Page 19 of Fletch

“Yeah,” I tell him, sitting up and reaching for the bedside light. I glance at my watch and see it’s almost eleven.

“So far, she’s stuck her tongue down three guys’ throats. She ain’t out here repping the married crew.”

“Fuck,” I mutter. “Send me your location. I’m on my way.”

“No need, brother, we’re in The Bar.”

I disconnect, frowning. Is she looking for me? Why else would she be there?

I dress quickly and brush my teeth before heading downstairs. Lexi looks up from where she’s lying on the couch. Luna is on the opposite one, and there are two empty bottles of wine on the table between them. “Where are you going?” they ask in unison then giggle.

“Business,” I mutter, picking up the pace and heading out. The last thing I need is those two tagging along.

The Bar is packed out and I have to push my way through to get to the front where Grizz is serving. He glances up and grins when he spots me. “She’s in a state,” he tells me. “I had to stop serving her, and she ain’t happy about it. I’d have kicked her out, but Nyx wanted to call you.” He nods over to the far side of the room, where Gemma is hanging off some guy. It’s clear she’s drunk in the way she sways and grabs onto him to steady herself. “Thought this would be the perfect opportunity to start on that plan.”

I watch as the man she’s with places a finger under her chin and tips her head back slightly before kissing her. I roll my eyes as I push off the bar and head over. The man spots me first and breaks the kiss. “Can I help you?” He doesn’t look impressed.

Gemma turns to see me and groans dramatically. “What are you doing here?”

“More like what the fuck are you doing here? Aren’t you getting married?”

The guy takes a step back, and Gemma narrows her eyes. “Go away, Fletch. You don’t know anything about my life.”

She stomps out of the bar, shoving people as she goes, and breaks out into the fresh air. I’m right behind her as she takes a deep breath and practically stumbles. “Steady,” I mutter, catching her, then she rightens and disentangles herself.

“What are you doing here?” she repeats, glaring at me.

“I don’t know, Gemma, let me think,” I say, my voice full of sarcasm. “Oh, yeah . . . my club owns this bar.”

“I just came out for a quiet drink,” she rants, “and here you are.”

“Firstly, not quiet cos Grizz was ready to kick you out. Secondly, you’ve had your tongue down the throat of several men.”

She gives me a triumphant look. “So, you’ve been spying on me.”

“Ain’t there some rules you coppers have to stick to? Are you even allowed in bars in this state?”

“I’m not in a state,” she argues, swaying.

I arch my brow, and she leans against the wall. “I don’t think you should be drinking in a place owned by people you wanna take down.”

“Suddenly you care about my job?”

I shake my head. “Not even a little, but it’s not like you to break the rules. What’s going on, Snap?”

“Don’t call me that,” she mutters. She folds her arms over her chest and stares down at the ground. “I’m not that bad, am I?”

I sense the conversation is taking a serious tone, so I lean beside her against the wall. “Start at the beginning.”

“Don’t gloat,” she warns before adding. “I’m not getting married.”

“You lied?”

“Of course not,” she snaps. “He’s been cheating on me.”

I allow the words to sink in. “Sorry to hear that, Snap.”

“I don’t snap,” she says, irritation clear in her voice. “I’m the least snappy person ever.”

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