“What’s happening?” I gasp.
“War,” Devlin says, mouth pressed to my ear from behind. His arms lock around my waist and he carts me deeper into the water, heading for Lucas and Gemma. The lake is chilly and refreshing as it licks at my hips. “We’re playing chicken. I need you for this. You’re on my team against Lucas and Gem.”
Before I can answer, Devlin dives under the water, hoisting me onto his shoulders. I shriek, nearly losing my balance as he stands. He secures his hands around my legs, wading deeper into the water.
“Wait—Devlin!” My only choice is to hold on tight while his splayed palms burn into my skin like iron brands. “I don’t know how to play chicken.”
Instead of pool parties in the summer, I rode a bike around Ridgeview looking for cans to take to the recycling center. I’d do anything when I first noticed how much Mom watched our funds.
While other kids had a regular childhood playing games, I spent most of mine forgetting about idealistic dreams and learning harsh realities.
“It’s easy. You wrestle Gemma. Lucas and I are the support. You win when you knock Gemma off her cocky steed.”
“I heard that,” Lucas snarks.
Devlin laughs.
I have no idea where to put my hands, so I hold on to his hair. The wet strands glide through my fingers. “She’s stronger than me. What if she knocks me down first?”
Devlin squeezes my thighs. “You’re scrappy. You can do it.”
The resolute confidence in his tone pierces into my heart, putting a crack in the stone wall I keep around it. Devlin believes in me.
“Okay.”
“Bring it on!” Gemma crows.
“We’re taking you down,” Lucas promises.
Devlin slides his fingers higher up my legs, tickling the inside of my thighs. “Ready to fight for it?”
My breath shudders out of me at his distracting touch. “Yeah. Let’s do it.”
The four of us circle each other. Water laps at Lucas and Devlin’s stomachs, though we’re pretty far out from the shore. Gemma comes at me once we’re in range. We clasp hands, pushing and pulling to win the battle.
A laugh breaks free as I t
ry different tactics to throw her off her game.
“Come on,” Devlin heckles, throwing his own distractions. He moves us forward and back, creating an unwavering base of support so I don’t feel like I’m falling. “You stop playing football and all of your footwork goes to shit.”
“Shut up, you little dick.” Lucas grins, swiping at Devlin. “Damn it! You can do it, babe.”
Gemma squirms for better leverage. I lock my shins against Devlin’s back, giving a good push. Lucas wobbles, but finds his balance again. We back up a few paces, luring our opponents into deeper water.
Devlin’s fingers creep higher, tearing a gasp from my throat.
“What are you doing?” I hiss. He keeps going, teasing the sensitive skin of my inner thighs. “Devlin!”
Heat pools between my legs. I shift to relieve the building pressure, but it only gives Devlin room to graze his fingertips against the edge of my pussy. I bite down on the sound threatening to escape.
“You’re crazy.”
“You make me this way,” Devlin murmurs, his touch teasing in a way that makes me want more. “Is your pussy soaking wet again?”
“Focus on the game, you heathen.” I yank on his hair. My eyes flutter in surprise when he groans quietly. I squeeze my thighs to trap his hand. “Let’s win this.”
“Fuck, yes, angel. Once we win, you’re all mine.”