April was pissing me off. She’d ignored my calls since yesterday, and I was now riding to see what had crawled up her ass this time. Surely, she wasn’t pissed that I’d had lunch with Briar? If so, then we wouldn’t work. My family wasn’t something I would ever relinquish. I was also mad because Margrave hadfinally deviated from his usual routine, but instead of chasing him down, I was hunting April.
I hoped April was at home because I couldn’t afford time away from Julie’s case. When I parked, the door opened, and Rose stood there with disapproval leeching from her pores.
“Miss April isn’t available.”
“Tough shit. Rose, I’ve not got the patience to deal with April’s hissy fit,” I said, approaching.
“You’re not welcome here!”
“Why not?”
“Maybe because you’re dating other women. April admits you hadn’t discussed your fledgling relationship yet, but she had assumed exclusivity,” Clara stated, appearing.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” I demanded.
“April witnessed you at lunch with a beautiful woman. She said you were very cosy, and it was clear you were incredibly familiar with each other,” Clara announced.
I stopped walking and stared in disbelief. “You’re saying that April has accused me of cheating?”
“Not as if you don’t have form for it,” Rose replied tartly and folded her arms.
Completely bemused but with anger growing, I threw back my head and laughed. The sound was grating and harsh.
“Give April a message. She can take ourfledgling relationshipand shove it up her ass.” Clara looked affronted. “If April weren’t such a paranoid bitch, she could have said hi to Briar!”
With that, I turned and marched away. Screw April. I had shit to do. I wasn’t playing into this bullshit.
“Briar? April never mentioned Briar! Wait, Stone, I think a mistake has been made!” Clara called.
“Clara, I don’t give a fuck. Instead of wasting my time on April’s crap, I should have been looking for a missing eighteen-year-old girl. See ya around,” I said in reply and revved my bike and pulled away.
April
Briar? That hadn’t been Briar. Stone’s sister was dowdy and a little chubby. This woman had been a damn model. Harlequin was lying through his teeth. That bastard. Did Stone really think I’d believe the beauty whom he looked at with such love was his sister? Hours had passed since he’d left, and I was still stewing over the lies. And truthfully, I was as bitter as hell.
Well, guess what? What’s good for the goose is also good for the gander. I snatched my phone and texted Teagan to see if she wanted to be my wingman. Teagan responded with a hell yes.
Anger riding me, I yanked out a little red dress that looked great despite my weight and put on some makeup. Teagan would meet me at the Hellfire bar, and I hoped that Stone would be there to view me in my glory.
I didn’t pine after any man anymore! Tonight, I was going to flirt and take somebody back to a hotel and screw their brains out. Fuck Stone Ryan!
Harlequin
Briar looked amused when I explained what had happened. “Guess I’ve changed a lot in the last few years.”
“Don’t care. Could you picture living with that? Being accused of fucking every woman I speak to? Shit, I thought April was open to trying again. Instead, she’ll use the past to beat me constantly. God, can you imagine life with that level of jealousy and paranoia?”
“Stone, April made the first move. She invited you on a date. If April wasn’t ready, she shouldn’t have asked you. That’s poor judgement.”
“What are we talking about?” Mom inquired as she entered the dining room.
“Jealous bitches,” Briar stated, and I choked on my laughter.
Mom stared at us, and her eyes narrowed. “What am I missing?”
Briar and I swapped glances, and Mom groaned. “You know, for your age difference, you two are extremely close.”
“As we should be,” Briar retorted as Dad entered carrying Mom’s huge casserole pot, which he placed near Mom—she always served.
