Ivy turns to face the table. “Uh huh, and I hear the clap is going around again. You really need to wear two rubbers with some of those skanks you’re bringing in.” She screws up her nose and Bane pinches the bridge of his own.
Shadow, I notice, stares at her. “You gonna share, princess?”
I don’t know, but somehow it’s almost like it has a double meaning.
“Don’t rattle her,” Hornet begs. “She’ll dump that entire tray on your head and then we’ll all miss out.”
“Listen to the man,” Ivy replies, smiling pleasantly. “Some of us could do with a little more respect around here.”
Viking snorts while Hornet reaches over the table, and Ivy lets him have one. “Only because I like you,” she says. “And you’re nice to me.”
“Better not be bein’ too nice,” Bane cuts in. “If he wants to keep his balls intact.”
Hornet reaches under the table and cups himself. “Still hangin’ fine, Prez, like to keep it that way.”
“Then quit bein’ a kiss ass.”
Shadow still stares at her, and when her eyes finally lift to his, she slowly, deliberately holds the tray toward him. He leans forward, and just as he tries again to snag one, she rips it away.
“Stop bein’ a brat, Ivy,” he mutters. “Seriously.”
“Maybe I just like annoying you,Shane.”
Oh, here we go.
“Don’t call me that,” he tells her. “You know, as the Prez’s little sister, one would think you’d know how to fuckin’ act inside Church.”
She is not put off one iota by his words. “Or maybe I just don’t play by the rules.”
“You’re gonna play by my rules or else,” Bane says, his eyes cast on her. “Stop goofin’ off and learn your place. Not settin’ a good example here?—”
“Oh, it’s fine.” Payden waves a hand. “Continue on as if we aren’t here.”
Bane’s nostrils flair and I can tell his sister is testing his patience.
“Sorry, big brother,” she says, holding the tray to him. “But don’t blame me, blame our genes. I can’t help it if things just fly out of my mouth.”
“Did you forget your anti-bitchy pills this mornin’?” Shadow says, reaching forward. This time he manages to snag two, sitting back looking triumphant.
“Hey!”
He shrugs. “Snooze, you lose.”
She sets the tray down on the table and then her eyes widen. “Oh my god! I didn’t see the doggie!”
“Jesus,” Bane mutters.
She moves around to squeeze between me and Payden. “Oh, what a cutie. What’s his or her name?”
“Dozer,” I say. “He’s a foster. He came to me in pretty bad shape, lost a leg because his previous abusers wouldn’t seek medical attention. Couldn’t take him back to the shelter.”
“Oh, he’s so sweet. Would you like to come to Aunty Ivy, you sweet, sweet little thing?” she coos. “I have some fresh chicken in my kitchen.”
Actually, he’s about due for a meal.
“I’m sure he won’t say no,” I chuckle. I hand him over and he looks up at her with his cute little face. I have to admit, this little guy is not just growing on me—he’s past the go sign. He slept all the way in the car, not making a sound. While the last twenty-four hours have been chaotic, having him snooze in the console between us in his bed felt like the most natural thing in the world.
“Can I come with Aunty Ivy too and have chicken fed to me?” Hornet laughs.
