Page 48 of Oliver

“Who’s this?”

I’m sure my jaw drops to my knees when the biggest dude I’ve ever laid eyes on emerges from a room down the hall. He’s positively menacing from the tattoos lining his skin to his bald head. Fuck me.

Behind him trails a woman, adjusting her slouchy sweatpants with a frown. Her bright red hair gleams in the light and I silently admire the sleeve of tattoos painting her arm.

“Penny, this is Bastion, Iris and Alice,” Rain says, pointing them out as she goes.

“Hey,” I say weakly. Iris looks me over with an intensity that makes me squirm while Alice smiles and nods her head.

Bastion doesn’t respond at all and with a wan smile, I step before the couch. When Rain holds out her arm, I sit gingerly, pulling futilely on my dress.

“What’s up?” Alice says and giggles when Jig buries his head in her shoulder.

Iris rolls her eyes while Cyn says, “McCafferty’s mess.”

With a groan, I lean back and cover my eyes. Mess, indeed.

“Why’s she here?” Bastion growls and I peek through my arms. Is it me or the mention of McCafferty that has him all wound up?

“Because she was out looking for the Hunter’s Club,” Cyn says.

All eyes turn to me, and I raise my hands, palms up. You’d think he accused me of murder for the looks I’m getting. Sheesh.

“Why the fuck would you do that?” Iris mutters and Bastion grabs her hand.

He’s so fucking terrifying but when she meets his gaze, a world of words passes between them and my heart clenches.

Seriously, am I about to start my period or something?

“Look,” I say, bowing my head. “I’m just trying to find the bastard who killed my sister. I’m sorry to involve you. I can call a ride or something.”

Iris sits opposite me, staring at her fingernails before glancing up. When I meet her shrewd gaze, I say, “Don’t worry I’m gone.”

I go to stand, and she barks, “Sit the fuck down. You wouldn’t be here if Hate didn’t want something from you. Might as well get comfy.”

“Hate?”

“Yes. Now why do you think one of those skeevy fuckers killed your sister?”

“Who the fuck cares? She needs to back off,” Hate says.

Unfortunately, trailing behind him is Oliver and I shrunk under his acidic glare.

Great. What happened to Diem?

“Why is he here?” Bastion grunts.

Oliver raises a brow. “To clean up the mess.”

Scoffing, I stand and hiss, “Fuck you. Maybe if you’d speak the truth for once in your fucking life, I wouldn’t have to run around looking for answers.”

“You want answers?” he says.

“Uh oh,” someone says, and I flinch. I guess he’s mad but fuck him, so am I.

“Yes,” I say, although it’s all bluster and I resist the urge to shrink away.

“Fine. Where do I start? Hm?” He rubs his chin. “Your sister was playing a dangerous game, but you knew that, didn’t you Penny? She was messing with the wrong kind of men. The question is why.”

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