AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She nods. “I get that. I managed to get Ryker to agree to some time away, so we’re going for a long weekend from Thursday. Heading back east for a few days. Showing them New York City and some of my old favorite places. I hate that we couldn’t all do a group thing, but with my guys still being pissed about the Alex thing…”
She trails off and I wave her off. “Honestly it’s fine, and that sounds like fun!” I’m happy for her, truly. She also deserves a break. As if senior year isn’t enough of a stressor without everything else we’ve dealt with on top of it. “I can’t wait till summer, we really do need to do a girls trip.”
“You know I’m totally on board for that.” She grins, and I start making mental plans.
“Just tell me your wishlist, we’ll work it out.”
She nods, putting her glass back down, and pulls her sunglasses down her nose, peering at me over them. “You going to tell me what’s got you so stressed?”
I let out a deep sigh. I thought I’d managed to cover it pretty well, but I should’ve known better, she reads me like a book every freaking time. “The Conclave wants to see me.”
“What the what now?” she exclaims, sitting up.
I run her through everything Lincoln told me about the deal my dad made to get him and me out, and how Panda trying to free me essentially just tied me to them instead.
“That is so fucked up.” She runs a hand through her glossy locks and bites her lip. “I realize the answer is probably no, but is there anything I can do?”
I smile at her and shake my head. “No, I’m not even sure what they want. Even if Lincoln thinks they are honoring the contract, I don’t see Harrison Saint handing the keys to his kingdom over to me, do you?”
“Not really.” She shrugs. “Have you heard anything more about your uncle?”
“Honestly, I haven’t really been digging for information. They’re family in biology only. He made his bed, and he can lie in it. I know Lincoln is putting Blair and Vi up at the cottage, but I only said yes because I hate the thought of them paying for Nate’s major error in judgment.”
“They don’t deserve any of it. Though I’d do the same. We’re too nice.”
I smile softly. “I’d rather be too nice than be like most of the other people around here. My conscience is clear at least. I can’t say there’s no red in my ledger, but I also don’t struggle to sleep because I fucked someone over.”
“Amen to that,” she says, raising her glass. “Do you have anything planned for tomorrow?”
“I don’t think so. Smithy said he won’t be back until Sunday, and the guys haven’t mentioned anything.”
“Good.” She grins at me, and I almost regret not having plans. She looks positively wicked. “Ryker is giving me my first tattoo and I thought you might want to come.”
“Ryker does tattoos?”
She nods, smiling softly. “He’s done almost all of Ellis and Dylan’s. A few of his own too. He’s so freaking talented. He could have his own shop if he let himself see life outside of the Kings.”
“Does Ryker know you’re inviting me?” I ask, brow quirked.
She smirks. “I like to keep him on his toes. Plus I found these adorable bestie tattoos for us.”
I let out a laugh. I’ve always wanted a tattoo, it’s just not something I’ve ever taken the initiative to set up. Jenna always told me that she was hooked after her first, and I don’t need that sort of addiction in my life.
“Sure, why not? I have a design I’ve always wanted, too.”
She lets out a whoop. “Yeah, our bestie design won’t be the first one to grace my skin, Ryker wants to paint on me first, but I’m excited! I can’t wait to see your guys’ faces when you tell them you let Ryker ink you.”
I groan at the prospect. “Yeah, I’m probably going to give them a heads up. It won’t stop me doing it, but it’ll save them from bitching about secrets afterward.”
I pick up my phone and pull up the group thread.
Me:
Heads up. I’m getting a tattoo with Indi tomorrow. By Ryker. No you don’t get to have input, this is just me telling you.
Maverick:
As if he’s the one getting to ink you. I’m coming. If anyone gets to grace your skin with pain, it’s me.
