Ragnor chuckles like this is the best breakfast entertainment he’s had in months. “Man, I like her.”
Shadow doesn’t even glance at him. His eyes stay locked on me, and there’s something there—heat, warning, maybe both—that makes my pulse skip.
I break the stare first, going back to my toast like it’s suddenly the most interesting thing in the world. But I can still feel him watching me.
And the worst part? I like it.
Shadow
I know she’s pissed. She’s been quieter since Sasha walked past. She’s all smiles for Ragnor and all cold shoulder for me.
The thing is, nothing even happened last night. I didn’t touch Sasha. Didn’t touch anyone. I slept on the floor of her room, and we watched reruns of some old comedy show Sasha likes. She said it to wind Remi up after their altercation yesterday.
Ragnor is halfway through telling her about his bike when Axel calls him over.
“Need a word,” Axel says.
Ragnor claps my shoulder on his way past like we’re all friends here.We’re not.But in this life, there are rules, and unless someone lays claim to a woman, any biker is free to talk to her, date her . . .fuck her.
The second he’s gone, I lean closer to Remi. “About Sasha––”
“Don’t,” she cuts me off, not even looking at me.
“Nothing happened,” I say anyway. The need for her to understand the truth is overwhelming.
“Like I said, don’t. I’m not bothered.”
My teeth grind. “You are.”
She finally looks at me, her eyes cool and unreadable. “You’re free to shag who you like, Shadow. Even prostitutes,if that’s your thing.”
Before I can answer, Sasha’s voice cuts in from behind me, sharp as broken glass. “Excuse me?”
I turn my head and find her standing there, hands on hips, glaring between us. Great. Just what I need––women’s drama before I’ve even finished breakfast.
“We’re not doing this,” I say firmly.
“I just wanna know why,” Remi demands, suddenly finding her voice. “Why you can lecture me on who I can talk to, but you can go and fu––”
“I’m just trying to save you from making a fool of yourself.” Her eyes flash with anger, but I keep going. “You think Ragnor wants to wine and dine you? He’ll use you for sex and move on. That’s what we do, Remi. We fuck and move on. But hey, if he’s your bag, have at it. I’m not that fussed . . . I can get cheap pussy anywhere.”
The moment the words leave my mouth, I know I’ve crossed the line. But pride’s a bastard, and I’m already on my feet, shoving my chair back. I grab my kutte from the back of it and stalk out, leaving them both in silence.
I need air.
I need distance.
And I need to work out how the hell I let her get under my skin this bad.
“Pres, can I have a word?” I ask, leaning in Axel’s office doorway.
He looks up. “Sure.”
I head in, closing the door behind me. “Did you do a background search on Remi?”
“You know I do a search on everyone. Why?”
I shrug. “I just wanna know if anything came back.”
