“I’m not feeling so well. We should go.”
“I just ordered my ice cream. Get yourself a 7-Up or a Coke. Whenever I was sick when I was a little girl, my mama always gave me something fizzy. It really helps an upset stomach, but if you really want to go, we can.”
“No… that’s okay. Just hurry and eat your ice cream so we can go.”
“All right.” The waitress came back with a bowl of ice cream and placed it in front of Sylvia. She picked up the dishes and walked away. “Mmmm… this is so good. Do you want to try a small taste?”
Fallon shook her head, her stomach twisting.Why am I so bothered by him being here? He was nice to me. He made me feel some weird shit. I hope he doesn’t see me. I don’t want to talk to him.
“Well, I’ll be damned. You know that bouncer your dad hired? You know, the good-looking one who’s built real nice with the beard and shaved head? He’s over there with that table of bikers. Shit, I didn’t know he was a biker. That awesome Harley that’s parked behind the warehouse during the fights must be his. Well I’ll be damned.” Sylvia pushed away her ice cream and took out her compact again. She touched up her lipstick and blotted her face with a tissue. Pushing up her hair with her fingers, she ran her tongue over her teeth, then smiled. “Any lipstick on my teeth?”
“No. Are you going over there?” Fallon whispered.
“What’s the matter with you? And sit up. Before you know it, your butt’s gonna hit the floor.”
“It looks like you’re finished. Can we go?”
Shaking her head, Sylvia scooted out of the booth. “I have to go to the ladies’ room. Ask the waitress for the check.”
Fallon motioned for the waitress who ignored her. “Ma’am,” she said in a loud voice. A few diners looked at her. The woman came over. “We’d like our check now.” The waitress nodded and walked away. Fallon began to breathe more normally.We’ll be out of here in about ten minutes.
“Hi, Fallon.” The deep voice washed over her.
She glanced sideways, but she knew it was him before her gaze landed on his. A clean scent of soap and the breeze wafted around her. His blue jeans were tight around his corded legs, and his black muscle shirt molded against his ripped chest. The ink images were brighter in the sunlight and beckoned her to come in closer for a better look. Her head swirling, she propped her elbow on the table and cupped her face in her hand.
“I didn’t expect to see you in Alina. It’s a nice surprise.” His jean-clad thigh leaned against the table. He was dangerously close.
“Sylvia asked me to come with her,” she mumbled.Can I be any lamer? I wish I could just disappear.
“Hey there.” Sylvia’s cheerful voice was like an electric shock to Fallon’s nerves. “Why don’t you take a seat and join us for a bit? I was just ready to order a root beer.” She patted the space next to her.
“I think I will.” Diablo slid into the booth next to Fallon.
What the fuck?She scrambled to the far side of the booth, plastering herself against the wall.
Diablo chuckled. “I don’t bite, sweet pea.” Fallon glanced at Sylvia whose eyes were twinkling. “What’re you ladies doing in Alina?”
“We came to do some shopping. I bought a lot of nice things and Fallon bought a nice fragrance. She’s wearing it now. Do you like it?”
Sylvia… I could fucking kill you right now.
Diablo scooted closer to Fallon, then inhaled. “You smell real good.” His breath warmed her shoulder. “And you look real pretty today,” he whispered.
A shiver ran through her. She turned to him. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“I didn’t know you were a biker,” Sylvia said.
Diablo nodded. “I’m with the Night Rebels.” His eyes never left Fallon’s.
“You got some good-looking members sitting over there.” Sylvia picked up her root beer and took a sip.
“They come to the fights. Next time they’re there, I’ll introduce you. They like meeting new women.” He still held Fallon’s gaze.
“Did you want anything else?” the waitress asked. “I added in the root beer.”
“Anything else, Fallon?” Sylvia asked.
“No. We have to be going. It’s getting late.”
