Page 24 of Hellfire

I shook my head.

No way that is possible. Right?

Chapter Ten

Katrina

I took a sip of my coffee and glanced around the bar. The place was quiet, with only a handful of people scattered throughout the room. Most had already had breakfast. Leona was sitting beside me, happily munching on pancakes covered in strawberries and whipped cream.

“How was your day with Molly?” I asked.

Her bright blue eyes lit up with excitement.

“It was awesome! She took me out to the garden. I got to eat strawberries.” She pointed at the ones still on her plate with a grin. “I helped pick these,” she said proudly.

“They’re delicious.”

It’s good to see her so happy.

Her face lit up as she glanced over my shoulder. Following her gaze, Tank and Nate strolled in. Both covered in sweat, obviously coming from the gym. My stomach dropped when I noticed Tank’s right eye was black and blue. I got the urge to check if he was okay, but forced myself to stay seated. With a death grip on my mug, I watched them sit down at a table in the corner.

After how he dismissed me yesterday, I wasn’t sure where he and I stood. A twinge tugged at my heart.

Why was I so disappointed he had a girlfriend? He never promised me anything. In fact, he told me he was being a gentleman.

I groaned, rubbing a tired hand down my face.

“Hello,” a deep voice greeted. A guy I’d never seen before sat down in the seat beside me. “I’m Chris, you’re Katrina right?”

“Um, hi,” I said awkwardly.

I was not good at small talk. But this guy was cute, with long blond hair tied back in a bun. He wore a leather jacket, which I’d just found out was called a cut, thanks to Molly. He didn’t have the MC wolf and roses on his.

Is he a prospect like Nate?

“I know you’re new here, so I was wondering if maybe you wanted a tour? I would love to show you around. Maybe introduce you to a few of the club members.”

My stomach sank at that idea. I had no interest in meeting a bunch of new people today. I had already met my quota of new faces, thank you very much.

“Oh, um.” I wiped my sweaty hands on my jeans underneath the bar top.

“We could eat out in the garden for lunch,” Chris offered when I didn’t agree to his tour.

My gaze locked with Tank. His face was an unreadable mask, but he didn’t look away like most people would when caught watching someone. No, instead he was up and out of his seat, strolling confidently in my direction. My eyes widened and flicked back to Chris.

Before I could say anything else, Tank clapped Chris on the shoulder, his eyes trained on me as he said, “Prospect, you’re needed in the kitchen. Molly has dishes for you.”

“What? No, I thought I was only on dinner duty?” Chris complained.

Finally, Tank broke our stare off to glare down at Chris. “Are you denying a direct order, prospect?”

Chris sighed. “No man.”

He gave me a smile and took off toward the kitchen, his shoulders sagging in defeat. I felt bad for him, but also relieved I didn’t have to turn him down.

“Tank!” Leona jumped off the barstool and launched herself into his arms.

“How’s my favorite girl?” he said, spinning Leona in a circle before setting her back on her feet.

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