Page 86 of The Price of Love

I chuckle. “Ain’t nobody ever called me granite before.”

DIMPLES

I think I just called Jazmin granite, but I’m not sure if I spoke it or just thought it in my mind. The rhythmic motion of the van is making it hard to keep my eyes open. Without the glare of bright lights and only the glow of the dashboard, the pounding in my head eases just enough for me to breathe. I don’t plan on telling Halo about it unless it worsens.

I snuggle against Jazmin, finding comfort in her warmth and strength. I know she’s planning on staying with me, but would it be wrong to ask her to share my bed?

As lousy as I feel, nothing’s gonna happen but sleep. Still, I’d sleep so much better if I could curl up next to her. Would that be fair to her?

My thoughts become hazy and start to drift. I hear Jazmin and Halo’s voices, but I can’t make out their words.

Where’s Storm? Panic spikes—fast and irrational—but the heaviness of my eyelids wins. I’m sure Storm’s nearby. She always is.

Comforted by the thought, I let myself drift further into sleep.

STORM

Fucking Frost. If Dimples had been hurt bad, I’d have killed the bitch. I’ve been trying to lead with calm. But my fury keeps building. If Frost doesn’t knock off her shit, something’s gonna happen. Something we won’t be able to fix.

As it is, I’m pretty sure Jazmin broke the woman’s jaw. Good. My chest tightens. One member to blackball a prospect. Frost will never vote yes on Jazmin now.

An uneasy feeling settles over me. Maybe this is my fault. Trying to be a fair leader, I’ve become weak. Nobody pulled this shit on Aces’ watch.

Nails’ words rattle in my brain. After we resumed Casino Night, she’d told me what happened was a fluke. As shitty as Frost is, she couldn’t have orchestrated what happened. She came to stir up shit, and it got outta hand. I can’t read too much into it.

I’m not sure what to think anymore. Except my world is crumbling around me, while it’s also brighter than ever. I glance down at the reason for the brightness inside me—Shadow. Her head rests on my shoulder, and as I watch her, peace washes over me.

If Shadow hadn’t walked into my life, would the tempest Aces said she saw inside me break loose? Or is having her here softening the rage?

She must sense something because she looks up at me and smiles. “You okay?”

I pull her close. “I am now.”

CHAPTER 34

DIMPLES

On my way home from work at the animal shelter, I drive past Black Briar. It’s after six, but the lights are on. I get a mile down the road before I turn around.

It could be any of the girls working late, but I take my chances that it’s Jazmin. If it’s not, I can pretend I need to put air in my tires. I park my old van near the front entrance.

I’ve wanted to talk to Jazmin—thank her for watching out for me on Saturday—but it’s been crazy around the club. I’ve only seen her in passing, and we’ve never been alone.

Alone. Is that even a good idea? Too late. If she saw me pull in, I can’t peel out now.

I touch the scab on my head. After four days, it’s healing, but I keep breaking it open.

I enter the garage and scan the area. Two cars and a motorcycle are still inside, but the tools are stowed, telling me they’re done working for the day.

But the door is unlocked, so someone must be around. I consider leaving, but I better check in case someone forgot to lock up when they left. Possibly one of the four girls who live above the shop ran upstairs for a minute.

Jazmin stays in one apartment, but I’ve never seen her place. I suppose I could wander up and see if she’s home. Yeah, being alone with her is dangerous, but visiting her apartment is another level of stupid.

As I’m debating with myself, I hear a clang from the back room. I stride across the floor. What the hell is my problem? I just need to see who’s here.

When I push through the double doors, the soft sound of music greets me. Sarah McLachlan? My heartbeat kicks up a notch. What are the odds of anyone but Jazmin listening to Sarah?

But seriously? Why would Jazmin have her music on? For fuck’s sake. I need to stop reading shit into everything.