“And here we go again. I knew you would be nagging the hell out of me—”
He broke off, swaying so far to one side that it was a miracle he remained upright. Tarzan strode across the room in an instant, catching Teddy by the arm. He eased Teddy into a nearby chair and leaned over him.
“Why the fuck didn’t you go to the hospital? Ironside said you refused.”
Teddy scowled. “I hate them. You know that. Full of puke and disease and death. And I amnotdying today.”
Tarzan inhaled a breath of infinite patience and let it out slowly.
“Tell me what happened.”
Teddy blinked and his chin bobbed toward his chest as he struggled to stay conscious.
“Some fucker took a shot at me,” he said. “In my own house. I ran him down. Managed to catch him. Turns out, he’s a Filthy Rebel. And you wanna hear the part that pisses me off the most?”
Tarzan waited with a shadow darkening his expression. It was so deadly quiet in the bar that I could have heard a pin drop.
“He said I wasn’t the target,” Teddy added. “He wanted a Prospect. Not a patched member.”
That muscle jumped in Tarzan’s jaw again.
“So, he was aiming for me. Not you.”
“Exactly,” Teddy said. “I don’t like it when someone goes after my big brother. Especially when he’s supposed to be enjoying his date—”
He stopped as understanding dawned on his face. Sitting up with a wince, he glanced at me and his face brightened.
“Hey, you brought Cherry along,” he said, his voice a dry rasp. “No wonder you’re obsessed, brother. She’s cute.”
My cheeks heated. Tarzan glanced over his shoulder at me and his eyes softened. He thumped his fist lightly against Teddy’s chest.
“Stay there,” he said sternly. “And don’t move. Or you run the risk of ripping open your stitches.”
“Bossy pants,” Teddy groused good-naturedly.
Tarzan ruffled his hair. “Dumbass,” he replied, affectionately.
A small smile touched my lips. They clearly cared for each other in their own way. It made me jealous to see their bond, wishing I could have had a brother or sister like that.
Tarzan crossed the room to my side, cupping my elbow.
“You have so much explaining to do,” I whispered.
“I know,” he replied gently. “We can talk after I get Teddy settled.”
He gestured to a woman behind the bar, about my age. Her long, glossy black hair was tipped in electric purple. She wore a sheer black crop top, with a lacy dragon twisting along the front, paired with a dark red bra underneath.
“Keely, this is Lila,” Tarzan said. “She’s the club President’s daughter. If anyone gives you shit for being here—which they shouldn’t—Lila will rip ‘em a new one.”
Lila pulled up a chair and dropped into it, crossing her arms with a smirk.
“Most of these shitheads have been around since I was a kid. All you have to do is bully them a little and they love you for it.”
“Oh, well, that’s…that’s not really my style,” I fumbled.
“Love your dress by the way,” she said. “It’s very vintage chic.”
I beamed at the compliment. “Thank you! I love your top. I’ve never had the guts to wear anything sheer before but I’ve always wanted to try it.”
