitches.”

  I shrug. “Is April here? She can stitch me up.”

  “Everyone’s asleep. I’ll get them up, though. Let’s get inside.” He ushers the four of us into the fire station. The scent of coffee hits my nostrils, making me recoil. I don’t normally dislike the smell of coffee, but at the moment, it makes me nauseous.

  He takes us to the living area where there are a couple of sofas before rushing from the room. Hollis paces while Kelsey and Roux sit down. It makes my heart ache to see Kelsey hug Roux like she’s her daughter. Roux deserves so much better than the piece of shit who gave birth to us. I stumble a bit and Hollis pounces on me. He gently guides me down to sit.

  “How’s your head?”

  “Fine,” I grumble.

  He doesn’t release my arm, sitting so close our thighs press together. “You’re not fine, Roan, you have a huge gash on your cheek and can barely stand upright.”

  I grumble, but don’t argue. Truth is, I don’t mind his touch. It’s comforting in this moment.

  “What in the ever-loving hell?” Mike demands as he charges into the room, still sleepy-eyed, with Frank and April on his heels. April has her kit in hand. She’s a nurse and is married to Frank, so she’s always up at the station with him.

  “Good morning to you, too,” I deadpan.

  Mike doesn’t seem amused as he plops his big ass down on the coffee table in front of me and puts his fingers under my chin, lifting my head. He touches below my jaw and I wince.

  “I have to call this in,” Mike says, frowning.

  “Mike!” I bark out, hating the wave of dizziness from this action. “You can’t.”

  We both glance over at Roux. He grits his teeth.

  “Fine, but you’re not going back,” he throws at me. “Ever again.”

  I shrug my shoulders. “I can call Cal or Jordy—”

  “Nonsense. I have the garage apartment. It sits empty. You can move in there.”

  My heart rate speeds up. “Really? I mean, I can pay. Well, not right this second, but I can get a job and—”

  “We’re not worrying about all that when you’ve clearly got a concussion and are bleeding all over the damn place. Let April get you stitched up. We’ll figure the specifics out later.” He clutches my shoulder. “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to do more. I always wanted to.”

  “I know,” I choke out, hating how fucking emotional I feel right now. This isn’t me. I’m hardened. The boy made of steel. I won’t allow anyone or anything to hurt me or my sister. Right now, I feel every bit as breakable as the porcelain boy beside me.

  Mike rises and moves out of the way so April can set to assessing me while Frank hovers, his brows furrowed in concern. I overhear Mike and Kelsey speaking in hushed tones. Roux is already fast asleep with a big blanket on her. Hollis remains at my side. It’s then I realize he’s holding my hand.

  Warm.

  Comforting.

  Secure.

  I don’t shake away his hold, simply draw strength from it.

  Hollis swipes his thumb over my flesh. I don’t know what to make of it. It’s weird as fuck to hold hands with the kid I hated from the second I saw him. But the hate has evolved. In a few short days, it’s melted into something dangerous and consuming. Something I’ve never experienced. Frankly, it scares the hell out of me. How can someone feel so inexplicitly drawn to another person in such a short time?

  I want to hate him, but I can’t.

  I don’t like him. That much I’m certain of. Yet, I can’t figure out what it is about him that I crave. Friendship? Affection? His voice? The searing looks he gives me? It goes beyond some lust filled, sexual desire. If it was just sex, guy or not, I would’ve fucked him out of my system much like I did Sidney. This is different. All-consuming. Scary as hell.

  I try to pull my hand away, unsure if I’m able to handle whatever this storm brewing between us is. I don’t know if it’ll end with fists and broken bones or kisses and broken hearts. It’s too intense and cataclysmic to not end in destruction, though. If it’s not hate, it’s something close. Hate destroys and dec
imates. Whatever this is, it’ll ruin too.

  Ruin me.

  Ruin him.

  Probably ruin everyone in this room.

  His fingers thread with mine and I fucking let him. I let the perfect, rich boy hold my hand like I belong to him. April says stuff to me, but I’m not entirely focused. I mumble out words that must calm her because then she begins stitching my cheek. Hollis squeezes my hand, reminding me he’s here with me. My heart throbs hard in my chest.

  She finishes and then gives me a stern look when I yawn. “You need to stay awake so we can keep an eye on you.”

  “I’m fine,” I grunt.

