“What the hell, Feral?” I reprimand, disbelief coloring my tone.
He shrugs, a picture of innocence. “What?”
I confront him, exasperated. “Why would you say that?”
His eyes roll skyward. “It’s the truth.”
Justice, seated nearby, chimes in solemnly, “Yes, it’s true, but Missy has been with us for five years. She deserves some respect.”
Feral’s laughter fills the room, but I shake my head in disappointment. “Justice is right. Missy might not be a Bastard, but she’s stood by us through thick and thin.”
Feral waves a hand in the air. “I’ll go apologize.”
He slides off the barstool and goes into the kitchen.
“You think he’s really going to apologize to her?” asks Justice.
I shrug. “If we hear screaming, we’ll know he fucked it up.”
Creed steps up to the bar. “Water.”
There’s more color to his complexion, but from the set of his mouth, I’d say he’s still in a world of pain. I pour him a glass, he puts pills in his mouth and washes them down.
“Thanks.”
“Any time, Prez.” I stare at his shoulder. “How’s it feeling?”
“Hurts like a bitch. But I’ll heal.” He winces as he leans against the bar. “Where’s Lyric?”
“Not sure.”
He quirks an eyebrow at me. “Well, you best find out.”
Justice smirks at Creed’s reprimand, and I scowl at him. “How about you man the bar while I go findmywoman?”
The smirk falls off his face as I walk into the kitchen, where I find Feral balls deep inside Missy.
“Jesus, Feral! We cook food in here.” Shaking my head, I continue through the kitchen and out the backdoor, where I see a group of women.
Lyric is sitting between Devil and Lucy. Opposite them is Nerd, who is the Ol’ Lady of Fingers, our computer hacker, and four club whores. They’re laughing, having a great time. It’s nice to see Lyric smile. She catches me watching, and her smile gets bigger. Lyric gives me a small wave, and the other women all turn to see who she’s waving at. Lucy says something, and they all laugh loudly.
“What’s so funny?” I ask as I approach them.
“My sister has a permanent smile on her face. I’m guessing it’s something you did, Highway.” Lucy nudges Lyric, who shakes her head.
“Ignore them. They’re all jealous,” replies Lyric, and the women laugh loudly.
Devil stands. “I should be getting back to Creed.”
“He’s in the bar. He looks better.”
Devil nods. “He should be resting, but you know how he is.”She reaches down and touches Lyric’s shoulder. “See you later?”
Lyric smiles up at her. “Yeah, I’ll be around.”
Devil winks down at her and heads toward the backdoor.
“Wait!” I yell. “Go around the front.”
