Page 130 of Fangs and Fudge

She shook her head. “We can get him on the way back to your place, right?”

Shepard called for Doc to bring MC.

Part of me feared MC would go back on his word and fight Shepard yet again.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

When MC and Doc appeared, Doc shoved MC toward Shepard’s SUV.

“Attempt to leave this car on your own and I will break your neck,” Shepard growled. “I’m out of patience.”

“Understood,” MC said.

Shepard handed Vena the keys. “Drive carefully.”

Vena and I shared a look as they both got into the back seat. We joined the mass exodus of cars and followed them back to the main highway toward D.C. Vena gripped the wheel and took every opportunity to pass that she could.

I took out my phone and sent Cross a text.

Me: Thank you for being there tonight. Are you okay?

Cross: I’m fine. How’s your neck?

I smirked at the question and was tempted to text back “delicious” but decided not to throw gas on a potential fire.

Me: Fine. It’s not bleeding anymore, but I could use a shower.

Cross: My imagination is stirring.

Me: Focus on not being hunted by Shepard’s guys, please. Stay safe.

Cross: You too. Where are you staying tonight?

Me: At Shepard’s place.

Cross: Good.

“Is Cross having any problems with my men?” Shepard asked.

I glanced over my shoulder and found him watching me in the dim light from the dashboard. MC snorted in disgust next to him.

“He’s not having any problem,” I said. “He was worried Vena and I were going to try staying home. I assured him we were not.”

“It would be best if you both stayed with me tonight,” Shepard said.

“With you?” MC said.

“Not your concern,” Vena shot back. “Never was and never will be. And I swear on Everly’s grandma’s life that I will repay every injury Anchor has, like for like.”

After a moment of silence, MC said, “Vena, I never meant–”

“Shut it,” Vena and Shepard said to MC at the same time.

“I really hate it when you swear on my grandma’s life,” I mumbled.

“She’s our grandma, technically,” Vena said. “You promised you would share.”

I sighed, remembering the promise I’d made when her grandparents had disappeared. “Fine.”

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