Page 74 of Next Level
“My girls are safe.” I squeeze Cherry. “Sammie will be here tomorrow. I know Mike will protect her tonight, so yeah, I’m good for now.”
“Okay, let’s get a shot before we update the boys, though.”
Cherry lights up. “Yes, a shot sounds fabulous!”
I swat her ass. “Okay, Blossom. Let’s go.”
I SEE YOU
“You want another shot and beer?” Tink asks me.
“Sure. Thank you,” I reply happily.
I feel pretty sauced, but I’m having a great time. I’m trying not to think about my call with Garrett. He sounded so evil with so much hatred for me. All I ever wanted was to have a big brother who would protect and love me. Instead, I got a mean, hateful one that blames me for everything wrong in his life. He brought all that shit on himself.
Ray is sitting on a barstool with me standing between his legs, leaning against him. He’s got one arm around my waist, holding me to him. I think Garrett’s call is still bothering him just as much as it is me, but we’re both trying to have a good time.
All night, people have been coming up to congratulate him on getting Samantha back. He’s introduced me as his woman to every person who has approached him.
Never letting me out of his reach, I feel safe with him. I didn’t think Garrett would ever do anything to me, but after that call and hearing his voice like that, I am scared. Even with him behind bars. I know that Ray and the Bastards will keep me safe.
Dawg walks up to us. “Level, let’s do this meeting real quick so the guys can go on with their night.”
Chewy’s still hanging out, playing pool with Tink, but pauses while she goes and gets us drinks. I don’t know where Cracker, Lazy, and Siren went.
Level swats my ass for me to move so he can get up.
Tink returns with my shot and beer.
“I don’t want to leave the girls,” Ray says to Dawg.
I turn to him. “I’ll be fine. Do your business. Tink and I will stay right here.”
“I got her. I’m going to the kitchen to get more snacks for the bar. Jay can stay and watch us too. Siren and Cracker are around here somewhere. We won’t let anything happen to her.” Tink’s face becomes serious. “I promise, I’ll protect her. I got you, Ray.”
Hearing her call him Ray sends a jolt of jealousy through me, but when I turn to him, he’s only focused on me, and the look he’s giving me washes away any doubt.
I try to reassure him. “I can handle myself. I’ll be fine. I will be here or in the kitchen.”
Ray looks between the two of us girls and then around the clubhouse. He gives someone a head nod and then leans down to kiss me. “Okay, I won’t be long, and I’ll just be in that room right there.” He points to a room off to the side.
“Okay, gorgeous. I’ll be waiting,” I tease, hoping it will relieve him of any stress. I don’t think anything will happen to me here, and he’s introduced me as his woman to almost everyone, so I’m good.
When the men walk away, it leaves me and Tink alone. I grab my shot and raise it to hers. “Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
We slam the shot, hissing at the slow burn trailing down our throats.
“I’m glad you’re not a bitch or tripping over me and Ray,” Tink says, pulling the bandage off the unspoken words between us.
“Should I be?”
Tink shakes her head. “Fuck no. Ray and I have grown up together. I was always been off-limits when my father was alive. When Ray’s dad and my father were killed, we both kind of used each other. He protected me, keeping me off-limits. Keeping me safe.”
I need to know, so I blurt out, “Do you love him?”
“Yes, but like a best friend. I promise you. You have nothing to worry about with me. I want him happy, with someone worthy of him,” she replies honestly and grabs her beer. “I’m hoping that’s you.”
