Page 45 of Angel

“Nowhere that concerns you—it’s girl time.” Tequila brushes arms with Throttle on the way out.

“Cool. We’ll drive,” Throttle announces, and Tank laughs.

“Did Chain tell you two to babysit me?” I unhook my arms from the girls and stare at the guys.

“Uh, no—yes.” Throttle shrugs. “Hey, don’t shoot the messenger. I just do what Chain says.”

I roll my eyes and groan as we all walk out of the bar.

I sip the margarita Lucy made and watch Tequila shoot knives into Throttle’s back. He’s flirting with a cute, petite blonde at the end of the bar.

“You know, if you let it bother you, then it will bother you,” I tell her, and Jules agrees.

“It doesn’t bother me.” Tequila slams her straw down on the counter, snapping it in half.

“Right, it doesn’t bother you, sure.” Jules chuckles. “We couldn’t tell. Though your straw would argue the fact.”

“Ugh, whatever.” Tequila chucks her dead straw into the trash.

“So, what’s the occasion, ladies?” Lucy smiles.

“Ahem.” Tank clears his throat.

“Sorry, and gentlemen,” Lucy corrects.

“Thanks, babe.” He grabs his drink, winks at Lucy while she blushes, and meets Throttle down at the bar with what looks like the blonde’s friend.

“I don’t know how you guys are able to keep your panties on,” Lucy says, fanning herself off.

“Well, as you know, I obviously couldn’t.” Jules laughs and we join in. This helps… friends.

“And to answer your question, I have no idea what the occasion is. How about you, ladies? Have any idea?” I turn my body so I’m facing Jules and Tequila. The music playing in the background is “My Escape” by Ravenscode.

“We want the deets, but also, we want to know what the hell is going on with you. And why Venom had to come to your rescue. Actually, the fact that he did come to your rescue has our minds blown.”

A man whistles at the far end for service. “Damn it, I can’t believe I’m going to miss this.” Lucy pouts, then struts off.

“I’m glad my life is entertainment for you all.”

“I own a bar and have a kid. I live vicariously through others’ lives.” Jules straightens her leather jacket, the one that reads “Property of Charger” across the back. Once you become their ol’ lady, you’re stamped with their name. It’s protection in the biker world.

Ha! That would be the day! Letting someone brand me like I’m something to be owned.

I stare at my glass, picking at the straw. “I messed up tonight. I thought I could… well, I thought I could get information that’d help the club with finding Scorpion, but I’m just a pathetic, disgusting mess.” I want to spill everything, confess it all, because I’m tired of hiding it.

Tequila rubs my arm. “Hey, we all mess up, right? We’re just glad Chain pulled you out of there. It was a terrible idea from the start.”

I want to shout my secret from the rooftops. But I don’t. What’s the point? It’s not like I can just leave that part of my life behind. I thought about going to Chain for help so many times, but I can’t. I’m involved with a psychopath, and I would be bringing my brothers down with me. I won’t let them get hurt.

“Just know, whatever happens with me, you ladies are the best friends I ever had.” I say it with an overwhelming sadness.

“Ew, why are you talking like tomorrow is your funeral?” Jules asks with concern.

“I’m just saying, in case something happens.”

“Okay, you’re acting crazy, and we need another drink. Oh, also, are we going to address the elephant in the room?” Tequila downs the rest of her margarita.

“And the elephant in the room is...?” I ask, dragging out the last part.

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