Page 52 of The Price of Love

I almost wish she’d kept her hard glare since I know her anger will return threefold once I tell her the rest. “Um, my bike’s been overheating, and so, uh, Storm has volunteered to follow me home.”

Wiz’s eyes flash. “What? Why?”

“She offered like it was nothing, so I couldn’t refuse.”

“What the fuck, Shadow? I can send one of the Graces with you. Tell her not to bother.”

I wrestle with my response. Should I go the manipulative route and remind Wiz she wanted me to stick close to Storm? “No,” I say with more confidence than I feel. “She was gracious enough to offer, and I accepted. I won’t back out. It’d be rude.”

Wiz gapes at me. She’s used to the compliant Shadow who makes no waves, so this is ballsy of me. “Did you just defy an order?”

“Was that an order?” I ask, knowing it’s a confrontational response.

“If it was, would you defy it?” Wiz’s penetrating gaze bores into me.

“Yes,” I say with quiet confidence.

Wiz stares at me for a beat before she says, “Lucky for you it wasn’t an order.”

I know better than to gloat, so I respond, “Do you need anything else? I should head out.”

“No, you’re excused.” Wiz flips the back of her hand at me like she’s swatting away a fly.

“Thank you,” I say and turn away.

“Hey,” Wiz calls after me. When I turn, she says, “Remember your mission. Find out what you can about Storm.”

I nod because that’s what I do. But inside, I don’t agree. What I’ve discovered about Storm so far is that she’s kind and caring, but I’m sure Wiz wouldn’t be pleased with my assessment.

CHAPTER 23

STORM

“What the fuck are you busting my ass for?” I say to Dimples. “This isn’t a fucking outlaw ride. It’s a charity run. In broad daylight.”

After our initial heated exchange, Dimples pulled Nails and me away from the group, but I’m sure Frost saw the whole thing. It should’ve been simple, but Dimples is all uptight.

“Talk to her,” I say to Nails. “Tell her I don’t need my fucking sergeant-at-arms babysitting me.”

Nails clasps her hands in front of her, and her gaze shifts between Dimples and me. “Protocol says I should stick with you whenever we’re on a ride. It’s my job.”

“Yeah, when we go to shady clubs or nighttime bars, but it’s the middle of the fucking afternoon. Besides, I’m leaving the ride.” I wave my arm toward the crowd. “The fuck. This is a bunch of middle-aged professional women. Do you think they’re going to follow me and jump me?”

I know Dimples is trying to protect me, but she’s let this shit with Frost get under her skin. Every minute I fight with Dimples is another minute longer that Shadow doesn’t get on the road.

“Fine!” Dimples crosses her arms over her chest. “Don’t mind me. I’m just being hysterical, right?”

Her words hit me like a fist. She’s the one I trust the most. The one who’s always had my back. I take a step toward her, and she steps back. I glance at Nails. “Can you give us a minute?”

“Sure thing.” Nails backs up. Relief is evident on her face. “I’ll be over there if you need me.”

Once she’s gone, I meet Dimples’ angry gaze. “Dude, you know I love you.” I pound my fist against my chest. “You’re my right hand. I can’t do this without you. But you can’t let Frost get inside your head or let her cause this between us.”

“She’s not causing it. You are.”

Okay. She’s angrier than I thought, so I take a different tack. “Can you explain what’s got you so upset?”

“You,” Dimples spits.