Page 175 of On The Rocks

“Actually, I think I’m going to stop over at Annette’s place. She’s been way too quiet. I’m going to see if I can convince her to come tomorrow.”

“You’re a good friend.”

I sighed. “I try. I just feel bad that she had to go back to that job she hates until we reopen.”

“Then go cheer her up. Watch one of those murder shows you like so much.” The lines between his brows eased a bit.

“Maybe we will. Text me later.”

I put a little extra sway in my step when I walked away and down the stairs. I glanced over my shoulder, and he was still looking. I was still smiling when I hiked up to the taproom.

All the action was still in the concert area, leaving the taproom quiet as a tomb. The whole place was buttoned up tight—for safety and to prevent any more damage.

Just cleaning the place was going to be an undertaking requiring a special crew. Finally, they’d be starting after the holiday weekend.

I jogged between Ronan’s workroom and the taproom to the parking lot where I’d stashed my Jeep. It was so nice that I couldn’t resist taking off the hard top, stashing it into the back.

I took out my phone to text Annette.

“Finally,” a husky voice said behind me.

I hissed as something stuck me in the arm. The purple of my Jeep wavered then I got slammed into the side of my car.

“Not so fast. I can’t pick you up. I swear, you two are never apart for more than ten minutes. Do you know how pathetic that is?”

I shook my head, but the blurriness started making dots. “Irene?”

She pushed me aside to open the door. “Why the hell would you want this manly car?” She pushed the seat forward and shoved me toward the back.

My shoulder connected with the floorboard, and I tried to cry out, but my tongue didn’t work.

“For crying out loud.”Then suddenly, she was pulling me from the other side. “Don’t pass out yet. Fuck, this is easier in a bed.”

I tried to swing at her, but my arms wouldn’t work. She laughed and it was a bone-chilling sound. Light and full of delight as if she was having the best time.

God, I hated this bitch.

Finally, she rolled me onto the backseat and slammed the door.

What the hell did she give me?

She hopped in the front seat then she turned to give me a wide smile. “My, my, you are a picture back there.”

“Fuck you,” I said aloud, but it sounded more like a mumble.

“Don’t try so hard to talk. Save your strength.” She pushed the ignition and backed up over the lip of the walkway. “Oops, my bad.” She shifted again and my head bounced hard against the door. “Off we go!”

The black dots multiplied until the blue sky above me went dark.

Chapter 35

Griffin

Monsters

Ishook out my hand. We’d been playing all damn night. A few of the overhead lights were on and the crickets were working overtime to outplay us. And my dog’s snores.

“Flynn, you want to go over ‘Bleed’ one more time?” Marc asked.

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