“Who is Betty?” Grim furrows his brow like he can’t believe there’s something about me he doesn’t already know.
“Her car,” Gunnar deadpans.
I glare at him. “I told you not to talk about her like that. She’s a fucking beautiful machine.”
“Still a car.” He widens his eyes, daring me to prove him wrong.
I cross my arms over my chest. “One you won’t be riding in.”
“I’ll ride Betty, Calix takes the bike, and you can meet us there, Berserker,” Grim decrees.
“RideinBetty.” I don’t know why I feel the need to clarify the distinction, but I do. I don’t think I like Grim and riding associated with another woman’s name, even if it’s my car.
“Fine.” Gunnar stands up in a huff. “That way I can keep an eye on her while it takes you guys forever to get there,” he gibes, implying that us having to drive is such an inconvenience.
“I’m ready.” I shrug. “Give us the address and we’ll meet you there.”
Calix drags his phone out of his pocket. One of his legs is still bouncing, but it seems having a plan has helped a little with whatever is bothering him. “Go.” He nods his head at Gunnar with his thumbs poised over his phone.
“It’s in Lakeview: 32059 Cheboygan Court.”
I whistle. I know the area well—it’s where I grew up after all. Well, before my parents shipped me away. “That’s a long drive; we should have gone earlier. How are you going to keep her from going to the club?”
“I forbade her from opening the club until my investigation was complete,” Gunnar tells me, assuming his word is law. I’m worried Vanessa might not feel the same.
“Do you still have people watching her though, just in case?” I slide my foot into my heavy boot.
“I do, but she won’t push me—not on this, and not now.”
I nod my head and grab my other boot, hoping he’s right. “Who’s ready for a road trip?” I come to my feet and look around. Calix stands and slides his phone back in his pocket, Grim follows suit.
“It says it will take an hour and seven minutes to get there,” Calix offers.
I grin. “How fast is that bike of yours? I bet we can do it in under fifty minutes.”
Calix sends me a smirk. “I already told you I can be as fast as needed.” He walks out of my bedroom backwards, giving me a wink before spinning around and rushing down the stairs.
I dart my eyes to Grim. “Get us to my garage?”
He stalks over and wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me against him tightly. In a blink, I’m standing next to Betty.
“Sorry, sweetie, no time for introductions,” I coo at my car. “Hop in, Loverboy.” Betty purrs to life before Grim is even in the seat. He looks around the small cockpit-like interior with a keen eye. I hit the button for the garage as Calix’s bike roars to life. With a mock salute, he hits the gas and peels out of my driveway.
I chuckle; this is going to be fun.
I trail Calix’s taillight almost the entire drive to Lakeview. I couldn’t push Betty the way I would have liked to. The most direct route was mostly freeway, which raises my chances of getting pulled over. However, we still beat the GPS prediction and made it to Vanessa’s house in under an hour.
I slide out of Betty and glance up at the house. Another low whistle pushes past my lips. Nice digs. Even though I’m familiar with the area, I don’t know this particular street. The few houses lined up are all large and illuminated, so everyone that passes by can’t help but observe just how flashy they are. It’s an in-your-face display of money. A calm lake shimmers with inky waves behind the houses, I can even see the tops of several large boats bobbing and shifting with the movement of the water.
Calix drags his helmet off and places it on his seat, then shakes his hair out, pushing it back from his forehead with his palm. His moves are purposeful and deliberate, not designed to entice. The fact that he’s not trying to be alluring makes it even more appealing. Sexy motherfucker.
Grim sidles up next to me after he slinks out of my car, and I feel excitement bubbling up in my stomach. Not only do I get a thrill from being with them, but knowing I’ll be there for Vanessa’s downfall makes it even sweeter. Heaven help her if she has anything to do with Aeson’s disappearance.
Gunnar steps forward from the shadows, joining our group, as we form a line and head up to the outrageously oversized front door. I mean, come on: unless she’s entertaining trolls every night or guiding fucking marching bands through the door, does it really need to be this huge?
The massive entry opens before we reach the top step. One of the men I’ve come to assume works with Gunnar as security pulls it back and allows us entrance. Not a word is spoken between us as we enter a large foyer with ceilings so high, you can see the third-floor balcony up above.
I open my senses, and I’m not sure if I’m surprised at howcleanthe house feels or not. I know Vanessa is smart enough not to bring her business home, but I would think some of her witchy magic could be felt just because it’s her house.
