Can't Touch This (Can't Touch This #1)

“Say what?”

“In my mind, I call you Vet Vesper. But it’s a bit of a mouthful, so I’ve shortened it to VV.” He looked away. “It’s stupid, I know. Don’t worry, I won’t use it. I know how women are about pet names.”

“That’s true, about words like Baby and Doll Face—they’re too generic. But I kind of like VV.”

He brightened. “Okay, great. I might use it occasionally when you least expect it.” Stepping back from my doorway, he bowed like a gentleman. “Well, now you’re assured I have no criminal intentions, are you ready to go?”

Grabbing my credit card and shoving it into my back pocket (screw carrying a heavy purse tonight), I nodded. “Yep, let’s get this date over with.”

“Oh, you wound me.”

I smirked. “If you think that hurts, you don’t know me very well. I have unlimited access to scalpels and needles. So be careful what you say.”

He backed away with a chuckle. “We’ve escalated to threats already? Christ, you move fast. Lucky for you, I love a woman with claws.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

———————

Ryder

“YOU’VE PLAYED THIS BEFORE, RIGHT?”

Vesper shook her head for the billionth time.

I had to admit, I’d had great fun laughing at her expense. Since the moment we arrived, she’d been uncomfortable. Then again, she had told me to think outside the box and take her on a random/fun date.

I chuckled. “I take it this is random enough for you?”

She scowled. “I don’t know why you’re doing this.”

“Because you told me to.”

“I didn’t mean literally take me to the most ridiculous place you can think of.” She hoisted her gun and rearranged her laser bullseye on the armed and ready to play vest. “I mean laser strike, really? What are we? School children?”

“You mean to tell me some boy already beat me and took you here when you were in school?”

She rolled her eyes. “No. I mean this is so juvenile.”

“Well, you banned dinner and romantic walks along the river, so…this is what you get.”

“All ready to go?” The attendant asked as I spun my weapon with cocky flair just to prove to Vesper that this might be a gimmick and purely stupid but I wouldn’t just sit and let her win.

When I played, I played.

The competitiveness of being the youngest brother meant I tried to outdo my sibling at every turn. Damn Rupert and his bloody arsenal of skills.

(And yes, you heard that right. Ryder and Rupert. My parents weren’t kind to us).

Rest in peace, Mum and Dad.

“How long does the game last?” Vesper asked timidly. “What if we want to just sit and watch?”

The pimply faced high-school student earning minimum wage scowled. “You come to play, not observe at Tag Team Target.”

“Why is it called Tag Team Target?” She tilted her chin. “I don’t see anyone else here but us.”

The kid rolled his eyes as if he couldn’t believe he was dealing with this. “Because you’re normally assigned to a group.”