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“You’re acting differently. It feels like you’re trying to be something you’re not to impress Anton.”
I’m so angry, I could burst. “In what way?” I ask as calmly as I can. I know I haven’t changed. This is all bullshit. “I think you’re both just pissed because you don’t like Anton, and you don’t like the thought of me being with him. Maybe the change you’re both seeing is happiness?”
“He’s an arrogant prick. I don’t like him, and I don’t think he’s good enough for you. He lied to Lucy and told her Tag was dead. She grieved for him—”
“That was to protect Tag,” I cut in.
“It’s not the point. His number one priority is the organisation. It always will be.”
“And yours is The Rebellion,” I snap. “You’re no different.”
“The last time I checked, you were a part of The Rebellion.”
The waiter returns to take our order, and it’s the temporary break we need to collect our thoughts. We both order a chicken curry and hand our menus back. Once he’s gone, I take a deep, calming breath. “Why did you ask me on this date, Hulk?”
He fiddles with his knife for a moment before looking directly into my eyes. “I like you, Piper. We’ve spent so many years either fighting or fucking, but we’ve never labelled it. I feel like I’m being backed into a corner and have to make us official before you’re snatched away from me.”
I frown in confusion. It doesn’t sound like a declaration of love. “What are you saying?”
“That maybe it’s time to label us. To stop fucking about and try to be together.”
I let his words sink in. “If Anton wasn’t on the scene right now, would you be saying any of this?” I brace myself because I know his answer may slay me.
“Probably not right now. But like Scar said to me, sometimes it takes someone else coming along to make you see what you want, and I think I want you. I haven’t even looked at another woman in weeks. I miss us too much.” It’s not how I imagined our relationship starting. I mean, I didn’t expect hearts and flowers—Hulk’s a biker after all—but I don’t want him to feel forced into a choice. He stands. “I need to take a piss.” I watch his retreating form and then my eyes fall to his mobile phone sitting on the table. I bite on my lower lip. I shouldn’t look, but something inside is telling me to, so I pick it up.
I enter his passcode, which has always been his date of birth. Predictably, it opens, and I go straight to his calls, but there’s nothing that stands out. Next, I open his messages. I’m not shocked to see girls’ names. Most of his texts are to and from females. I open the last message he sent, and it’s to a girl named Tanya. I don’t recognise the name. The message to her was sent five minutes before our date began.
Tanya: Hey gorgeous, what are you up to? I’m lonely.
Hulk: Not a lot, baby girl. Want me to come over later?
Tanya: Sure.
Hulk: I’ve got a meeting but should be done in an hour or so, that work for you?
Tanya: I’ll be ready and waiting . . .
I flick through their other messages to each other. It sounds like he’s been sleeping with her for some weeks. So much for not looking at anyone else because he misses us.
I’m about to set the mobile back on the table when a message from Lucy flashes up.
Lucy: Have you had any luck talking sense into her yet?
My hands shake as I replace it back on his side of the table. I feel like I’ve been ambushed and this whole date was his way of getting me alone to lecture me about Anton.
When he returns, the waiter is just arriving with our food. We wait patiently while he sets it down, and once he’s gone, Hulk picks up his fork and takes a scoop of the curry. He nods in approval. “I’ll drop you home when we’re done. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve got some business to attend to and I don’t want you to think this date is a way for me to get into your bed. I’m trying to do this shit properly,” he lies.
“Is ‘business’ code word for Tanya?” I ask, arching a brow.
Hulk pauses, his fork halfway to his mouth. His eyes fall to his mobile. “You went through my phone?”
“I’m not proud, but it’s the person you’ve turned me into.” I bury my face in my hands. “I just can’t trust you, so I find myself sneaking around and checking your messages. This date bullshit was an excuse, wasn’t it? You knew I’d jump at the chance, so you dangled the carrot, and all along it was a way to get me alone so you could talk shit about me and Anton and try to put me off. I expected it from you, but Lucy?”
“Like I said, we’re worried.”
“Worried or jealous?” I snap. “If I was seeing anyone other than Anton, I don’t think you’d give a shit, but you know he’s a real threat.”
“I know he’s in the fucking mob, Piper. He’s no good for you.”
