Page 38 of Shockproof

Cautiously, I call out, “Angel-”

“Another, please!” This time her entire palm lightly pats the drinkware. “And maybe to the top? Likealllllllllthe way to the top.”

Instinct has me anxious to interfere again. “Arley-”

“How come they didn’t invite me to dance?” The interrogation is shot around my body to Blu, proving she’s purposely ignoring me, although, I’m not sure why. I didn’t exactlysuggestwe summon some chick I went out withone timeto our double date cover. That was just an unhappy accident. Or the angels asking we light better scented candles. “Am I not a lady?!”

“You’resucha fucking lady,” Blu impishly needles.

I shoot him a warning glare not to do the shit I know he’s doing.

“And I can be fun!” She stomps her cowboy boot covered foot on a pout.

“So. Fun.” Echoes my second, receiving a kick in the side of his ankle.

He needs to knock that shit off right the fuck now.

We don’t need another problem in this situation.

And a loud, drunk target would most certainlybea fucking problem when the objective is to blend in.

Not standout.

“And I can dance!” Arley swipes up the half full glass causing liquid to splash out. “I’m a good dancer!”

“You’re thebestfucking dancer,” he insists on a tip of his beer bottle. “Go out there and show them!”

“Yes!” She chokes back a couple more gulps, sucks on the new wedge, and sassily slams it down. “Yes!”

Hunt lifts the bottle to top it off prompting me to gnarl, “Pour her another drop, and you’ll be learnin’ to bartend with your fuckin’ feet.”

He recaps the expensive beverage at the same time Blu urges her away, “Go! Go! Go out there! Go out there and dance like nobody’s fucking watching.”

“Yes! Yee-haw!”

It takes every muscle in my body not to grunt in disapproval over the stereotyped exclamation.

“Yeeeee-fucking-haaaaw, cowgirl!”

His last push convinces Arley to strut out a short distance in front of us to join the easy-to-follow line dance while I slowly spin around to maintain a watchful eye on the disaster unfolding. Keeping my gaze focused on her rather than her hips that are swaying unironically to “Before He Cheats”, I mumble, “I’m prepared to stage a bar fight just to give you the beatin’ you’re askin’ for.”

Loud, unrestrained laughter bounces his entire frame.

“I’m not fuckin’ kiddin’.”

“Relax, Wahl.” He tosses an arm around my shoulder, arrogant chortles continuing. “This shit is good for both of you. I promise.”

I send a small glare in his direction. “How thefuckis this shit good for us, Blu?”

“Becausejealous sexis just alittle bithotter than make up sex.”

His playful eyebrow waggles have me grumbling, “I’m gonna kill you and make it look like a fuckin’ accident.”

He laughs again at first yet abruptly stops when I don’t join in.

Tilts his head.

Grows concerned.

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