This isn’t some joke, is it? It’sRaven. She’ll throw a fit if she gets a babysitter. Is he genuinely serious, or is this his method of handling this surge of intensity? Pretty sure she can take on whoever she wants if she’s allowed. Whether they’re a member of Steelwood or not.
“Not a chance. I thought she was going to kill me when I accidentally broke a cup.” Killer pales when Judge looks his way. “She’ll choke me out in my sleep if I try to lower my guard.”
Smoke and Ace exchange knowing looks, sharing grim expressions. No matter what the foster brothers faced before coming our way, it must not be as bad as what is being asked of them. Throw in the fact that they’re rarely separated. If one of them agrees to stay here, then the other one has to leave. Neither wants that.
Our president doesn’t even look surprised by the reluctance. He knows damn well what he’s asking.
“I know she can take care of herself, but she’s too good at getting in trouble if left alone.” Judge pinches his brow, his frustration seeping through. “It’s just for a day or two. You’ve faced worse than her. Don’t make me pick.”
The only reason he hasn’t already is because he doesn’t want to be blamed if the ebony-colored-haired woman does try to end her babysitter’s life.
“Well?”
“I’ll do it.” Lifting a finger to catch his attention, my mouth curves. “But I want something in return for putting my life in danger.”
The other prospects glance at me, curious about how I’d have the guts to make demands in my position.
That’s the problem. I’mtiredof being in my position. It’s been over a year, and Diesel isn’t any closer to promoting me to a patch holder. Throw in his distractions with his girl, and I’m going to be a fucking prospect for the rest of my days. I want to be respected. I want to be known as something more than some gag. I want to besomebody.
“I want patched in.” Maintaining eye contact, I can’t help but swallow thickly at the scowl that forms on his lips. Dude can be scary without even trying.
“With everything going on, that’s your main concern?” Pinching his eyes shut, his chest swells with his next breath before he nods. “Fine, sure. After what she’s going to put you through, you’ll deserve it. Now, come on. We have to break the news. Let’s see if you can make it past that.”
At the green light, I don’t even care about what I’m walking into. I’m on my feet in an instant, ready to take on one last chore before I can finally get what I’ve always wanted.
Unable to keep the smile off of my lips, I can’t help but drink in her anger now that we’re both facing the twins. Feeling like I’m strolling toward the finish line, I barely even hear Judge give the women the rundown.
Penelope’s eyes go wide while her sister’s eyes turn into narrow slits. Oh, if looks could kill.
“No.” Hardly to my surprise, the woman seethes at Judge’s words. Like very few, she has no issue fighting him on certain decisions, especially those that involve her. The way she’s looking at me, those green eyes filled to the brim with hatred, I know she’s going to pour all of that anger onto me. “He’s bad fucking luck. I’m not letting someone like that watch over me.”
Okay, sure, she’s got a point there. Do I fuck up occasionally? Sure. But hey, most people do. Sometimes I break things without meaning to, or impulsively make last-second decisions that land me in hot water. So what? I earned my name, and though it may have been a running joke for the first few weeks, I learned to love it. Learned how to aim my misfortune onto my enemies.
“At least give me someone who is patched in,” she continues, driving a blade right where it fucking hurts. “Not a prospect.”
Against my sides, my fingers curl into fists tight enough to feel the sting of my nails digging deep into flesh. Any deeper and I’ll draw blood. Despite my teeth clenching, I maintain the smile on my lips.
This woman, even if she’s going to become the bane of my existence, is going to be what finally gives me what I want. So, she can insult me all she wants, but no matter what. I’m getting that damn patch.
Judge doesn’t bother hiding his annoyance with the slight roll of his eyes. “He volunteered. Be grateful. No one else wants to put up with you. If I ever see you two apart, I’ll handcuff you together. I don’t care.”
Fuck that. I would cut off her hand and see if her pride would let her save herself from bleeding out. Maybe if she’d beg for my help, I’d consider it.
“Kinky. You into that, little bird?” Using the pet name I know she hates, the one I made solely because of how often I’ve heard her bitching about being trapped here, I watch in delight as her eyes flare. Unlike the others, I don’t flinch. I lean in, ready todump gasoline on both of our short tempers. “Being tied up with someone worth less than you?”
Painting me as such makes my blood run hot. If there’s one thing I’m willing to bet on, this chick is full of herself. She’s not someone all high and mighty. All I have to do is figure out what makes her tick, and then the rest of this will be easy.
Once Raven submits, I can show her exactly where I stand. Knocking her down a peg or two might be the perfect start to getting her there.
The sudden sound of glass breaking halts my triumphant thoughts. In a matter of seconds, I’m forced to jerk back as a broken bottle is thrust in my direction. There’s no hesitation at all, and she all but barely grazes my throat.
Holy shit.It takes strength not to laugh. The question is, would it be filled with amusement or fueled by fear?
Raven continues to seethe, and I can’t sense even an ounce of warmth in those eyes. Instead, they’re completely cool, void. “Touch me, and I will not hesitate to make you bleed.”
I can’t lie, I get a slight tingle in my chest at her threat. She’s surprisingly serious. Having been faced with men who’d spoken similar threats, I’ve memorized the murderous intent, and this beauty is overflowing with it.
Behind me, I hear the other prospects not even trying to hide their amusement as Ace is the first to bark out a laugh. Fuckers.
