Page 28 of Time to Bounce

“Sure thing, Pres.” I nodded at him.

Madman glared daggers through me as I left.

Once in the parking lot, I got on my bike, started it up, and aimed it in the direction of Athena’s place.

I’ve been thinking about it, and I think it’s in my financial best interest to pass away.

—Athena to Maven

ATHENA

I freaked out the entire way home.

Even worse, I was still slightly excited, too.

If he was at my house right now, I’d throw myself at him.

My phone rang when I was about to pass the gas station, and I pulled into it and stopped at the front.

“Hey,” I said to Shasha.

“Hey,” his deep voice cracked like a whip across the line. “Why didn’t you listen and not go there by yourself?”

I sighed. “How did you know I went?”

“Because I got a phone call that told me, in no uncertain terms, to stay the fuck away from you, and stop funding your suicide missions,” he answered.

I felt my left eye twitch.

“I wasn’t in danger,” I lied.

“It doesn’t matter.” He went on, “You won’t be doing that again unless I’m there to go with you. Or Dima.”

Grumbling under my breath, I got out, taking my phone and my wallet with me.

I left the keys, mostly because I doubted anyone would steal my car.

If they did, it would probably be a blessing.

I just couldn’t force myself to get rid of the POS car that Gavrel had bought for a steal when he was sixteen, then gave to me when he was done with it.

It probably needed replaced five years ago, but I was a sentimental little shit, and couldn’t do it.

“Are you listening to me?” Shasha snapped.

“I am listening to the best of my ability.” I paused. “Hey, should I get butterscotch or Dr. Pepper flavored ice cream?”

There was a long pause before Shasha said, “Butterscotch. Dr. Pepper flavored ice cream sounds disgusting.”

“Weirdo,” I said. “Hey, have you talked to Maven today?”

“Yes,” he answered. “She told me you were staying in.”

I laughed. “I’m not exactly going to tell my pregnant best friend that I’m going to a motorcycle club biker bar, now am I? She’d probably freak out and try to go.”

“True,” he hesitated. “Seriously, don’t go there again without backup.”

After agreeing, I got my Dr. Pepper ice cream and headed to the register.

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