Page 38 of Shock

“Are you flirting with me? Cause I have charges pending back in Nevada for the last man with the audacity.” I raise my eyebrow when I glance over my shoulder and find myself nose-to-nose with him.

“Damn, woman. You are gonna make a fine wife someday.” I snort.

“Yeah, but not today asshole. Back up before I cook you next.” He walks away laughing, and I sigh.

Kooper is a fine ass man in those tight jeans, boots, and hat. Shame he doesn’t do shit to my libido. Besides, I know his little secret. He likes his women short, brunette, and nerdy.

I smile as I sit back on the lounge and grab my phone to call Glitch when movement on the screen catches my eye. Is that a camera? I put my sunglasses back on since they’re polarized and slowly turn in the direction of the alley. The gate is closed, but I don’t see or hear the prospects anymore.

Were they sent home?

Seer is dressing down the two dumbasses fighting brothers, and Cowboy is watching me with curiosity while Mallory talks to him. I nod in the direction of the alley, and a moment later, the NOLA VP straightens up and places his beer bottle on the outdoor bar.

I stand and walk over to him.

“How long have they been missing?” He asks as I approach him.

“Don’t know but I think someone is watching us. I swear I saw a camera a second ago.” Cowboy leaves my side immediately and rounds the bar, coming back with two shotguns.

He tosses me one, and we head into the alley.

On our way past Seer he stops yelling at the guys and stares at us. I bug my eyes out at him and wave my hands. Then start mumbling at him.

“Keep going,” I whisper quickly as I pass.

As we get closer to the gate, more of the sounds of the Quarter filter in. I lean up against the gate next to the door. Cowboy lip counts to three and pulls open the door. A few pedestrians shriek when they see him pointing the barrel at them.

“Apologizes, enjoy your evening.” He waves the shotgun as if saying ‘Keep moving’ at them, and they scurry away.

I step into the street and look down the road.

“Maybe it was a tourist thinking we’re one of the haunted houses or TV sets?” Cowboy says as I turn to look the other way, and then I see it.

“No, it wasn’t.” I take off at a jog down the block and slow as I approach the Ducati.

I just stop myself from touching it when Cowboy grunts behind me. I turn in time to see my mysterious biker huffing over Cowboy, who is now passed out on the ground.

I raise the shotgun.

“I’m asking you once, and if you don’t answer, I’m putting a bullet in you. Who are you?” He backs up, and I follow him so he can’t run.

“Shell.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

DIEGO

“Are you fucking serious,my guy? You wanna correct the woman holding a shotgun at your head? Are you insane?” Her narrowed eyes watch me closely, and I shrug.

Why am I fucking antagonizing her?

“Helmet. Off.” She orders clearly, but I shake my head.

I raise my hands when she steps closer to me. I don’t want to intimidate her or scare her in the least. She backs me into a corner, and now I have no other option than to do as she says or try to fight my way out.

I grab for the barrel, but she counters me and hits my helmet with the butt of the shotgun hard, cracking it. The next thing I know, my legs are swept out from under me, and I fall hard onto my back, knocking all the air out of my lungs.

“Motherfucker, I said, HELMET OFF!” She cocks the shotgun, ready to shoot, and I slowly raise my hands to the visor button.

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