Page 27 of Devil's Vengeance

A bunch of them laughed, like the idea was hilarious. The alarms got louder, and I felt my stomach tighten as I got farther away from the front door. I felt trapped. I would have to go past half of them to get out, and with the way they were looking at me, I wasn’t sure they’d allow that.

“Trick, I–”

“Hey Rex! Get us a couple shots, huh? My date needs to loosen up,” he called out to the bartender, ignoring me completely.

I was nervous, but not that stupid. I shook my head quickly. “No, thank you. I haven’t eaten yet. I don’t want to drink on an empty stomach.”

“Oh, come on,” Trick wheedled, flashing me that charming grin again. I was starting to see what Regina was talking about. He did look a little slimy when he did that. “It’s just a couple of drinks. You need to relax, babe.”

I wasn’t a shy woman. I didn’t bow down to peer pressure. My mom raised me to speak out and stand my ground. No amount of whining from Trick was going to get me to agree with him. I crossed my arms stubbornly and gave him a look that said it wasn’t happening.

“No, Trick. I’m not looking to get drunk.”

This time, he didn’t hide his irritation. He made a tick sound behind his teeth, dropping his arm from my shoulders. And when a woman in a skimpy outfit brought him the shots, he tipped them both back with a scowl. Great. Now I had to watch his intake or find another way home.

This was turning out to be one of my top ten worst dates. I should’ve listened when people warned me off. I was feeling like an idiot now.

CHAPTER 17

MARIAH

Despite the alarms in my head, I stuck it out for a little while. Partially because I wanted to prove myself wrong and find that guy who’d charmed me in the library again. And partially because the crew made me nervous, and I didn’t want them losing their shit because I was rude or something. I sat in a booth next to Trick, sipping on a bottle of water. I couldn’t even bring myself to have one drink after the way he reacted. I didn’t want to lower my inhibitions.

Trick didn’t pay me any attention once we were settled. A few of his buddies joined us on the other side of the booth, talking and making crude jokes. Mostly about the women who were here. After getting a better look around, I understood why Trick wanted me to change. The women who were here were all dressed as scantily as possible without being full nude. Like the sweetbutts at the Devil’s Disciples parties, but with a little less self respect. I swore one woman wasn’t wearing any underwear and kept bending over to get the men’s attention.

That wasn’t even the worst thing happening in the bar. Closer to the back, a woman was on her knees, sucking a man off without a care about who was watching. The guy didn’t even pause his conversation, just chatted idly while she had his dick in her mouth. No one even batted an eye about it.

A clatter caught my attention, and I swung around to see another bikerthrow a woman over the end of the bar and start to fuck her. She cried out in ecstasy, her tits popping out of her top and swinging with every thrust. A few of the bikers laughed and whistled, but that didn't stop the couple from going at it right where everyone could see them.

“See something you like?” Trick purred in my ear, scooting closer to me.

“Not on your life,” I hissed back, glaring at him over my shoulder. “Is this seriously what you consider a date?”

He made that irritated sound again, leaning away from me. “Loosen up, woman. We’re having a good time.”

“According to who?” It sure as hell wasn’t me. I was uncomfortable, disgusted, and honestly fed up. I didn’t need to be here anymore. Pushing out of the booth, I stood over him with a glare. “Take me home, Trick. I’m done.”

He scoffed, making a face to mock me. “I’m done,” he repeated in a higher pitch, making the men at the table laugh. “Sit the fuck down and relax. I’ll take you home when I’m ready.”

I wasn’t about to wait around on him. But I saw the way the guys looked at me. They didn’t like the way I was talking. And I read enough novels with bikers to know that back talking them wouldn’t help me. For a minute, I wasn’t sure what to do, but then I remembered Chase’s instructions.

“I don't give a shit what time it is, where you are, none of that. If you need help, call me. I’ll come get you.”

“I’m going to the bathroom.”

“Congrats. You do that. Maybe change your attitude while you’re in there,” Trick shot back, leaning to take a cigarette from his friend without actually looking at me. If I were anywhere else, I would’ve yelled at him for it. But I took the opportunity I had and headed to the back of the bar, where the hall opened up for the bathrooms. Thankfully, no one was fucking in it, so I could slip inside and lock the door without waiting around for them to finish.

Pulling out my phone, I considered my options. I didn't really want to call Chase. He’d just throw it in my face that he was right and that I didn’t belong in his world. But I didn't know who else to call. My dad was stillworking. I wasn’t even going to pretend to consider my mom. I trusted Lacey, and she was badass enough that I assumed she could get me out safely, but she was pregnant. She complained about it plenty when we first met because she couldn’t have a drink and relax after a long week. I didn’t want to put her and her baby at risk just because I was a dumbass who didn’t listen to people’s warnings. Which left me with only one actual choice.

With a defeated sigh, I dialed the number and put the phone to my ear, keeping my arms crossed to avoid touching anything I didn't have to. This bathroom was disgusting. There were very obvious cum stains all over the place. And I didn't even want to guess why the floor was sticky.

“Yeah?”

His gruff voice, which had irritated me the past few weeks, was a relief to hear. “Chase? I need a ride. Can you come get me?”

“Where are you?” he demanded.

The fact that he didn’t argue or spout off shit about how he told me so was reassuring and settled me a little. “A bar in the city. I didn't see the name, but I can send you my location. I don’t feel safe here and Trick won’t take me home.”

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