“Bear, Thalia,” Shotgun replied as he held out a chair. He put his back to the wall, something that Bear had also done. Shotgun always did this. Rain explained that it was so Shotgun could keep an eye on the room. It was a protective move.
“Allegra,” Thalia snapped coldly. Oh, yup, her mind was working overtime.
“Thalia, a pleasure to see you again.”
“Is it? I’m surprised,” Thalia replied with a glare.
“Babe,” Bear murmured, but Thalia kept glaring.
“How’s Rain?”
There it was. I smiled at Shotgun as he reached for my hand. His thumb moved back and forth over my pulse. There was a steady calmness in his touch.
“Rain was perfectly fine when I spoke to him an hour ago,” I answered, and a look of disbelief appeared in her eyes.
“Yet Rain’s at home and not here.”
“Oh no. Rain’s not actually. He’s gone out celebrating. Didn’t you hear? I’m sure Rain told you. ENS hired on his old team a few weeks back, but they’re just getting together for a celebratory meal.”
“So you thought—what? That you’d cheat?” Thalia continued.
“Thal!” Bear warned.
“No. That’s my baby brother, and Rain thinks Allegra’s his girlfriend, but she’s here with Shotgun!” Thalia said, and I heard the anger in her voice.
“Rain knows I’m here.”
Thalia’s eyes grew wide, and she looked like an extra fromThe Exorcist. “What?”
“Rain is aware of my date with Shotgun. Call him if you must.”
“I’m confused. You broke up?” Thalia asked.
“No.” Now, even Bear appeared bewildered. “This is none of your business. So politely, enjoy your meal and butt out.”
“Shotgun, you can’t seriously be okay with this?” Thalia exclaimed.
“Thalia, stay out of it,” Shotgun ordered.
“Hey!” Bear bristled.
“Don’t go there, brother. Thalia’s no say in a brother’s life.”
“I have a say in mine!” Thalia snapped.
“You don’t with me. Now excuse us,” I retorted and turned away. I smirked at Shotgun, who regarded me impassively, but Isaw the amusement in his eyes. But there was also conflict; I was getting shit because he and Rain weren’t out.
“Slut!” Thalia hissed.
Shotgun rose angrily as I spun around. “Remove Thalia now, brother, because I’ll cause a fuckin’ incident,” he threatened.
Bear stood up. “You have to push,” he growled at Thalia, who stared daggers at me.
“One day, those words will haunt you. When they do, don’t look at me for forgiveness,” I replied evenly. Bear grabbed Thalia as confusion rose within her.
“I’m telling Rain. He’s my brother and you’re cheating on him!” Thalia cried.
“Still quick to fuckin’ judge. Losing a finger and the rest of the shit that happened taught you nothing. Remember who rode for you, and show respect,” Shotgun growled out.
