Page 83 of Kings & Carnage

"Thanks," I said.

I scanned the menu but I wasn't really processing the words. I kept seeing Alexa's face in the bathroom, the way she'd opened her mouth to speak and changed her mind.

The way her hand had shaken while she put on her lipstick.

Chapter38

Willa

The Orpheum was packed as usual, members of the Blades and Phantoms streaming into the crowded lobby for the upcoming fight.

I remembered my first fight, how intimidated I’d felt around all the townies dressed in leather, chains hanging from their clothes. Now they felt like our allies, the only people standing between us and Roberto and his partners in crime.

Neo, Oscar, and Rock surrounded me on the way in, clearly taking their bodyguard duties seriously. We’d discussed bringing one of Rafe's men as backup, but the Kings had decided showing up at the Orpheum with a bodyguard would make it look like we didn't trust the people who’d given us their protection.

It would also draw more attention to us, and that was the last thing we needed, evidenced by the way everyone already stared at us on our way in.

It wasn’t like no one had ever paid attention to us before. We were always a source of curiosity at the Orpheum, either because of Neo and his reputation as a fighter or because we were technically from Aventine rather than townies.

But this was different. There was tension in the air, the bearded bikers and street gangs in ripped jeans and leather jackets shifting on their feet when they saw us, their gazes skittering away, like they'd been told to steer clear of us too.

We came to Bear, the bouncer who guarded the Orpheum's inner sanctum, and he frisked Rock and Oscar before turning his attention to me.

"Arms up, thighs spread, girly," he leered.

"Touch her and you'll be sipping your meals through a straw for the next three months," Neo growled.

Bear scowled. "You're not in a position to negotiate.”

"I can just— " I started.

"I'm not negotiating," Neo interrupted. "The rest of us will submit, as insulting as it fucking is, but you'll pay a price for touching her.”

"Let her pass," a voice said from behind Bear.

The bouncer was so huge it took a second for the owner of the voice to become visible, but when he did, I saw that he was every bit as big as Bear. His blond beard did nothing to hide his rugged good looks and his cut was adorned with patches, including one that readVice President.

So this was Hawk, Vice President of the Blades Motorcycle Club.

Bear immediately stood down, a look of fear passing over his face. "Whatever you say, boss." He stepped aside and muttered, "Fucking Kings.”

Neo held out his hand to Hawk. “Thanks."

Hawk shook Neo's hand. "Be on your best behavior. I can't help you if you cause any shit.”

"Just here to fight," Neo said.

He put a possessive hand on the small of my back and ushered me past Hawk and Bear.

A shiver ran up my spine. Four months ago I’d hated him with the fire of a thousand suns. Now he touched me and I turned into a puddle of goo.

What even was my life?

We continued down the hall, defunct theaters on either side, heading for the big auditorium at the end. The doors were open, multicolored lights sweeping the dark interior as the crowd got amped for the upcoming fight, music thumping, growing louder as we approached.

It was cold outside, but I knew from experience that the theater got hot, and I was glad I’d chosen to wear a silky tank with no jacket over my black jeans. I’d frozen my ass off on the way in from the car, but now I wouldn't have to hold my jacket the entire time, and a small gold crossbody bag made up for the lack of pockets.

Plus my heeled boots made my legs look hella long without the distraction of a jacket and the Kings had definitely noticed.

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