Mom
My throat tightened as I stared at the screen. She knew I was in danger, she’d been standing next to it during that embarrassing promo for Spyre and Zeus. Isaac had wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
Like they were best friends. Like he’d never kicked us to the curb. Like he’d never abandoned us after my father’s suicide.
“You good?” Spencer asked, her sweet eyebrows scrunching together with worry.
“Yep.” I nodded, shoving the phone away.
With Dom at the helm, we crossed the street. Leo and Spencer had positioned themselves around me, barricading me from the world as if I was a celebrity avoiding the paps. My heart raced at my private security.
Heading straight for the front door, ignoring the line of patrons shivering in the cold, Dom walked up to the bartender and held out an ID.
The bouncer raised an eyebrow, his bulky body rising from his stool as we encroached on the front door. Staring at Dom, he laughed in her face. “It ain’t dyke night.”
3
KIERA
As soon asthe words left the bouncer's mouth, I knew Dom wasn’t going to accept that answer.
With no interest in watching a sidewalk brawl again, I stepped past my beefy, reluctant bodyguard and batted my lashes at the bouncer. “Hey, sorry about her.”
As I lightly touched the bouncer's forearm, I watched his eyes scan my body. He eased for a moment.
“I just, ugh. My total loser of an ex just dumped me and you know what they say…” I gestured toward the bouncer. “Get under someone else.”
Feigning nerves, I tucked a piece of my blonde wig behind my ear. As I did, a group left the bar, music flooding out onto the concrete. I debated running for it, letting the bouncer try to find me in the crowded, dark dance floor.
Now wasn’t the time to back down. I knew I had him on the hook, despite the hesitant aura I could feel coming from behind me. “But my sweet friends wouldn’t let me come out alone.”
Pursing his lips, the bouncer considered it for a moment. He thought about sending me to the back of the line as he lifted his chin.
“Fine. But they have to stay out here.” He nodded and opened the door.
I had a matter of seconds before Dom would grab my arm and stop me from running inside.
Jolting forward, I felt the tips of her fingers just barely miss my bare arm. “Works for me.” As I moved past the bouncer, he stepped in front of my trio.
I looked over my shoulder at Leo and Spencer and mouthed,sorry.
I’m in.I thought as the door closed behind me, trapping me in a dark club with flaring lights and pounding music. A bouncy DJ stood at the far end of the dance floor, raising his arms to the ceiling as he pretended to spin records.
It was the first time I’d been without my shadows in public. I should’ve run to the nearest bartender and told them what happened to me. Especially after everything that I’d learned today.
All I had to do was ghost them, hide inside until I could find someone big enough, tough enough to get me out of here.
I could find a back door somewhere, run for it.
But one thing was clear, Valemont Violence had its talons in me, and there was no leaving them. Even if I did manage to run, I’d always be looking over my shoulder. They had a network and so did Gabriel.
I would always wish that I’d stayed and gotten the answers I needed.
And I’d never know if Leo and Spencer had pulled the wool over my eyes or if they were victims of Dom’s deception just as much as I’d been.
And I knew I couldn’t walk away from the connection between the three of us.
Despite my better judgement, I knew anyone in here could be a spy for Gabriel. Someone looking for a quick reward. Eventhen, a part of me wanted to see this through. Especially with Spencer and Leo by my side.
