Page 36 of Lies Like Love

“Whatcha want me to do with Fel’s new lip rings?” Echo’s voice cuts through my thoughts, and I look up to see her standing in the doorway. “Your room or the display case?”

“Display case.”

Echo rolls her eyes. “Someone’s grumpy.”

It’s not even noon, and I’m already over everyone’s attitude.

“Do you need something?” I stand up, trying to ignore the throbbing between my temples. “Because I’m not in the mood for small talk right now, Echo.”

Echo pops her gum again. “Whatever.”

“How’s her shit selling anyway? People buying it?”

I’m not sure why I’m asking or why I care, but I can’t help it.

Echo crosses her arms over her chest, and I already see the wheels in her head reading too much into my question, but I don’t take it back.

“Good. It’s doing better than anything else we’re selling up there.” She shrugs. “Plus, girl’s got the goods to sell it, so that helps.”

“Goods?”

“She’s pretty, Jude. Obviously.” Echo rolls her eyes. “Those bikers definitely don’t seem to mind. They basically walked in and told her to take their money, even though they’re here for tats.”

“What bikers?”

“A couple of prospects from Blaze’s crew. They came in looking for Sage and got distracted with Fel bent over, stocking the display case.” Echo smiles before turning to walk away, knowing exactly what she’s doing as she throws dirt on the landmine and begs me to step on it. “Don’t worry. She’s got it all under control.”

What the fuck?

No one told me Fel was here, and apparently, she’s not only up front, but looking too damn pretty as always. The girl’s gone from nowhere to everywhere, and I can’t decide how I feel about that.

Following Echo toward the front lobby, I tell myself it’s because I’m sick of Blaze’s bikers showing up and acting like he still owns this place when he doesn’t. I tell myself it’s because I’m keeping an eye on Fel just enough to scare her away for good. I tell myself it’s because I’m checking in.

But walking into the lobby and seeing some prospect leaning over the counter grinning at her, I want to cave someone’s head in.

“What do you want?” I stop in the doorway, ready to snap.

“Jude, man.” Randy, the one of the two of them I recognize walks up and shakes my hand. “Been a while. We were just saying hello to your new employee.”

His eyes move to Fel, all the way up and down her.

She looks so fucking sweet today, it’s no wonder they want a taste. Light blue jeans and a pink retro My Little Pony T-shirt. Her collection of necklaces and bracelets makes her glitter in this dingy part of LA.

“She’s not an employee, so direct your questions elsewhere.”

“Got it.” Randy rakes his nails over his shaved head and takes a step back, taking a hint the other biker doesn’t.

Instead, the fucker dares to reach a hand out to her. “You should come out with me tonight.”

“Touch her, and I’ll make her watch as I cut off your fucking hand.”

Both their eyes snap in my direction. But while the biker looks amused, Fel’s gaze is heated.

Not that I give a shit. It wasn’t a joke. Them looking at her the way they are is enough to make me want to carve their eyes out. But if they touch her, I won’t hesitate to unleash every bit of rage this girl brings to the surface.

“Says who?”

The fact that he has to ask tells me he’s new to Blaze’s crew. And if he’s not careful, he won’t last long.

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