He tried to murder you.That nasty inner devil cackles on my shoulder, effectively breaking the spell we’re under. I sit back and look away, feeling heartsick and confused. After a few seconds, he resumes his ministrations on my arm, fixing the new bandage securely in place.
He stands, shoving his hands deep in the pocket of his jeans as he eyeballs me. “I need to check on my mom. I want you to come. The others have stuff to do.”
“Okay,” I say before I’ve had time to second-guess myself. Galen and I need to spend time alone to start healing, and he’s extended an olive branch.
His eyes land on mine. “Okay. I’ll wait outside. Take your time.”
I rummage through the bag I brought with me last night, finding a wrinkled green knee-length jersey dress. I pair it with black-and-white-striped leggings, my white Vans, and my black leather jacket. Letting my damp hair hang in soft waves, I slick some gloss on my lips and apply a light layer of blush to my cheeks and a thick layer of mascara to my lashes. I grab my purse and cell just as it vibrates.
I curse as I read the message from Dar, slipping my cell in my purse and bounding down the stairs.
The lower level is empty, so the guys must be either in the workout barn or they’ve gone someplace. I walk to the wall with the framed posters, taking a few quick pics of the naked women, smirking as I head outside to meet Galen.
He’s already behind the wheel of my Lexus, so I slide in the passenger seat. “You sure you’re okay to drive?”
“I’m fine.” His eyes rake over my body in appreciation. “I barely register the pain in my ribs anymore,” he adds, starting the engine.
“Darrow just messaged me,” I say, bringing my knees up to my chest.
“Shit. When does he want to meet?”
“Later today, but I told him midweek.”
He smirks. “Bet that went down well.”
“I really don’t give a fuck. I’m not at his beck and call, and he needs to remember that.” I glance out the window as we approach the gate that hides their place from prying eyes. Galen pops out, and I slide into the driver’s seat, maneuvering the car out onto the road. Galen secures the gate and sets the alarm through his cell before climbing back in the car. I crawl into the passenger seat, and we head out.
“Has Dar reached out to you since you met with him?” I ask, and he shakes his head.
“Nope, but I’m not surprised. I fully expect him to drag this out now that he thinks you’re going to feed him intel.” He punches a button on his cell. “We should update the others.”
I nod, listening as Galen tells Saint Dar has reached out.
“I need something to give him,” I say.
“We have it covered.” Saint’s deep tone does funny things to me even through the phone. “Sinner has a truck coming from Mexico next Wednesday.”
“Since when?” Galen asks, frowning.
“I overheard him on the phone just now.”
“You’re at the house?” I ask.
“Yeah. He summoned me.”
“For what?” I sit up straighter.
“Probably an update on the Lowell Academy situation. He’s eager to lock Lowell down tight. Jase and Chad gave up their supplier. This is the guy we’ve been trying to find. He’s the only other dealer on the street, so we’ll get the academy and sole ownership of the town as soon as we take him out.”
“Why’d they give up their supplier?”
“Idiot raised his prices in some misguided notion that he has a monopoly,” Galen says, smirking.
“Your jock buddies don’t like being ripped off, so he’s delivered his turf right into our hands.”
“What will you tell Sinner?” I ask.
“I’ll feed him a few nuggets to get him off our back but not enough that he’ll be pushing you to complete your other two initiation tasks.”
