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"Keep the other one alive. We'll revisit him later," Jake says. "Grey, help Blake dispose of the body. Let's wrap this shit up for the night. We all deserve a beer before returning to our families." Jake turns his attention to me, his hand clamping down on my shoulder. "You good?"
I stare down at my blood-stained hands, feeling empty. "Yeah."
"You did good tonight," Jake assures me, and I believe in his words as much as he does. He squeezes my shoulder and takes his leave.
Over the next hour and a half, Grey and I dig a grave for the dead man where several other unmarked graves stay hidden. No words are spoken as we roll the body into the deep hole, then begin shoveling earth onto his corpse.
Back at the clubhouse, while the others enjoy a beer, I head straight for my bedroom to wash what remains of the day from my body. I strip off my clothes, enter the shower, and turn on the cold water. I hiss at the icy spray against my hot skin, but it's a much-needed shock to my system. I watch blood, mixed with the soil from my arms and hands, swirl around the drain.
Once clean, I dress and head for Ember's room, again pausing outside her door. I twist the handle and step inside, where I find her lying on her side, fast asleep. I quietly close the door and cross the room. I grab a half-eaten sandwich from the nightstand, take a bite, and turn off the lamp. After finishing the sandwich, I slide between the sheets. I let my guard down and pull Ember’s body against mine, because tonight I need to feel something other than emptiness.
"Blake," Ember whispers.
"Yeah?"
"I'm glad you're here."
Her words are a baptism, cleansing my soul of sin.
8
EMBER
Hearing my phone ping rapidly, I step out of the shower, then pad across the room to where it is lying on the bed. Picking it up, I smile when I see the barrage of texts from a group chat created by Glory.
Glory: Hey, bitches. I'm calling it a girl's night at the clubhouse. I'll be there in thirty with wine.
Grace: I'll bring cake.
Emerson: Beer.
Bella: Tequila!
Mila: I got the ice.
Leah: Charcuterie board.
Sofia: Pizza.
Me: Margarita mix.
Lisa: I was already in bed, but I'm getting up for this.
Raine: I'll have to take a raincheck.
Glory: Raincheck? What could be more important than girls' night?
Raine: I have a date.
Bella: Date?!
Mila: Date with who?
Glory: We need deets, Raine!
Raine: Calm your tits, girls. I have to get ready, but I promise to tell you later.
Bella: We won't forget.
