Page 89 of Blue

“Those guys—” I trembled, both with fear for Blue, and a selfish fear of discovery. Oh god, he’d know I’d fucked up again.

“Take a breath,” he said. “We can talk about Kodiak and Vega later. Where’s Blue?”

I pushed on his chest and stepped out of his arms. This wasn’t the response I expected coming into the club. Blue wouldn’t have lied to me, not about this. Nodoubt, I was barred from the club. But maybe I wouldn’t have to be alone in this. “I need to talk to Cruz.”

“Talk to me first.”

Sully ambled over. “Hi, peanut, what’s going on?”

I shook my head. I didn’t need a crowd of gawkers with their curious stares.

“Take her to the office.” Rogue’s rough voice brooked no argument. “I’ll get Cruz.”

“Hurry,” I said to Rogue. “Please.”

“You need me, you come get me.” Sully stepped away.

The man was perceptive, and I could feel the trust he’d given me. Not only letting me stay in his house, but trusting me with Jazzy’s car, and now, understanding that I wouldn’t be here unless I was desperate. He went back to the card game, and I went to the office, alone with Blade.

Whispers followed me as I followed Blade.

“I know you don’t want me here,” I said to him. “I don’t plan to stay. I just need to talk to Cruz.” I took big steps to keep up with him. “Alone.”

He turned to me once we were in the office. “You know how this works, Kiss? If Blue’s in trouble, you need to start talking. Last time you were involved, he nearly lost his life.”

My stomach twisted like I was on the verge of losing control and crashing into a wall at a hundred miles per hour. I could feel the tension, the speed, and the inevitable conclusion.

“God, could you just trust me for once? I know I’ve fucked up. Please, I don’t want to fight with you. I just need to talk to Cruz.”

Rogue stormed down the hall. Cruz was a step behind him. Oh, no. Bullet was with them.

Cruz cut in front of Blade. “Where’s Blue?”

Fat tears rolled down my cheeks. “I need to talk to you alone.”

“I’ll trust you, Kiss.” Blade rolled his shoulders in frustration. “This better not have a fucking thing to do with my club.”

“I promise. It doesn’t. I can leave.” I glanced to Cruz. “Can I talk to you outside?”

“You can talk in here.” Blade nodded to Rogue as he left, and Bullet shut the door.

“Alone,” I said.

“Is this about the dead dealer?”

Both Cruz and I spun toward Rogue.

“Listen you little fucks,” he said. “I told Blue, and I’m telling you, both of you, that you don’t take on shit alone.”

Bullet leaned against the door. “Are you in trouble again?” he asked me.

I shook my head. Blue could hate me, but I needed help. “But Blue is.”

“What kind of trouble?” Rogue lowered his voice and relaxed his shoulders. “Kiss, look at me. I told Blue, and I’m telling you, I got his back. You have to trust me, sweetheart.”

I tipped my head back, prayed I was wrong, and whispered the words I was terrified to say. “I’m afraid he’s going to hurt himself.”

“Fuck.” Rogue dragged his palm along his beard.

---