Page 107 of Apex of the Curve

“Yeah, well, gentrification hasn’t quite taken a firm hold around here just yet.”

“I know.”

“Double-edged sword,” she said breezily.

We made quick work of cleanup, and I declared the rest could be done on Tuesday morning when I came in.

“Okay, boss. Whatever you say.”

We went out back and Fen made sure Amber was shut safe in her car. We waited for her to pull out and I turned to him. He gathered me up and kissed me for real this time, hand on my ass and everything.

“Mm, I like it when you do that,” I said.

“I like that you like that I do that,” he said with a smile.

“Riding with me, or?”

“Naw, I’ll see you up there. Park out front.”

“Okay, see you in a few.” He opened my car door for me and I got in. He had a habit of knocking on the roof of my car twice after I shut the door before walking away enough for me to be sure I wouldn’t run over his foot or something as I pulled out of the gravel lot.

The drive up to the club was barely enough to get my car’s heater blowing warm air. I parked in the same spot I had last time, around the corner of the building, and killed the engine, my lights, and what have you. Making sure I had my phone and tucking my purse under the seat.

I got out of the car and was just coming around the front of the building when who should I almost run into?

Why, Tic, of course.

“Shit,” he muttered and feeling much stronger than I had last time, I took a deep breath, let it out and looked at him square in the eye.

“Got something to say, citizen girl?”

“No, but I do.” Tic turned, just in time for Fen’s fist to crash into his jaw. Not even I had seen that coming!

“Fen!” I cried as Tic wheeled around and put some distance between me and Fen. I stood in front of my man; hands splayed across the cool leather on his chest.

Fen pointed at Tic and called out, “You disrespect my woman or me again, I’m going to whoop your fuckin’ ass!”

Guys came pouring out of the club.

“The fuck’s your problem, man?” Tic demanded, spitting blood and touching his lip gingerly. “Ain’t you ever heard of bro’s before ho’s?”

“Oh, shit,” I heard someone say as Fen literally passed me off into someone’s arms beside us and went after Tic.

I actually suddenly didn’t care. Tic was asking for it with that one.

Tic went low and rushed Fen, tackling him and I surged forward instinctually. Arms went around my waist and hauled me back.

“Whoa, there, darlin’! Let the men folk sort their shit out!” whoever it was called, and he started laughing.

I shit you not, money came out and the other men started placing bets.

Of course, the favored winner was Fen.

I covered my face with my hands and leaned back against Mace, who was the one who had a hold of me, when Tic cracked Fen in the face with a closed fist and a meaty ‘thwack!’

“Oh, God!” I cried, peeking between my fingers.

Of course, it’s all fun and games until the cops show up, which they did. A King County Sherriff’s SUV whipping into the parking lot off the main drag, red and blue lights sparking to life in the dark.

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