Page 160 of Mad Love

Now, with everything out in the open and the police and lawyers agreeing that Ryan’s shooting was justifiable homicide, it felt like I could actually take a deep breath. Some of the iron bands that had been shackled around my chest, constricting my air for weeks, were finally unlocked. And while what I really wanted was to crawl into the massive bed in the suite Ryan had reserved for us in some overpriced hotel, I knew my friends had been looking forward to a celebratory dinner. Bex had even smiled at Court when she’d walked in.

Well, until she’d realized her lips were moving without her permission. Then she’d spun away and hugged me to cover it up.

Now, seated in the private room in a place with no prices on the menu, surrounded by Ryan, Bex, Ash, Linc, and Court, I was trying to enjoy myself even though it felt like hours past my bedtime. I could totally handle this for an hour. Maybe two.

Linc tipped back his drink, taking a long sip. “We should hit some clubs after this.”

Oh, hell no.

“Maybe you can carry on the party without us,” Ryan suggested in a wry tone, his knowing gaze drifting over me in a way that always made me feel seen and valued.

I shot him a grateful smile.

“Ah,” Linc hummed, nodding, “you two planning your own private party to celebrate the fact that you’re allowed to legally be together?” He waggled his eyebrows.

I picked up an artfully crafted dinner roll and lobbed it at his head.

He caught it and ripped a big bite out with his teeth even as Ash leaned over from the other side and cuffed the back of his head.

Linc yelped and ducked, looking wounded. “Dude. The fuck was that for?”

“For you being a tactless dumbass,” Ash muttered, rolling his eyes.

I cleared my throat. “Did you talk to Tyler?” He’d planned on reaching out today after we’d learned from the police that they’d already spoken to Chase at the hospital.

Ash nodded. “Yeah. Chase is cleared to fly, so they’re leaving tomorrow morning to go back to England.”

Disappointment settled low in my gut. I’d hoped for the chance to talk to Chase in person and thank him for trying to help me.

As if reading my thoughts, Ryan made an annoyed sound in his throat, still blaming Chase for the fact that I was in that room with Gary in the first place. I was pretty certain Ryan was under the impression that Chase’s bullet wound was penance for putting me at risk.

Linc sighed and signaled the waiter to bring him another beer. Seriously, there was a waiter hovering by the entrance of our space, just waiting for people to give him commands. When I’d been a server, I’d juggled several tables at a time and prayed I made enough in tips to cover our trailer’s rent.

“I’m down for going out after,” Court said with a shrug. His sharp gaze danced over to Bex, like he was daring her to either join in or call him out.

Linc grinned and clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Hell yes. It’s been a while since you were my wingman, bro. You’re an awesome sidekick.”

Court scoffed. “Please. I’ve never been the Robin to your Batman, asshole.”

Linc’s eyes glittered, and he looked across the table to Bex, who sat at my left. “What do you say, B? Wanna see what kind of trouble we can get into?”

She shot him a withering look. “Yeah, because this boot screams fuck me, big boy.”

Linc blinked slowly. “Is that what you… need?”

She smirked a little. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

I was pretty certain I heard Court’s teeth crack from how hard he was clenching his jaw. I exchanged a look with Ryan, but he didn’t seem concerned.

“And I can’t,” Bex said with a heavy breath. “I have to pack.”

“Pack?” I echoed, looking at her in surprise.

She nodded, her expression rueful. “Yeah. My mom is insisting we spend the holiday break with my grandparents in Europe.”

My heart sank. “Seriously?” I’d known it was a possibility, but I hated the idea of my bestie being so far away for weeks.

Bex’s lips flattened into a grim sort of smile. “Yeah. I mean, it won’t be all bad. Shopping in Paris and Milan, visiting some of the coolest museums.” She nudged me. “You could come and spend some time with me.”

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