Page 50 of Twisted Lies

Chapter 23

Astrid

“I didn’t drive here,” he says, looking at his phone, “I left my car at the Pit. You want a ride?”

I don’t answer. Nova answers instead with a giggle, and I wonder if he was even speaking to me. “No, but thanks,” she says, “Derick and I will walk home after we put out the fire. No one messes with us.”

Wyatt nods and starts to walk away. My heart bottoms out, and I don’t know what to do as I stand there pretending it’s all okay.

“You coming, Astrid?” Wyatt walks backward while looking at me.

I peck Nova on the cheek and take off toward Wyatt as we walk toward the old warehouse to get his car. The only noise between us is the wind as we walk quickly in the cold.

“I’m going to split the money with you,” I tell him.

“You don’t have to,” he replies, “Hold onto it. I know you haven’t fought in a while.”

“I might fight that girl so I’m back on the roster.”

He frowns. “I thought you said she was dangerous.”

“I can handle her.” I sigh and lie at the same time. “If you’re a part of the club, why do you have to fight? Don’t you get a part of the split?”

Wyatt runs a hand through his dark hair. “That old warehouse has no electricity. They have to pay for the generators, which you can’t hear over the music. And there’s no running water. They paid to have it turned on. And they pay for the bouncers. And then there are the cops. They drive by but don’t come in. By the time all the expenses are paid, it’s not as much as I need.”

I nod, understanding that I don’t have a clue how to run a business. “Do you guys rent the space?”

“Never asked, but I’m sure someone is getting paid.”

We approach the old warehouse, and the parking lot isn’t as full as it has been in the past. I notice the flashing lights that only happen during parties or when the club first opens for the evenings. I stop and stare, wondering if I should go in and check it out. Wyatt opens the passenger door and waits for me to get in.

“What’s going on in there?” I ask.

He won’t look at the building. “Private party. We’re not invited, and you don’t want to see it.”

I probably don’t, so I get into the car. I pull the money out of my pockets and start to count it. Seventy-seven dollars is not an even amount to divide. Wyatt starts the car as I hand him thirty-nine, but he shakes his head as he turns the key.

“That’s yours,” he says.

“It’s ours,” I correct him.

“Keep all of it, Astrid,” he says, pulling out of the parking lot, “I have a fight for next week.”

“With that guy Ace?”

He nods. “They seem pretty cool over there. Nova told someone I was her cousin,” he laughs, “It doesn’t faze the Monarchs. Don’t worry, Astrid.”

I’m going to worry. I didn’t earn it fairly, and that was hardly a fight. We’re lucky we didn’t get jumped for putting on that show. I roll the bills up tightly in my hand while looking around the seat for a place to hide them, so Wyatt will find the money later.

“Put that in your pocket.” His stern words startle me, and I open up my fist, watching the cash spring open like a new leaf.

“What if I paid you?” I smile at his profile as he concentrates on the deserted roads that intersect around the dark, silent warehouses.

“Paid me for what?” he asks as a slow grin spreads across his mouth.

“A kiss,” I reply innocently.

I pull my jacket off and toss it in the shallow back seat. My T-shirt isn’t tight or clinging. Neither are my jeans, so I rely on body language to convey what I desire. I wiggle my hips and lean my seat all the way back.

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