Page 49 of Angel

Good fucking question. “Don’t know. I hope it’s soon.” I hate being on standby. I don’t take orders very well, and I replay that night at the cabin every day in my fucking mind. I clearly don’t trust the asshole.

Angel… I wonder if I’ll see her again? I should be happy she won’t be around anymore. Be glad she’s gone from my life. But then, why the fuck am I wound so tight?

“Dude, enjoy yourself. Let the fuck loose. What better view is there than this one?” Wrench laughs and claps my shoulder.

I can think of one that’s better. “I’m gonna bounce, brother.” I push my chair out and straighten my cut.

“Ah, damn. All right, hang on. I’m with ya.” Wrench polishes off his beer, and we walk out to our rides. We start up our sweethearts, knocking the kickstands back into place. “How’s your girl after the whole bar scene, brother? She looked shaken up after whatever happened with Mouse… Fucker, glad he’s gone.”

“Wouldn’t know, because she’s not my girl. Haven’t seen her.”

“That’s a shame. Don’t meet many women like that every day.” Wrench whistles with a shake of his head.

“No, you don’t.” I turn out of the parking lot and Wrench follows suit, pulling up beside me. We ride in sync, headed back to our clubhouse.

As we pause at a stop sign, the sound of a sports car comes speeding past, and I immediately recognize it. A Camaro. But not just any Camaro—it’s Angel’s.

I have this urge to follow her, a gravitational pull I can’t seem to fight. “Hey, Wrench, I’ll see you back at the club. I got something I need to check out first.”

“Got it, man. See you later.”

As soon as Wrench disappears around the bend, I speed up to try to catch her. I don’t know why I’m so interested. I laugh, because that’s bullshit. I know exactly why. I want to consume this woman—be consumed by her—even though I think she’s already taken over every part of me.

When I catch up, I hang back so she doesn’t see me. Where are you going?

SEVENTEEN

Angel

I zip up my booted heels, swipe my nude lipstick over my lips, and tug my patched leather closed. I’ll take it off in the car. I check the time and rush out of my room at the club.

Rounding the corner, I almost slam right into Tequila. “Woah, where’s the fire?”

“Sorry, I’m just kind of in a rush.”

“Hey, wait. What’s up? Where you going?”

She stares at me, waiting for an answer. “I just have some business to take care of. Please don’t ask me again what it is.” She knows I’m serious when all she does is nod. But the long gaze of curiosity and hurt affects me. I’m so sorry.

I get in my Camaro and head for the motel. I hate hiding these secrets—it sucks. The look of sadness in my best friend’s eyes cuts through me like a knife. I don’t want to keep disappointing the people I care about, but this is just how it has to be. It’s really not my choice anymore.

I buzz down the deserted street, trees towering and lining both sides of the road. I check my rear-view mirror at the sound of a bike. It’s faint, but it’s there. I can’t see it, so I let it go. I don’t think any of my guys would follow me. None of them saw me leave… unless Tequila told them.

I slowly make my way to the front of the motel. They need to start reserving a spot for me. I’m here enough. I take the traditional swig of liquor from my flask and screw the lid back on, my nerves going into overdrive with each anticipated moment of walking up to the room.

Same story.

Same fear.

Same old song.

Getting out, I lock my car and make the steps I am ever so familiar with… to room 214. I stop on the threshold and raise a closed fist, getting ready to knock. But the thumping of heavy boots stops me midair, and the shadow now looming on the door sends me into high alert. I’m in a shit area, so whoever this is might not want to just chat.

Before I can react, I’m grabbed from behind. But, since I’m ready for it, I don’t panic. I grab on to my attacker’s wrist, and stepping out to my left, I dip under his arms. To make my getaway. But he’s just as fast. He spins, seizes my wrists, and pins me up against the motel building, my arms locked above me.

I’m staring into a pair of piercing green eyes. Eyes that peer back at me and set me ablaze. I welcome it though. Absorbing it all. Soaking it in like a sponge.

I clear my throat. “What are you doing here?”

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