She’s Fiend's daughter, you fuck.
The words stop my thoughts like a scratched record.
I killed her father.
I should send her away. Tell her the truth and watch her walk out that gate before this whole situation gets more complicated than it already is. Yeah, that’s what I should do. That’s what Iwilldo.
But I don't.
The bandage on her cheek makes my hands curl into fists. Whiskey sits heavy in my gut, mixing with something darker, something I haven't felt in months—a protective instinct.
Who did that to her? I want to know. The urge to hunt them down and make them regret every breath they've ever taken is strong.
She spins, and her eyes find mine across the room. Just for a second. Her smile falters, then returns, smaller and more uncertain. She looks away.
Christ. I'm staring at her like some goddamn creep.
I drag my gaze away and reach for my glass, only to find it empty. Again. The prospect behind the bar moves to refill it, but I wave him off. I've had enough for now.
Why the fuck did I insist she be let in?
What the hell was I thinking? I'm barely holding my own shit together most days. I drink too much. I pick fights over nothing. I’m pissed off at the whole fucked up world.
The last thing the girl needs ismewatching over her. She needs someone stable. Someone who isn't drowning.
But she's here now, and I'm the one who vouched for her. That makes her my responsibility, whether I like it or not.
And the fucked-up truth? I do like it. More than I should.
She's beautiful. Even with the bruise and the bandage and the exhaustion written into every line of her body, she's the most beautiful thing I've laid eyes on in months. Years. Maybe ever. And that alone should make me walk away, because what kind of sick bastard looks at his dead best friend's daughter and feels?—
"Zeus, baby.”
I don't turn at the sultry voice. I know who it is.
Kandi sidles up beside me, her tits pressing against my arm, her perfume thick and cloying. "You've been avoiding me."
"Not avoiding. Just not interested."
Her laugh is sharp. "That's not what you said last week."
"Last week I was drunk off my ass.” I shift away from her touch. "Tonight I'm not."
“We could fix that." Her hand slides up my arm, fingers trailing toward my shoulder. "I'll make you forget whatever's bothering you."
I catch her wrist and remove her hand. "Not happening."
Too late, I realize I’m still staring at London and, of course, Kandi notices and follows my gaze. "The homeless bitch?”
"Call her that again and see what happens."
Kandi's eyes widen, but she recovers quickly, forcing a smile. "I'm just saying, Zeus, she's not even club."
"She's under my protection. That makes her club enough."
"Your protection." Kandi's voice turns bitter. "Since when do you protect street rats?"
"We're done here, Kandi. Go find someone else to fuck."
