Page 40 of Roses and Skulls

“Oh, I do. I hate both of you.” I shove off the floor and point to Brody. “And don’t think I don’t hate you too.”

“You’re not going to the bar without Elijah,” Brody reminds me.

“Whatever, fuck all of you. Tell my dad whatever you want.” I flip them the bird on my way out, letting the door slam shut behind me.

I walk the few blocks down to The Black Rose. Standing in the parking lot, I notice a dark figure hovering in the shadows across the road. I salute the president of the Skulls before walking inside.

Draven stands behind the bar, a half-dressed woman draped over one arm. When he notices my arrival, he smiles and shoves the woman to the side. I head straight to my office and lock the door behind me.

The doorknob rattles and Draven starts laughing like a hyena on the other side. “I’m glad to see you made it in tonight.”

“I’ve got work to do.”

“Well then, I’ll leave you to it,” he says rapping a little tune on the wood before walking away.

Good. Finally, some peace.

The first thing I do is rummage through the desk, hoping I can find something, anything. No clues as to what Draven is up to or where Lanie might be.

Maybe I’ll just ask him straight up.

The door swings open, interrupting my thoughts. Draven walks in, twirling keys around his finger. “You have a visitor.”

Elijah steps in behind him.

“Baby, I told you to wait for me.” He leisurely strolls around the room, running his fingers over everything.

Draven looks at me. “He says he’s your boyfriend.”

I snort, slamming the file in front of me closed. “No, he’s not.”

Elijah throws himself down on the couch, dramatically. “Okay, so maybe she isn’t my girlfriend yet. But that’s only because her asshole father is in the way.”

My fingers drum over the folder. I really want to hurt him.

“Is this true, Billie Rose?”

My gaze slides from Elijah to Draven. “Yes, my father is an asshole, but I believe you already know this.” The chair squeaks as I lean back, relaxing.

Draven looks slightly jealous… maybe. The wheels are turning fast behind his eyes as they bounce between Elijah and me.

“I had to sneak in the backdoor because he’s hiding out in the trees like a creeper. I mean, for real, man, her dad is a straight up psycho. And don’t get me started on her uncle. The dude threw Rosie’s phone at the wall today and it shattered in a million pieces.” Elijah shakes his head, stretching his long legs out in front of him. “I’m telling you, man, it’s not going to be long before they’re busting in here to…” Elijah uses air quotes for the next words out of his mouth, “rescue their little princess.”

Draven sits down beside Elijah. “You mean Dirk is outside right now?”

“Yeah, man, dude is cray cray.” Elijah twirls a finger beside his temple.

I sit forward, making my chair creak again. “He’s not going to bust in here. Quit being so dramatic.”

“Don’t let her fool you, man. Tell him, Rosie. Tell him how your dad’s kept us apart for the last fourteen years.”

I take a deep breath. If this fool doesn’t quit calling me Rosie I’m going to lose my ever-loving mind. Draven’s eyes light up with all this insider information.

“Elijah,” I warn. “My boss doesn’t want to hear about the skeletons in my closet.”

“Ah, but I do.” Draven says, getting up and walking behind me. He places his hands on my shoulders and Elijah visibly bristles. Draven chuckles. He gives me a light squeeze before letting go and perching his ass on the corner of the desk. “You know, Billie Rose, I would do anything for you. If you and your boyfriend want to hang out here, that’s fine with me. Hell, you both can come over to the apartment and hang out if you want. I’m sure you’d like a little alone time.” He winks at Elijah before turning back to me.

My stomach coils tight as I realize this is just another game for Draven and I don’t like that he’s invited Elijah to play. I haven’t forgotten just how dangerous he is, and I don’t want him messing with my… my friend. Yes, he’s my childhood friend.

---