Xandy scooted closer and whispered, “I like that name.”
I looked at my long-time friend. Her strawberry blonde hair was messy as usual, but her brown eyes were so warm.
“You’re nervous about Zodiac, right? That’s why you’re gnawing on your bottom lip so hard.”
“I’m afraid he’ll laugh at me.”
“Then point and laugh back at him.”
I shared her smile, even if I wasn’t sure I could keep my cool with Zodiac once he unleashed his gorgeous smile on me.
Zodiac’s apartment was above his clubhouse in a dicey area of Baton Rouge. The road was a mix of new medical locations, fast food restaurants, and pawn shops.
DTF Roadhouse’s parking lot was in the back. Sabrina pulled her SUV next to Zodiac’s ride. I heard he had more than one, but I didn’t know if he kept them somewhere safer. Or maybe he wasn’t around, and this was the ride he left behind.
“Good luck, skank,” Sabrina said as I grabbed my overnight bag. “No matter what happens, your life is already like a delicious cupcake. This guy could be the cherry on top or the wrapper on the bottom that you throw in the trash. Either way, you’ll still end up with a delicious cupcake.”
Smiling at the three of them, I left the SUV and took a deep breath. I was wearing a flattering blue T-shirt and comfy black sweatpants. My hair was loose, and my makeup casual.
“We’re hitting up a nearby restaurant,” Sabrina said, just to settle my nerves. “If things go wrong or he isn’t home, text me and we’ll circle back for you.”
After Sabrina pulled away, I looked up at the black steel staircase leading to a small landing near a discolored door with a “Keep Out” sign posted. I started up the steps, struggling against my nerves. I felt bloated and overly paranoid.
I was four steps up when I noticed the security camera pointed in my direction. I was halfway up when the door opened, and a shirtless Zodiac stormed out.
His icy blue shined with rage while he barked, “What in the fuck are you doing?”
Before responding, I took a moment to admire his bare chest. The sight of his tanned, tatted flesh and sculpted muscles was nearly too much to take in without drooling.
“I asked you a question,” Zodiac snapped and walked down the several steps between us. He hooked his hand under my armpit and dragged me upstairs. “Does your brother or father know about this bullshit idea of yours?”
Before he could pull me into his apartment, I yanked free and frowned.
“Why are you half dressed? Is there a club slut in your apartment? Ugh, is your place sticky?”
Rather than find my comments funny, Zodiac pushed me into his apartment and slammed the door. I turned away from him and examined the narrow living room.
Rather than gross, the renovated apartment smelled clean and looked well-kept. The living room and kitchen combo was a mix of slate grey and weathered wood. His furniture was far more expensive than I expected.
I should have assumed Zodiac would splurge on the finer things. His motorcycles were custom-built. He was well-groomed. There was no reason to be surprised about his snazzy apartment.
“You can’t do this shit,” Zodiac growled and turned me toward him. “Coming here is fucking suicidal.”
“I drove down with three foxes. Clint and Ford also know I’m here. Why are you flipping out?”
“If someone from the Void is keeping an eye on you, they could have attacked while you were on the highway.”
“If someone from the Void is watching me, they didn’t need me to drive here to take their shot.”
“What the fuck was so important that you had to sneak attack me like this?”
“I wanted to see you,” I said and tried to get past him and out of the tiny foyer where he kept me trapped. “You should feel flattered.”
“If you had texted, I’d have come to your town.”
“Why are you upset about me being here?” I asked, glancing around for signs that I interrupted an afternoon fuck. “Am I cramping your style?”
Zodiac’s temper flared instantly. I saw him ready to blow his top. I shoved my overnight bag between us and planned to use it as a weapon.
