AllFreeNovel
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“So where are we going?”
“The two disused factories that have been bought near MIA,” Danny replies.
I turn in my seat. “There been some activity?”
“Nope.”
“And the Escalade?”
“Ringo, Goldie, and Otto are on their way to the address in Harbor Lake as I speak. Jonathon Dresden is back from his holiday. You ready to talk about the other night yet?”
I still for a moment, before facing the front again. “What night?” He’s asked a few times. I’ve shirked him. I get a tired look from James. “Oh. That night. I already told you.” Fuck, I’m once again trying to recall if I splurged bullshit that night amidst the chaos. I can’t.
“You’ve told us fuck all since you stomped off from the scene.”
For fuck’s sake, won’t he just drop it? My fists clench, my impatience building. “I’d been fucking shot.”
“Flesh wound.”
“Fuck off, Danny.”
“What’s up with you?”
I swing around in my seat. “Why the fuck have the girls gone from being up my ass to kissing it?” It’s unbearable, not least because I feel more attention on me than there should be. I unconsciously slam my fist into the arm rest. And there’s the very reason Danny got out and sat in the back. I can’t reach him to knock him out.
“They’re worried about you. So what happened?” he pushes, raising his brows when I turn and give him a death glare.
I need to shut this down. “I saw the back door ajar,” I say, facing forward again, so he can’t see the lies in my eyes. “I checked outside and found Pearl smoking.”
“Naughty girl.”
James coughs, and I press my lips together as he divides his attention between me, the road, and Danny in the rearview mirror. Probably wondering if he’s going to have to make an emergency stop to split us up.
“I told her to get inside,” I go on. “Nolan came out when he saw the door open.”
“So you went outside first?”
“Yes. A car came at us. It all happened fast.”
Danny nods, accepting.
I don’t feel any relief.
“So how’s it going with the lawyer?” he asks. “I haven’t seen her since her sleepover a week ago.”
Allison. She’s been calling. Every-fucking-day. Texting. Checking in. I’m surprised. Especially after Rose told me she got her a cab and sent her home with news that my establishment was being used as a local dealing shop. “She’s great,” I murmur.
“I’m happy for you,” he says, sounding truly genuine.
“Me too,” James adds.
“Thanks.” Reaching for the volume, I turn the music up. New Order, Blue Monday. I settle back and look out the window, listening. Thinking. They’re happy for me. Translated: they approve of her age and the girls won’t cut off my dick. The problem? I may not be convinced that I’m the best choice for Pearl, but I certainly won’t mistreat her. I’ll worship her. Just like Danny does Rose, and James does Beau.
Would they ever believe I’m capable of that?
I look out the corner of my eye, seeing James’s hand lightly drumming the wheel. Look over my shoulder to Danny in the middle of the back seat, bobbing his head to the beat. I notice my foot tapping as James looks at my bumping knee and frowns before he looks at his hand tapping the steering wheel. I laugh, reaching for my smokes and lighting one up, passing them back to Danny.
“Fuck it,” James mutters, holding his hand out for them. Then he turns the music up, winds the windows down, and continues his drumming of the wheel.
