I don’t know what that means, and I’m pretty sure I don’t want to find out.
Twitch scowls at Demon. “You’re a cheat!”
Demon smirks and walks away.
I’m at a loss for words as I stare wide-eyed at the dartboard. Who in their right mind throws a knife near people? He’s insane! I plan to keep all my limbs, so I’m staying far away from him.
“My girl here is mute,” says Axle, amused.
I playfully shove him. “I am not.” I turn to Twitch and Mercedez, say, “Hi,” and give them an awkward wave and a tight smile. Why am I incapable of being normal?
Two women off to the side are giving me the death stare. One, her hair in a bob, is dressed classier than her red-haired companion, who is wearing similar clothing—or a lack of clothing—as the other women. I lean closer to Axle. “Who are they?” I ask.
He turns his head, then his eyes narrow. His arm around my shoulder tightens. “They’re no one... Come on, let’s go get you a drink.” He pauses. “You do drink, right, or are you all work and no play?”
“Just one drink,” I mutter. I peer back to see both women still glaring at me, looks of disgust on their faces. I exhale noisily. I have no desire to get involved in any drama. Do they not like me or is it because I came here with Axle?
Axle leads me deeper into the house, to the back, where there’s a large kitchen. He pulls open the fridge door, leans in, and grabs two small bottles, one with a brightly colored label. He takes the lid off one and hands it to me. The drink is purple. I take a mouthful to ease my nerves.
“See?” Axle’s smile is goofy. “I told you it would be fine meeting my friends.”
“How was that fine?” I’m mortified. Public sex, knife throwing... not to mention my incessant need to embarrass myself. “This is a quiet night?” What would a big party be then? I don’t think I want to be here to find out.
“Don’t you give me those judgy eyes.”
I cross my arms over my chest and pout. “They are not judgy.”
He raises a brow. “Is your cross burning you right now?”
I peer down at my necklace. “What are you talking about?”
“Is it burning you from all your lies?”
I crack a smile at his playfulness. He’s got a smart mouth on him. The couple that was shamelessly having sex walk in. They are smiling as they walk toward me. No embarrassment whatsoever. I’m blushing enough for the two of them.
“This is Viper, our vice president,” Axle points out.
Viper is handsome and has a beard. He wears the same devilish grin Axle wears. The girl is short and petite like me, sporting the same long blond hair. I thought I was showing a lot of skin in my new dress, but she’s wearing short shorts that are undone at the front and a bikini top that barely covers her nipples.
“It’s good to meet you. I’ve heardallabout you,” Viper says, his voice heavy with inuendo. His eyes slowly drift over me.
The woman steps closer to me with a bright smile. “I’m Candy. You’ve been the topic of conversation around here.”
I peer at Axle. He’s waving his fingers in front of his throat, gesturing for her to stop talking. That’s rude of him. I bring the bottle to my lips and take another gulp to hide my discomfort. I hate being the topic of conversation.
“You alright?” Viper asks me.
I stiffen, surprised at how observant he is. “Yes, I’m just getting a little tired.” Minor lie for the greater good. I need a break. Being with them... it’s overwhelming. My introverted self can handle only so much.
Axle takes my drink and sets it on the kitchen counter. “Come on, let’s go upstairs.”
Viper laughs. “You’re going to bed now? The party hasn’t even started yet.”
In that case, I’m glad we’re leaving.
“Whatever my girl wants, she gets.”
Axle is smiling down at me with warm eyes, and I melt into a puddle by his feet.
