Page 34 of Kiwi

Jia gasps and claps her hands. "Tell me everything."

"I wouldn't get too excited, and there is nothing to tell. He kissed me. I thought it would lead to something more, but it didn't. He chose to end it before it started."

"What the hell for?"

"It's complicated."

"Complicated how?"

"You'd have to understand how club life works to understand why things between Tai and me could be a disaster. I'm the daughter of The Kings of Retribution Enforcer. That makes me off-limits to any other members. It's like an unwritten rule."

"Oh," Jia's shoulders slump. "So, would he like, be kicked out of the club or something?"

I shrug. "Honestly, I don't know. But I went to Tai's house last night and told him I was all in. I told him I was willing to face my dad and the club for any chance that we could be together, but he made it clear he didn't feel the same way."

"Damn, Piper. I'm sorry."

I wave Jia off and try to fight back the tears that threaten to spill. "It is what it is. No sense in dwelling."

Luckily, our food arrives, and our conversation about Tai ends. Minutes later, Jia and I are enjoying the comfortable silence along with some delicious food when out of the corner of my eye, I notice a few patrons whispering and pointing toward the entrance of the restaurant. My eyes travel to where they're attention is to see a familiar face striding in with his bandmates in tow.

"Holy shit! That's Easton Evans and some of his band mates from East of Addiction," Jia whisper shouts.

I watch as Easton speaks to the hostess, and she not so subtly bats her eyelashes while she shows him to a table. As he follows behind the woman, Easton's gaze drifts across the room, stopping on me. He looks shocked for a moment. Then his lips lift into a smirk. I give him a smile of my own, and wave.

"Fuck, he's coming this way." Jia begins to fidget in her seat. "Act normal."

Easton stops beside our table, and I almost laugh at the shocked look on my friend's face.

Easton plops down in the seat next to me and rests his arm on the back of my chair. "Fancy seeing you here."

"How's it going, Easton?"

"Can't complain. What about you? What brings you to Sin City, Piper?"

"Just a girl's trip with my friend," I point to Jia. "Easton, this is my friend, Jia."

Easton reaches his arm across the table. "Good to meet you, Jia."

Though still star-struck, Jia does manage to shake Easton's hand.

"What about you? You in Vegas on business or pleasure?"

Easton gives me a panty-melting grin. "Both."

I shake my head. "You know, I just saw your sister yesterday. The Montana Chapter is in New Orleans."

"Oh, yeah? I haven't talked to Em in about a week. How is everyone?"

"They're good." I give him a warm smile.

"So." Easton helps himself to a breadstick, taking a big bite and talking around a mouthful. "What are your plans while in town?"

"Jia and I are going to hit up a few shows, maybe check out the club scene."

"Does one of the shows on your itinerary involve yours truly?"

"I wish," Jia cuts in. "Tickets have been sold out for months."