The Fight In Us: A Brother's Best Friend College Romance (The Four Book 4) by Becca Steele (read me a book txt) 📗

“Try to remember for next time.” I grinned at him.

“There better not be a next time,” he warned me, his own grin stretching across his face. “I’m a lover, not a fighter.”

“Yeah, alright.” I rolled my eyes.

“It’s true.”

We reached our cars, and he stopped with his hand on the door. “Want to drop your car back at the house and take mine?”

“Yeah, okay.” I went to get into my car but turned back to face him as he spoke my name.

“West?” His eyes met mine. “If I could pick anyone for Lena to be with, it would be you.”

THIRTY-ONE

We pulled up close to the location where the dog fight was supposedly taking place, parking in the shadows next to a red van with a huge dent in the side. No one had spoken much since we’d left the house, but Cassius and Weston had arrived back home at the same time, and West was sitting next to Cass in the passenger seat, so I was guessing they’d made up. One less thing to worry about. I wasn’t exactly looking forward to having a conversation with my brother, but he deserved an apology from me, at least.

But now, we were here to investigate—to gather as much information as we could. My goal was simple—to break this dog-fighting ring. Weston’s goal—to find something on Martin Smith.

Zayde’s bike pulled up next to the SUV, and we reconvened outside. I tugged the wig over my ponytail and pulled up the hood of my hoodie.

“Are you wearing a wig?” Winter hissed, staring at me.

I grinned. “Yep. I thought maybe I should disguise myself.”

“Ooh, good idea.” She pushed my hood back, running her fingers over it. “Feels good. Looks good. Cade, do you think—”

“No.” He tugged her into his arms, slamming his mouth over hers. Ugh. I heard him say something about how Winter’s hair was too gorgeous to cover up, or something like that, and it honestly made me feel nauseous. I caught Weston’s eye, and he had the same expression on his face.

“My brother is…” He trailed off with a shrug, still pulling a face.

“Yeah.” I made a gagging motion before I sidled closer, dropping my voice. “How did it go with Cass?”

“Good, I think.” He glanced over at my brother, who was showing Zayde something on his phone. “He threatened to have Z cut my balls off if I hurt you.”

“Ha! I’d like to see him try.” I smothered a laugh, and he pouted at me.

“You wanna see someone cut my balls off?”

“No. I’m kind of attached to your balls.” A flash of heat went through me as a vivid image of me sucking his cock came to mind.

“Yeah, so am I. Because they’re attached to me!” he hissed, and this time I had to bury my face in his shoulder to stifle my laughter.

“What’s all this talk about balls?” Winter was suddenly in front of us, her eyebrow raised.

“Z wants to cut West’s balls off,” I informed her, and she spun on her heel.

“Zayde Lowry! I need to have a word with you.” She marched over to him, and I watched as he stared at her blankly, then took a long, hard look at Weston.

Winter’s voice drifted back towards us, saying something about a serial killer stare, and I glanced back at Weston, who wasn’t even looking at Zayde.

He was looking at me.

My laughter died away as he reached out, gently tugging my hood back into place. “You’re beautiful, whatever colour your hair is.” A grin tugged at his lips as I stared at him mutely. “Just thought you should know.”

Clearing his throat, he stepped back, his gaze flicking to Cassius’, who watched us both silently. Why had everyone perfected these blank expressions? How was I supposed to know what they were thinking?

The moment was interrupted by Caiden beckoning us all closer. “Just like we discussed. This is recon only. Don’t get caught, don’t let yourself be recognised. If anyone does spot you…” His brows pulled together. “I guess you’ll have to pretend that you’re there to enjoy it. And on that note…”

He took a roll of money from his pocket, handing us each a small bundle. “This is just in case. Try to keep a low profile, but if anyone questions you, you can say you want to place a bet. I hope it won’t have to come to that.”

Shoving the money into my pocket, I glanced over at Winter. She was staring at the money in her hand uncertainly.

“Hey,” I whispered to her. “You don’t have to do this, you know. You can wait in the car.”

“No! I’m not being left behind.” Swallowing hard, she ran her thumb across the notes, before raising her gaze to mine. “I’m just not sure how I’m going to be able to act like I’m not bothered by what’s happening in there. It affected me enough, just the glimpse I saw of it on the TV screens.” Her hand fisted the money, crinkling it in her palm.

“Have you told Cade?”

“Yeah. He suggested I stay behind or out of the way.” Her voice hardened. “Fuck. That.”

“I’ll tell you what. Come with me. I’m not planning on being detected by any of the fuckers here today. We’re going to keep to the shadows and see if we can find out who’s running this shitshow.”

“Okay. Sounds good.” Her voice lowered. “I kind of wanted to wear a wig.”

“Next time, I’ll get you one,” I promised. She smiled at me and then turned to Caiden to tell him our plan. He nodded, relief clear in his eyes. Probably, if it was up to him, he’d keep her locked inside the car, away from any kind of harm.

We split, staying in pairs for safety, circling around to the waste ground where the fight was being held.

As we drew closer, I heard the noise. The whole area had been ringed by temporary fencing, tall metal sheets that were