Page 69 of Property of Kevlar

Carrie squealed. “You always have the good stuff!”

Always? What was Carrie doing with these guys when Kelsey wasn’t around?

His creepy grin grew as he offered her a bright lime-colored one. “You know what they say about green, don’t you?”

Kelsey cringed.

Carrie rolled her eyes. “That’s M&M’s,” she said as she accepted the offering and placed it on her tongue.

Machete extended the bag toward Kelsey. “You want one?”

“What is it?” Kelsey asked as she eyed it warily. She had her suspicions but wanted to make sure. For all she knew, what he held would be Fentanyl or something worse. Would he tell her the truth if it were something nefarious? Kelsey didn’t trust any of these bikers as far as she could throw them.

Why, though?

Aside from Pete, they’d been nothing but welcoming to her. Why was her gut telling her not to trust these guys? What she wouldn’t give for a clear indicator of what she felt. She’d take anything at this point. Hopefully, she’d see a rat scurrying past. Then she’d have a reason for being on edge. Pete wasn’t even there. He couldn’t be the reason.

“Party favors to loosen you up a little.” He wriggled his shoulders in an awkward dance.

She shook her head. “Nope. I’m good. Designated driver,” Kelsey said, pointing to herself.

He scowled. “Whatever.”

Shifting his attention back to Carrie, he curled his finger under her chin. The gesture was far too familiar for Kelsey’s liking.

“I’ll see you later, Cheeks.” He winked before turning away and shouting out another name.

Kelsey closed the distance between them and grabbed Carrie. “What did you just take?”

“Molly,” she said nonchalantly. “We’re at a party. We’re going to have a good time. Let’s get you a drink so you can loosen up.”

She took hold of Kelsey’s hand and pulled her deeper into the building. Kelsey had no intention of drinking anything. The wine she had earlier had already worn off. She didn’t feel safe here, and one of them had to keep their wits.

37

Kelsey

Thankfully, Kelsey and Carrie found sealed bottles of water. Twenty minutes later, the two of them had downed one each and were dancing together among the crowd. No sign of Pete, which had actually eased Kelsey’s worries. Tonight was like attending a frat party or a rave back in the day.

Keeping that mindset, the tension eased. Though she stuck close to Carrie, just in case things got hairy. As the night progressed, they shook their asses and hooted along with the music. Kelsey allowed herself to have a good time.

Maybe she had overreacted. Pete had given this motorcycle group a bad name. They weren’t all like him.

“Cheeks,” someone called.

Carrie jerked toward the voice and let Kelsey go.

The anxiety Kelsey had released returned tenfold. Frantically, she scanned the crowd to find the source. Her gaze landed on the tall, broad-shouldered man with short dirty-blond hair and beady blue eyes that Carrie had been fucking for the last few weeks. His vest read Mayfield with Vice President below it.

The patch with the title was new. It hadn’t been there before. Perhaps that’s why they were having a party. Did that impact Carrie somehow? Was she some sort of biker queen now? Mike had gotten a promotion within his little gang.

“Mike!” her friend shouted and ran in his direction.

Beside him stood a man Kelsey didn’t recognize. They were about the same height, but the stranger was older. A scar ran from the corner of his nose across his cheek. His well-worn vest had a patch that read President on it.

This was the big guy. His head was held high, and his chest was puffed out. He was important and carried himself as such.

Carrie jumped on her man, causing him to stumble as he caught her. Her face covered his as she jammed her tongue down his throat. The brazen and open display of affection would hopefully let everyone know they were officially together.