“I’m so confused,” I mutter, pulling the sleeves of my jumper over my hands and fidgeting with the fabric.
Red rests her hand over mine. “Why?”
“I saw Siren leaving Drifter’s office and completely lost my shit.” I admit, shame washes over me. “I thought he was shagging her,” I add in a whisper.
“We’ve been over this, Rochelle.” I glance sideways to Red and her expression softens, her eyes laced with sympathy. “He wouldn’t do that.”
“I know. Fuck, I know,” I say with a heavy sigh. “I don’t know what the hell is wrong with me.” I’m angry with myself.
“I do,” says Bella.
“Enlighten me, because right now, I feel like I’m losing my damn mind,” I snap. It comes out harsher than I mean it too, but she doesn’t even flinch. She knows me too well, to let it bother her.
“How long have you been trying to have a baby?” she asks.
I sigh. “Two years.”
“And now it’s a real possibility, you’re facing all the other shit that comes with it. Like what if it still doesn’t happen. Or what if he gets bored and strays.” She twists slightly to look at me properly. “You’re on a shitload of hormones, and they’re probably messing with your brain. But Drifter would never stray. He loves you.”
“How do you know?” I ask, my voice breaking.
“Because we’d kill the fucker if he ever did,” Red interrupts. I smile, a small laugh escaping because I know how true that statement is. I remember the day she squared up to Drifter. She hadn’t been here long when Rock was arrested for punching her ex. She was raging, and she marched right up to Drifter and gave him what-for. She wasn’t scared of him. Drifter thinks she has a death wish, but I think she knows how to keep these bastards in their place.
“You’ve got my back,” I say with a nod.
“Damn straight,” she replies, nudging her shoulder against mine.
DRIFTER
Hell has spent the entire day in our room. Avoiding me? Avoiding the club? Who fucking knows. All I do know is this petty bullshit is driving me insane.
And seeing her eyes filled with more tears broke me in a way she’ll never understand, but making her see she’s being irrational is the only way to get through to her.
I run my hand through my hair, releasing a drawn-out sigh. The music from the bar thumps too loudly. All I want right now is peace. What with her, and everything else, the stress is real and I’m exhausted.
Siren lowers into the seat beside me, her arm gently brushing mine. I clench my jaw, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. She’s the last thing I need right now. As if she senses my reluctance, she holds up her hands, a wry smile pulling on her lips
“I just want a moment of your time.”
A sigh escapes, heavy and laced with irritation. I stare straight ahead, my eyes fixed on the large television above the bar. I take a sip of my drink, savouring the burn in my chest.
“I wanted to say thank you for what you did earlier. You didn’t have to let my brother walk out of here.”
I arch a brow and place my glass back on the bar before slowly turning to look at her. “Did you not hear me earlier? I didn’t do it for you.” My words come out sharp.
She glances down into her lap, her fingers twisting together. For a second, I think she might cry. There’s a definite tear balancing on her lower lash. “Well, I appreciate it all the same. And I’ll keep him in tow, I promise.” Her voice is unsteady, nothing like the brazen act she normally puts on around here.
I sigh, feeling bad. “Don’t worry about it,” I mutter.
Her head snaps up and she bites on her lower lip like she’s trying to stop the smile that spreads over her face. “Thank you.” She pushes to her feet. “And if you ever need anything, even justto talk, you can trust me.” I watch as she places her hand on my shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze.
I inhale sharply, closing my eyes briefly but imaging Hell’s touch. When I open my eyes, Red is standing in front of me with her hands resting firmly on her hips.
I feel Siren stiffen, but she takes her time to slide her hand from my shoulder, all the while keeping her eyes fixed on Red, then looking her up and down in disgust before strutting away with attitude.
“What the fuck are you doing, Drifter?” Red demands, shaking her head like she’s disappointed.
I groan, sensing another lecture coming. I lift my glass, tipping it towards her before knocking it back in one. “Having a fucking drink,” I mutter. “Why is everyone suddenly interested in my fucking private life?” I stand, the barstool scraping back across the floor.