  “You’re not fine.” She frowns. “Stay awake. I’ll grab you some coffee.”

  She stands and walks away. Frank follows after her into the kitchen area toward the nauseating smell, talking lowly. I’m so fucking tired. I don’t have a concussion. I just didn’t get enough sleep last night. Bitterness makes my eyes sting.

  I fall back against the cushions and my head throbs harder. My eyes must close because I’m shaken awake a second later.

  “Roan, man, you can’t,” Hollis says, an apology in his tone. “Sit up.”

  “No,” I snap. “Leave me alone.”

  “I’m trying to help you.” The concern in his features kills me.

  “Why?”

  “Because I want to.”

  “I’m so tired.” Of this day. Of this life.

  “I know.”

  “I want to go to sleep and never wake up.”

  He swallows. “I know.”

  “I don’t know what to do.”

  Rather than offer an answer, he pulls me to him. The rat of Hood River, my enemy, hugs me to his chest. Fucking holds me like he can put all the broken pieces back together again. I fist his hoodie in my hand, breathing in his scent. Tears burn at my eyes and then leak of their own accord. I cry silently, overwhelmed with life, and soak Hollis’s hoodie. He doesn’t offer assurances, simply holds me.

  “Stay awake for me,” he murmurs. “Please.”

  The tears burn hotter and with more intensity.

  “I’m awake, rat.” I smile, the fabric of his hoodie soft against my lips. “You can’t get rid of me that easily.”

  Hollis

  All of my texts go unanswered. It’s frustrating as hell because I want to know what’s going on with them. Roan and I may have our beef, but there’s something linking us. It would feel too surface to say physical attraction. I feel connected to the broody asshole in ways I don’t understand. When he’s near, I want to inhale him and look at him. Feel him. I’ve never wanted to just be in someone’s presence before like I do with him.

  It’s really fucking confusing because he’s a total prick most of the time.

  That’s just surface too, I think.

  Beneath all that hardness is a soft, vulnerable boy. Just knowing he’s inside there makes me want to dig and dig and dig until I unearth him. I feel like he’s mine. Like he could be mine. If I take the time and effort to find him.

  Me: How’s your head?

  I send Roan another text. This one, like the others, goes unanswered. It makes me worry his condition has worsened. He’s not at school, which is understandable considering he got the shit beat out of him by some thug, but what if he had to go to the hospital or something? My gut tightens and twists.

  The bell rings for lunch and I take my time getting to the cafeteria. I’m sick to my stomach with stress and worry. The scent of pizza or whatever the fuck they’re cooking today has my insides burning in protest. I bolt into the restroom and head for a stall. Bile creeps up my throat and the room spins as I push into the handicap stall. I barely get the lock pulled when I’m scrambling for the toilet. Pain lances through my stomach as I gag. There’s nothing in my belly because I felt too sick after all that happened with Roux and Roan this morning to eat. I’m thankful I didn’t eat anything, because I’m too exhausted and overwhelmed to add puking my guts up to shit I’m dealing with today. Acid burns up my esophagus, but nothing escapes.

  Once I feel like I’m no longer going to dry heave, I stand up and rush from the stall, eager to splash cold water on my clammy face. I’m just turning on the sink and getting my hands wet when the door to the bathroom opens.

  In walk the Hoodlums.

  Minus their grumpy leader.

  “I thought I smelled a rat,” Jordy sneers, prowling inside with Cal and Terrence behind him. Terrence stands in front of the door, blocking it. Cal cracks his neck, towering behind Jordy, as Jordy steps into my personal space.

  I don’t like him at my back, so I turn off the water and face off with the psycho freak.

  “What did you do?” Jordy demands, poking my chest. “What the fuck did you do?”

  “What the hell are you talking about?” I bite back.

  “We know you ratted like the bitch you are.”

  Cal must sense my confusion because he clutches Jordy’s shoulder. “I don’t think he knows.”

  “Knows what?” I glare at them both, imploring them to tell me just what it is they think I did.

  Jordy pokes my chest again. Hard. “You told your aunt and now child protective services are involved. So help me—”

  The words are drowned out as my blood turns to ice. Aunt Karen told CPS? Oh, shit. This is bad.

  “You hear me, motherfucker?” Jordy roars. “We’ll make your life a living hell!”

