“Holy shit,” says David. “She like old dudes. No way. I thought she was a lesbian.”
They all howl.
I give him a leering grin. “Are you jealous, David?”
David’s face burns with rage.
“Of course he isn’t jealous. He’s with me,” says Rachel, wrapping an arm around the jerk.
“Lucky you,” I reply.
Rachel rolls her eyes and flips her hair.
Austin leans closer and hisses in my ear, “That must be why he’s letting you stay over there. Are you spreading your legs for him?”
“Okay, kid. Time to take a hike,” Sonny warns.
“No can do, sweetheart.” Austin clicks his teeth. “Tim asked us over for a meeting with Mike.”
In walks the man from the other MC.Tim?He snaps his fingers at Austin and David and points toward the closed door. “Let’s go. Worry about tail later.”
Before they can knock on the door, it opens and Jack walks out. His eyes trail from Tim to the two behind him.
“What the fuck is going on?” Jack yells, his gaze bouncing from Tim to the room he is leaving and back to me.
Austin stands tall and says, “Oh, piecing the puzzle together, is all. Why Jessi wasn’t into David, and why you’re letting her stay there. She fucking you? Never pegged her for a biker bunny.”
“You all are a piece of shit,” Jack spits. “And you.” He jabs his finger into Austin’s chest, forcing him to step back. “You’re a sorry excuse for a brother. You make me sick.”He fixes his attention on Mike. “No fucking way are we getting into bed with you fuckers. I want their drug supply cut. Find someone else for the cameras.”
Mike steps out as I head toward Jack. “Jack, we talked about this,” he stammers. “While I didn’t know these two had anything to do with Jessi, we made a deal and the club needs this. Other clubs are getting shipments disrupted and we need to figure out who is involved. These kids can do it. Deal’s done, man.”
Tim sticks his arms out, keeping Austin back. “Hold up. You know each other?”
Jack huffs out a breath.
Austin flashes his teeth cruelly, darkness falling over his face. “Youmakemesick, you pedophile. Wait until Jeremy hears Jessi has been giving it up to you. I bet he’ll want to know exactly when this thing started. Bet you were fucking her while she was still in high school.”
Something snaps in me. I scream, jumping out from behind Jack. “It’s not like that! I’m a virgin. I’ve never slept with anyone. Go tell Dad, Austin. I dare you. Then I canfinallytell him all about your parties and drinking. You think he’ll be happy to hear you are risking your athletic career by getting wasted? Then I’ll tell him about the drugs. Oh, and the hacking. Yeah, you didn’tthink I knew about that, huh? Well, I do. So, if you say a word and try to hurt Jack, I’ll spill it all.” I smile through the tears falling down my face. I’ve never threatened him or stood up for myself, but having Jack beside me makes me stronger.
“Mike, who is this bitch and who is she threatening to talk to?” Tim seethes.
“You wouldn’t dare,” Austin says, as if Tim isn’t there. “You’re too weak and pathetic. You can play innocent all you want in front of Jack, but Austin flat out told us he had ‘fun’ with you. And you didn’t say a word to deny it.” Austin continues, “Jack, if she isn’t with you, she is giving it to your biker buddy. You might want to move on from her. Thank God David finally did.”
Jack’s eyes are black. His fists clench and unclench. His breathing deepens and speeds up. “If you say one more insulting word to her, I’ll end you right now.”
“Jack, take Jessi and cool off. Now!” Mike yells. “Tim, take your guys with you. This is their one warning. They do not wear a cut, and they are insulting a member of my club. They won’t get a second chance. I don’t care if you employ them.”
“Whatever. She isn’t worth our time.” Austin scoffs, sweat beading on his brow and his hands trembling.Is he scared?
Jack marches us outside and straight to his bike. I can’t stop shaking. Adrenaline and fear course through me. I’m an inch away from collapsing.
“You okay?” Jack asks, his voice tight. He helps me prop my leg over the seat.
“I . . . think so.”
Jack fastens the helmet while staring into my watery eyes. “Is it true?”
“Is what true?”
