“Have you heard from Frankie?”
Her eyes shine.
“He calls, but it’s not the same though.”
Imogen shakes her head. “Ryder is pissed. Cassie is banned from leaving the compound unless she’s accompanied.”
“I’m sorry.”
She shrugs. “It’s fine. I’m due to begin a law course in the fall, so I’m studying hard for that.”
“It must suck not being able to see Frankie.”
Cassie’s smile dims. “I hate it, but well, he’s busy with his family and we made plans to meet up when the dust settles.”
Imogen adds. “He told Cassie he would visit her in the city when she starts work.”
“It won’t be the same, though.”
Cassie sighs. “Sometimes I hate being the protected princess of the president of an MC club. I can’t move now without him breathing down my neck.”
She chucks back the alcohol and appears so dejected, I am sorry for her.
“What about you and Drake?”
I turn to Imogen, and the happiness in her smile is the opposite of Cassie’s expression.
“Lucky for me, my father approves. The fact that Drake’s a Reaper meant he couldn’t use any argument that he’s not good enough for me. We’re taking it slow, though. You know, dating, enjoying one another’s company, and I’m liking the stage we’re at.”
“What will you do when Cassie starts law school?”
I’m interested in their future plans, and Imogen’s face lights up. “I’m heading for teacher training. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, and I want to focus on elementary school.”
“That’s a great choice.”
My smile is warm as I soak up the atmosphere. It’s easy being with the girls; they are no threat, familiar, and so kind. We alsohave the shared horror of Rockwell Academy, and my thoughts turn to the last people on the list.
“What about Jack? Is he still with Siri?”
Cassie nods, but her gaze falls to the floor, and Imogen answers, “Like Cassie and Frankie, they mainly talk on the phone. Siri is looking to be an accountant, and Jack, well–” Her smile fades. “Is set on a military career. He leaves next month.”
I glance at Cassie, who is staring at the ground, and as I catch Imogen’s eye, she shakes her head, warning the subject is closed.
“So, enough about us, honey. Tell us what happened when Blade whisked you off on the back of his Harley.”
This gets Cassie’s attention, and I can’t help smiling.
“We rode to a cabin in the mountains and, to be perfectly honest, I loved every minute of it.”
They lean forward, their eyes sparkling with interest.
“That’s how Snake and Bonnie got together.” Cassie adds and Imogen nods.
“He always says they would still be there now if she hadn’t fallen in love with him.”
“Why?”
“Because he realized the moment he set eyes on her that she was the one, and if it took him a lifetime to convince her, he would happily die trying.”