  He shoves me with the strength of three men, sending me hurtling across the bathroom. I fall to my ass, bruising my tailbone on the linoleum floor. My stomach is seizing as my stress reaches new heights. Not because Jordy is seconds from kicking my teeth in, but for what this means for Roan and Roux.

  Oh God.

  I need to explain that I didn’t know Aunt Karen would say something.

  The guys are taunting me, but I manage to get back to my feet. Jordy stalks my way, his fist raised, when someone bangs hard on the door.

  “Open this door now,” a deep voice booms.

  Coach Rendell.

  We all flinch and Terrence steps out of the way. Coach storms in, assessing the situation.

  “You okay, English?” he asks me, clearly understanding the tension and that it’s directed at me.

  Jordy gives me a murderous warning glare.

  “Y-Yeah. Fine. I, uh, I just need to leave. Feeling sick.” I push past them and head for the office. I want to confront Aunt Karen. Ask her how she could throw Roan and Roux under the bus.

  I find Aunt Karen in her office, on the phone. When she sees me storm in, she tells them goodbye, before turning her sympathetic eyes on me.

  “Why did you call CPS?” I practically shriek at her. “Do you know what will happen?”

  Gone is her sympathy as her stern authoritative scowl washes over her features. “As principal of this school and an adult, I have an obligation—”

  “Aunt Karen,” I snap, cutting her off. “They’ll take Roux away.”

  “Perhaps it’s for the best,” she says softly. “Their home situation—”

  “Unbelievable.” I pace her office, ripping at my hair in frustration. “What happens now? She goes and lives with another family? This will destroy him, Aunt Karen.”

  “Honey,” she says in a soothing tone. “It’s best if you let people more qualified handle their unique situation. I’m only trying to help them.”

  “By ratting them out?” Tears of anger prickle at my eyes. “I have to go.”

  “Hollis! You can’t just leave!”

  “I’m sick,” I growl. “So fucking sick. I’ll see you later.”

  I speed the whole way to the fire station. It’s snowing and the streets are slick, but I’m a man on a mission. Make everything right. But how? I don’t know and that just makes me want to throw up. This day keeps getting worse and worse.

  I need to explain.

  I want to help.

  He’s going to hate me more than he already does, and it kills me. It kills me because I didn’t w
ant this for him or Roux.

  My car slides into a parking spot. I barely get it turned off before I’m flying out and into the station. As soon as I step inside, I notice a woman speaking to Roux while Roan paces. The woman sees me and smiles.

  “You must be Hollis? You and your mother went to get Roux and Roan last night?” she asks, her nose crinkling.

  Unable to formulate an answer before seeing Roan’s face, I glance over at him. His jaw clenches, but he says nothing.

  “Yeah,” I grunt out. “Roan, can I talk to you for a sec?”

  The woman nods. “I think that would be great. Roan, go talk to your friend. I wanted to ask Roux a few questions anyway.”

  His nostrils flare, but I plead with my eyes as he walks over to me. He passes me and steps outside. I follow him around the side of the building. Is this where he’s going to kick my ass? Finish the job Jordy clearly wanted to do?

  His expression is unreadable. It’s dead. Empty. A void. I don’t know if he’s mad or upset.

  “Roan…”

  “Don’t,” he warns, his bronze eyes flashing a yellowy gold like fire.

  “I didn’t—”

  He rushes me, his palm covering my mouth. The brick digs into my back and his hips keep me pinned. “I said don’t.”

  His eyes lose their fury as anguish sets in. He’s scared. Devastated. Fuck. I want to wrap my arms around him and promise him it’ll be okay. Has anyone ever assured him it would be?

  “I can’t lose her,” he hisses, bringing his mouth to my ear. “Carol is talking about putting her in a temporary home and I…” His voice breaks. “I can’t fucking take that, rat.”

  I flinch at the name. Doesn’t feel like much of a caress now.

  My palms slide up his muscular chest over his hoodie. I’m desperate to hold him and make him all the promises in the world. He needs it.

  “If…” He trembles, trailing off, as his hand slides from my mouth down to my neck. “If they take her away from me…” He pulls back, searing his flaming eyes into mine. “I’ll fucking kill you.”

  I blink in confusion. “What?”

  “You heard me, rat. If this all blows up and I lose my sister, then I’ll have nothing left to lose. I will hunt you down and fucking destroy you.” His palm tightens around my throat, restricting the airflow.