Chapter Twenty-Eight
Three weeks later
Girls’ night outhad become a weekly date for Raven, Breanna, and Fallon, and even though they occasionally tried a different restaurant, they always returned to Alfonso’s and their killer margaritas. Having girlfriends was enriching to Fallon, and she cherished each of them. Even though she enjoyed her friendship with Annie, she couldn’t talk about Diablo or the Night Rebels because she just didn’t think a citizen would understand. With Raven and Breanna, she was free to talk about the fears, joy, and confusion of loving an outlaw biker.
As the three women sipped their margaritas and dipped their chips in the killer tomatillo salsa Alfonso’s was known for, Fallon sensed him. She felt his piercing icy eyes on her, and goose bumps shivered on her skin. Not wanting to but unable to resist, she slowly looked over her shoulder. The man with the dreadlocks was across the street, watching her. His hair was pulled back, but there was no mistaking his flinty eyes. She was sure that she’d never forget them as long as she lived.
Instead of turning away quickly, she swiveled in her chair so she had a better view of him. She stared back. At first it seemed to startle him, but then his lip curved up in a half smile as he leaned against the oak tree.
“What’re you looking at?” Breanna said.
“That man across the street. He’s been stalking me for the past month.”
When Breanna and Raven craned their necks, her stalker blew a kiss to her, then disappeared into the darkness of the night.
“Where?” Breanna squinted.
“I don’t see anyone either.” Raven stood up from her chair and leaned over the table.
Fallon turned back around. “He’s gone. He does that. It’s like he wants people to think I’m crazy or something.”
“Or he’s trying to drive you crazy. I once saw a movie where the husband was trying to drive his wife crazy so he’d inherit all her money,” Breanna said.
“Don’t you have to be a bit crazy or unstable for that to work?” Raven sat back down.
“In life, probably, but in a movie pretty much anything can go.” Breanna laughed.
“Did you tell Diablo about this?” Raven said.
“Yes. He’s checking around. You know, I’m inheriting some money on my twenty-second birthday. It’s from my maternal grandmother. I never knew her.”
“Do you think the creeper knows about it?” Raven dipped her chip in the salsa.
“I have no idea. I don’t know how he would. The only ones who know for sure are Shanna and my dad.” Her stomach tightened when she thought about her dad.
“He’s probably a weirdo who’s got a bug on you. Weirdos can be totally dangerous. I know,” Raven said.
“I’ll call Diablo when we’re ready to leave. He’ll come over and follow me home. He’s been doing that since I told him about the guy. It seems to work.”
For the next couple of hours, the women enjoyed themselves, and Fallon hated to see the evening end. She texted Diablo when they were finishing up, and he pulled up a little while later and waited on his bike in front of the restaurant.
“I never thought Diablo would have a girlfriend, but I’m so glad he found you. You’re made for each other,” Breanna said.
“Thanks. I didn’t believe I’d ever have a boyfriend. I was so not into guys, but then Diablo came into my life and made it colorful.” She giggled.
“He doesn’t talk much, does he? Muerto said he’s a quiet man but a good, loyal brother.” Raven placed her credit card on the bill tray.
“I’m a quiet person too. Sometimes we’ll sit in silence, but it isn’t awkward or anything. It’s great, actually. We enjoy each other’s company even when we’re not doing anything. It’s hard to explain.” Fallon smiled and looked at Diablo, who winked at her.Whenever I look at him, I turn to mush. I love him so much.
“Steel would be frowning about now,” Breanna said as she stood up.
“Muerto too.” Raven pushed away from the table.
“Diablo is the most patient man I’ve ever known,” Fallon said as she followed the two women out of the restaurant.
They went over to Diablo, and Fallon gave him a big hug. Breanna and Raven spoke briefly to him, then headed to their cars, waving their goodbyes to Fallon. Diablo followed her back to the apartment. “It fuckin’ kills me that I keep missing this fucker,” he said as he threw his keys on the counter. “I told the brothers about the asshole and they all have their radar up for a guy in dreadlocks, but nothing’s coming up. You’d think one of us would spot him. Even the prospects haven’t seen him when they’ve been tailing you. Fuck.”
“He’s unpredictable. He’s not always around. It’s been days since I’ve seen him, and the last couple of times, I only sensed him. He’s such a nut.”
