Abi chuckled. “I like that.”
“It’s not a reward.” As soon as Nash said it, he seemed to contemplate it. “Well, it is. For both of us. But really, it’s a new plan. One that doesn’t include Michael Mallor.”
“Now I really like it.”
“Then let’s do this thing so we can get it over with.”
The sooner, the better.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Nash felt Abi crawling across his mating mark, which was hidden underneath the collar of his shirt. Eight tiny legs tickled his skin. Abi wouldn’t be Abi if he didn’t pick a venomous spider. He was the biggest black widow spider ever, but still tiny enough to stay unseen.
We’re too exposed in the city. How are you going to fly out if it becomes necessary?Abi was right. The club was downtown with street parking only. People were everywhere, dressed in their finest club clothes. They glittered in all their shiny short skirts and leather pants.
The lights from the clubs lit up the streets. Some clubs had set tables up on the sidewalk. People sat around drinking and talking. The club block was a social district, so there were already half-drunk people holding colorful drinks and martini glasses. Music floated outside the club doors.
Nash passed a man sitting on the curb between two cars.
The poor guy leaned against a bumper with his eyes half-lidded. “Fuck. I’m gonna puke.”
Nash stopped and pulled out his phone. He dialed Daruss. A phone rang nearby. Nash searched around and found Jude sitting on Daruss’slap and Raylee beside them. Raylee drank something red and, knowing Raylee, it was probably fruity. But the glass was mostly empty. His cheeks were pink, and his eyes were glassy.
Wren and Jonik were at their table too. They had eyes only for each other.
Daruss had a hand up Jude’s shirt. “Yeah.”
“Two things. Pay attention to your other boy, or he’ll puke up fruit-flavored vodka later.” Raylee was far too small to drink so much.
Daruss cursed and pulled the drink away from Raylee.
“Half of that was supposed to be mine. Sheesh, pretty. You sucked it all down.” Jude leaned into Raylee with a smile and kissed him. “I got something else you can suck down.”
Raylee apologized with a silly grin on his face. And then he leaned against Daruss. “The world is spinning, Daddy.”
“I’ll bet it is, baby.” Daruss pulled Raylee against him. “What’s the second thing?”
“There’s a guy sitting on the curb between the two cars. Where I’m standing. He’s going to be a target if someone doesn’t watch out for him.”
“I’m on it.”
You’re a sweetheart, Nash.Was that Abi making fun of him?
Better to rescue him from himself instead of rescuing him from peoplelike Mallor.
Agreed. I didn’t mean it sarcastically. I was being sincere.
Nash smirked.I’m only a sweetheart for you, boy.
Peter was in his head too. Nash felt the invasion as though someone lurked in the shadows of his mind, listening to their conversation. The only difference between Peter and Abi was that Nash knew what Abi felt. He could tie feelings to Abi’s words. Abi felt like a warm blanket. His presence was comforting and loving.
We’re in place. So are your people.
Indeed, Daruss stood, kissing each one of his boys and telling them to take care of each other and Wren. Jonik fell into step alongside Daruss.
Landry didn’t make eye contact with Nash when he appeared by the drunk man’s side. He asked the man if he wanted to join him and his friends, pointing to where Jude, Raylee, and Wren sat. Jude had his arm around Raylee, letting Raylee rest against him.
I’m heading to the club now.
