I shake my head as I swallow down the lump of emotion. “He passed away recently. He was the Bowman.”
“Oh.” Kira perks up. “I know that name. Ky and Gerard have been talking about him a lot lately. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” I smile weakly.
Kira glances at the flashy Apple Watch on her wrist. “I don’t know what time Ky and Damon will be back, but I am starving. Why don’t I give you a few minutes to finish unpacking and freshen up, and we can meet downstairs for dinner? My treat.”
“Oh, no, that’s—”
“Totally necessary,” Kira finishes my sentence. “I am dying to hear all the stories I can about Ky as a kid.” She’s as giddy as a little girl at Christmas.
“Ha! I have plenty of those.”
“Well, I can’t wait to hear all of them. It’s a date?” She’s hopeful.
“Absolutely. I can use a decent dinner and a good glass of wine.”
“I’ll have a bottle chilling at the table.” Her smile turns devious. “Girls’ night,” she chimes as she walks backward toward the door.
“Sounds like a plan to me. A break from all things Damon La Rue sounds like a godsend.”
Kira picks up on the undertone of my comment immediately, but she doesn’t acknowledge it.
I have a feeling we’re going to be talking about way more than just Ky at dinner
Once I have a moment to myself, I take the time to decompress.
Staring out the window at the flashy hotels, I daydream about better times. About when my father would take road trips to Vegas with Gambit and Griller, and bring Ky, Damon, and me with them. Our fathers would spend all night gambling at the casinos, then spend all day with us, sleeping by the pool. Those were my family vacations — a ride through the desert on the back of a motorcycle, room service, and a rooftop pool with two guys who loved to annoy me. I find myself smiling, remembering the simpler times.
Now, everything is a fucking wreck.
It’s definitely not the Vegas vacation I would choose to take.
Before I hop in the shower and start getting ready for “girls’ night” with Kira, I shoot a text to Shyla and Sable. They are saving my ass right now by taking care of Animar.
Me:everything good?
Sable:fine. Having fun with your bf in Vegas?
I rollmy eyes at the reply. I didn’t even tell them I was with Damon. They just speculated when I up and took off. The last thing I need is my sisters involved in any of this. So, I’ll let them think what they like just as long Pony stays away from them. They never cared much about the club or our father’s dealings. I was the one who learned the family business per se. The one who loved the MC and everything that went along with it.
Me:sometimes a girl’s just got to get out of town. Shit was getting too heavy. Have you ended up in a hotel room with Blaine yet?
Silence.
I’ll takethat as a yes.
I shower,dress, and blow dry my hair, letting my natural waves fly free. The pink ends of my hair falling just below my shoulders. Some light makeup and a casual dress with flats has me ready in no time.
My stomach rumbles as I ride the elevator down to the lobby. I realize between waking up late, the Squad’s surprise appearance, and the change in accommodations, all I’ve had to eat today was a stick of gum.
Kira is waiting in the lobby when I arrive. She’s changed into an all-white jumpsuit with gold accessories. The word goddess comes to mind when I look at her.
“Ready? I’m starving.” She’s cheerful and friendly.
“Me, too. I love this outfit.” We walk toward the restaurant.
“Thanks. I love your hair. Maybe I should put a little color in mine,” she considers.
