Page 17 of Blood

A wet drip hits my cheek. I lift my head to the sky. Not a cloud in sight. I swipe at my cheek and look down at my hand. Red liquid smears across my fingers. Blood.

Harley.

My sister blasts into my thoughts, reminding me that one of these men is responsible for killing her.

“Boom!” Kitty jeers. I turn my attention back to the ring to see Grease standing over a battered Green.

“Here,” she says excitedly, picking something up from the edge of the ring and holding her hand out to me. I open my palm and don’t flinch when a tooth drops into it.

“A memento.”

“Erm…thanks.” I push the tooth into my pocket.Gross.

“Let’s do more shots.” Her voice rings out, getting an approving response.

“We lost, right?” I check once more that it is, in fact, Green who is out cold in the ring.

“Hence the shots.” Her blue hair shines under the hue of the moonlight like a beacon as she pushes through the crowd until we’re back inside. Instead of heading for the bar, she grabs my hand and tugs me to the dance floor. A pole dancer next to us sways her hips to the soft bass. I allow the music to flow through me, loosening my limbs.

We dance together, the alcohol fueling us. For a little while, I forget why I’m here. I forget who I am and just live.

We bellow the lyrics to every song, leaving my throat raw. Kitty’s magnetic aura draws everyone around her closer. A sheen of sweat coats my skin, my throat aches from singing, and there’s happiness in my smile. For once, I don’t have to fake it.

Slipping away, I head for the restroom, finding it tucked down a long corridor. After finishing my business, I check my flushed face in the mirror while washing my hands. The small amount of makeup I applied earlier today is nonexistent now. I wipe smudges from the remnants of my mascara away from my wide, green eyes. My small nose and big lips gifted from my mother are tinged pink from the alcohol. Damp with sweat, my long hair lay in a tangled mess across my back. As I dry my hands, I hear a growl from my stomach, demanding food. I’m exhausted and hungry.

I’ve made good progress befriending Kitty, but a twinge of guilt chews away at me. I genuinely like her, but I’m not here to make friends. This is for Harley.

“You got this,” I tell my reflection, splashing cold water over my face and straightening my shirt. I nudge the door with my shoulder, and a gasp flees my lungs as I crash into a solid wall.

Callan’s domineering frame blocks my exit. “Where do you think you’re going?”

Fuck.

CHAPTER7

LUST, THE INFERNAL FIRE

“What the fuck are you doing back here?” His tone is low, menacing. Stalking toward me, he grabs my wrist and pulls me out of the doorway.

Pointing to the bathroom, I state, “Peeing. That’s allowed, right?” My voice is full of sass. He wants to intimidate me by acting aggressive, but all he’s doing is turning me on.I am not afraid to shed a little blood.

Closing in, he pins me against the door with his body. “This is private. The facilities for guests are back that way.” He points to where I just came from, but I can’t think with every part of my body nearly touching his.

“Why’d you come here tonight?” He holds both hands beside my head, caging me in. His breath is minty fresh, like he just brushed his teeth or spit out gum.

“I was invited.” A waver in my voice makes him smirk. Checkmate.Dammit.He will be my undoing. It’s terrifying to feel such an intense pull toward someone who has the potential to destroy you.

Guilt and lust fight for dominance within me.

“You want to fuck a big bad biker, is that it?” He licks his lips and drops his gaze to the crook of my neck.Arrogant prick.

I snort, looking up at him. “Why, have you seen one?”

He pushes his body farther into mine, and I fight to not reach up and grab the lapels of his cut to keep me steady. Lust douses every part of me.

“Why’d you come here tonight?” he repeats, resting his forehead against mine. It’s an intimate move, confusing me.

“To have a good time.” My voice is barely a whisper.

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