Page 39 of Suspicious

Smirking to myself, I step out of my den and into the main clubroom. The smell of greasy cheeseburgers and fries lingers in the air. The lunchtime feast hits the tables as I walk out to see my brothers and other club members beginning to sit down and enjoy their food.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Bea slowly entering the area as I make my way over to a table to take a seat. Her hair is a mess, and she’s dragging her feet with one hand clutching her head like she’s trying to fight the noise from invading her ears. I softly chuckle as I take off, my steps quick to get to her. As I approach, I shake my head. “Not loving that tequila this morning, are you?” I ask.

She glances up at me, her eyes squinting like she’s trying to block the light, her stomach clearly convulsing at my words. Her hand instantly moves to her mouth. “Please… don’t mention that word again,” she groans out.

Chuckling, I step to her side, sliding my arm around her. Her eyes widen, like she is shocked by my affection, her head jerking back a little. “What? Tequila?” I tease.

She curls up her lip in disgust. “Nope… never again,” she replies.

My fingers gently trail up and down her arm, and she slides out from my grip, swallowing hard like she is completely bewildered. Her actions instantly confuse me as I narrow my eyes on her. “Are you okay?” I ask.

She hesitates for a moment, then leans in closer. “What happened last night?” she whispers, fear clearly etched across her face.

My stomach falls through my body at her question.

Somehow, finding the will to speak, I say the only thing I can manage. “Do you remember anything…at all?”

Her brows widen, her expression somber. “I know I drank a lot. We argued in the clubhouse, but after that… it’s all a blur. Then I woke up in your room again…naked,”she whispers the last word.

The floor falls out completely beneath me as I fight to catch my breath.

This can’t be happening.

She doesn’t remember.

Any of it.

The shower.

The kiss.

Our reunion.

Was that all for nothing?

Dropping my chin to my chest, I clench my eyes with the crippling emotion rolling through me.

I have to admit, I’m not exactly surprised.

I knew she’d been drinking.

Guess I didn’t realize she wasthatdrunk.

I guess this was always a possibility.

Opening my eyes, I stare into hers, almost pleading with her. “So you don’t rememberanythingafter the clubroom?”

“Why? Did I say something stupid?”

Slumping, I shake my head. “No… you just passed out,” I lie.

Bea doesn’t seem convinced. “But…” she hesitates, then continues, “… why was I naked?” she asks in a hushed voice.

Exhaling, I shrug. “You puked on everything. I had to put you in the shower.”

Bea grimaces, reaching out and grabbing my hand. “Damn, I’m sorry, Loki. You are a good friend to take care of me like that.”

That punch to the gut was all I needed to put me back in my place.

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