Page 72 of Wrath

“I wanna go with you.” She shows no hesitation, and Raze quickly moves toward her bed and scoops her up in his arms. “You heard the woman, grab her clothes, we’re gettin’ outta here,” he orders, before making his way toward the door.

“You and Ruckus? You and RUCKUS!?” I can’t stop staring at my best friend as she continues to bury her head in her hands. And I laugh, not only because this is insane but because this is so out of character for her.

“I don’t know what happened. I’ve never been that drunk before.”

“He’s an asshole, he should never have taken advantage of you like that.” I’ve got a good mind to find that cocky prick and kick him in his overused dick.

“Actually, I think it was my idea.” When I look back at Laura she’s chewing on her thumbnail. “I remember me and you saying goodnight to each other on the balcony. I felt like I needed more air so I stayed outside. I watched him come out of the clubhouse, and I remember saying something to him as he passed the stairs.”

“What did you say?” I ask, wondering how my timid best friend, who’s scared of her own shadow, ended up sleeping with a biker.

“I don’t know, but whatever it was made him come up here.” She doesn’t look so horrified anymore, in fact, she looks kind of pleased with herself.

“Laura, you have to go home and speak to your parents. I won’t have you fall out with them over me.” I move us on to what's more important. Although, I fully intend on getting back to the subject of Ruckus and what happened last night.

“What Mark’s doing is wrong and they have to understand that. You're so good at what you do, Katie. That’s what’s gotten you where you are, not his contacts. I’ve never spoken up to any of them before, but it’s time I did,” she tells me assertively.

“And that's exactly why I don’t need the business. Yeah, the fancy studio looked good, and the glamorous parties Mark took me to helped me network, but I don’t want to be judged on which circles I socialize in. I want to get work based on my talent. I appreciate you standing up to your family for me, that can’t have been easy. But you falling out with them is just as unnecessary as Aaron doing this tournament.” I feel the weight of all that worry settle deep in my stomach, the tournament date is getting closer and he’s still so determined to fight. I’ve let everything else that's going on distract me from how dangerous it all is.

“Mark’s an asshole who’s gotten too used to getting his own way,” Laura points out.

“You're right about that.” I grin at her as I take a seat beside her. “But your parents love you both very much and, of course, they are gonna take his side. You don’t have to put yourself in the middle of this. You and I are always gonna be friends.”

She rests her head on my shoulders and huffs out a laugh.

“So, Ruckus?” I wait for her to pull away from me.

“I don’t know what came over me, and yeah, it felt good at the time, but I’m not cut out for this life.”

“I hope that doesn’t mean that you won’t still visit.” I feel sad at the thought of losing her. She’s been such a big part of my life since I left here and has gotten me through some really tough times without even knowing it.

“Of course, I’ll visit, but I’m going to have to talk to Ruckus. He seemed really into me and I don’t want him to get the wrong idea about what happened last night. It’s going to be so awkward.” She shakes her head and sighs.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine.” I stroke her arm, still cursing Ruckus in my head for sullying my best friend.

“Come on, let's go get some breakfast. Peyton just texted to say Alicia’s on her way and I think she’s going to need some support after what happened yesterday.”

“So, how did it go with Saul?” Peyton asks while sipping her coffee.

“It went well, he’s being supportive, and sweet about everything.” Alicia picks up one of the pastries Polly made a special trip out to get for us.

“So, you’ve made a decision.” Peyton reaches across the table and takes her free hand.

“I’m having the baby.” The corners of Alicia’s mouth lift up and Peyton squeals.

“Does this mean I get to be excited now?” She gets up from her chair and wraps her arms around Alicia’s shoulder.

“Yes, you get to be excited, I know it’s not gonna be easy but Saul is gonna be there for us.”

“He’s not the only one.” I get up and get in on the hugging action too. I may have not known Alicia for very long but she’s been so kind since I arrived. I want to help her in every way I can.

“Now, I just have to find a way to let Griller’s family know” Alicia sighs.

“Oh, shit,” Laura whispers, nudging me hard under the table and lowering her head as if she has the ability to make herself invisible when Ruckus steps in through the door.

“Mornin’.” He looks over to our table and winks.

Cocky asshole

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