TRIGGERED
Ava
After Reaper helps me off the motorcycle, I notice the stress in his shoulders and the darkness in his eyes. Tension radiates off him. I’ve spent years analyzing Beau’s behavior to tailor my own, so I have become an expert in noticing the minor details. I keep my distance but follow him.
The men cleaning their motorcycles raise their heads and smile. When they see Reaper’s face, their smiles fade—they sense it too. Upon opening the front door and walking inside, Reaper marches in the direction of the computer room, making me frown.
I go through the house in search of Elena but find Cash behind the bar serving beers to Axle, Viper, and Demon.
I walk over to the side of Axle. “Hey, do you know where Elena is?”
Axle turns his head toward me and smiles. “Hey. I’m not too sure. She was here a moment ago.” He scans the room. “How did it go at the station?”
The thought of the conversation I had with the officer makes me cringe. “I told him what I’ve been through and he suggested filing for a protective order.”
Viper grunts. “Sorry, darl, but a piece of paper won’t stop him.”
I open my bag and grab my phone, which is cool to touch, and place it in front of Axle on the bar. “Can you put your number in it?”
He peers down. “Sure.” Smirking, he picks my phone up and types. He stretches his hand out to pass it, but before I take it, Viper’s hand comes out and snatches it. When he finishes, he passes it back with a mischievous look in his eyes.
I glance at my phone to see Axle, Reaper, and “Sexiest Man Alive” in my contacts. I roll my eyes, and Viper laughs.
Giggles tinkle from behind me, so I turn to see Vera and Grace walking through the house. I stiffen. A few moments later, Elena comes from the same direction. Her face is pale.
I rush to her. “What’s wrong?”
Even though I’m looking at Elena, I can sense Vera and Grace approaching us.
“Did you have a pleasant trip to the police station?” Vera asks.
The smugness in her voice makes me grind my teeth. I turn, making sure that I’m in front of Elena so they can’t see her anymore. “Why do you care? And, anyway, what did you say to Elena?”
That burn of anger keeps rising.
Vera looks at Grace, and they giggle again. My glare sharpens. My heartbeat is in my ears, my breathing deep and constant.
Vera leans in closer to me. “So I gather your husband got my email.”
Anger tears through me. My blood’s on fire and my hands are shaking.
Axle is suddenly by my side, but Viper cuts in first. “I wouldn’t upset Ava. It’s only going to piss Reaper off.”
Vera’s head swings to him, then she looks back at me, glowering with so much hatred. “You fucking bitch,” she yells and lunges at me, but Axle steps between us. She looks over his shoulder. “He’s mine!”
A loud laugh roars from Demon. “And you guys call me insane?” he asks, looking around at everyone. “She’s a fucking headcase!”
Viper laughs, slapping his back. “No one can match your crazy.”
Axle rises to his full height and gets in Vera’s face. “Back down,” he warns.
She steps back. Grace whispers in her ear.
When Axle looks back at us, I scowl at him. I have no patience left. “How did you not know Vera and Grace have been tormenting Elena?”
My voice is a mix of frustration and sadness. I observe Elena, frowning, hating that they have upset her. We are more alike than I realized—too nice, not wanting to cause trouble.It needs to stop!
“What are you talking about?” he asks.
