After ordering a mocha latte, she joined me where I sat at a corner table. “How do you manage to make something as basic as sweatpants look so damn good?”
I managed a tight smile. “Thanks. You’re too sweet.”
The ice chunks clinked in my iced coffee as I took a sip. Words failed me when I tried to find a way to tell her what I’d done.
Sensing that something was wrong, Storm’s expression grew solemn. “Hey, is everything okay? I’m getting a vibe here.”
“Everything is not okay. I did something, Storm, and I don’t know how to fix it. I’m really worried.” The truth spilled from me in a rush as I told her about my conversation with Noah and how he refused to call it off. “I know I shouldn’t have gone to him. Everything with Stray was getting more intense. I panicked.”
Storm took it all in stride. Not once did she let on if she thought I was an idiot. The girl had an impeccable poker face.
She reached across the table, covering my hand with hers. “I get it. Trust me. Those King men have a way of getting inside your head. Working their way into your whole damn life until they’ve become something you can’t live without. I made a few mistakes of my own when I was confused about everything with Rebel. Everything will be all right.”
“Not if Venom hurts him. I would never be able to live with myself if that happened.” Chewing my bottom lip until I tasted blood, I sighed, my chest heaving. “What do I do, Storm?”
“I know this probably isn’t what you want to hear but I think you need to tell Stray. At the very least, give him a heads up so he knows to watch his back.” Storm patted my hand a few times. Sympathy shone in her eyes. She wanted to help me, but this was a problem I had to solve.
The thought of telling Stray what I’d done made me feel sick. After the way I’d left him last night, it would be pouring salt in the wound. Worse than that, it would be slashing open a brand new wound. One that cut deeper and wouldn’t stop bleeding.
I stared at my phone for a long time before finally typing out a text to Stray. Storm was able to get me his number. Weird that I still didn’t have it.
At the very least, I had to give him a warning. Certain he would have questions for me, I didn’t say much. I couldn’t bring myself to do so. Not yet. Not like this.
Watch out for Venom.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
STRAY
“Are you sure you want to handle this drop? We wouldn’t want to keep you from stalking your girlfriend.” With a roll of his eyes, Auryn slugged me in the arm.
I hit him right back, chuckling when he swore in pain. “She’s not my girlfriend. And yeah, I could use the distraction. Sorry I haven’t been available as much as usual.”
“I get it. When you get in over your head with a woman you just can’t quit, everything changes.” Rebel grabbed a duffle bag filled with pharmaceutical drugs and loaded it into the back of the rental SUV.
Auryn couldn’t possibly keep his mouth shut. “You guys sound fucking pathetic. If I ever sound like either one of you, put a bullet in my brain. Please. Put me out of my misery.”
Rebel was unfazed. Leaning against the side of the vehicle, he lit up a joint, eyeing Auryn with amusement. “Your time will come. We’ll be right there to say we told you so. If anyone deserves to be love’s bitch, it’s you. Might help with that nasty attitude you have.”
“Eat me.” Auryn flipped both Rebel and me his middle finger.
Dom and I were taking a trip to a neighboring city this evening. We had a load of drugs to drop off. Not my ideal wayto spend a Saturday night. After the way last night ended, I was happy for a change.
After Codie leapt out of my car and ran inside her building, I’d hung around for a while to keep an eye on her. When it became clear that she wasn’t leaving again, I headed home and drank myself into a stupor before passing out in my bed, fully dressed.
This woman was really doing my head in. Making me crazy like nothing and no one else ever had. I was starting to wish that I’d never looked twice at her. Codie Edwards was so deep in me now, I didn’t think I would ever be free of her. Rebel was right about one thing. I was definitely love’s bitch.
“Call me after you guys make the drop. Drive carefully, and don’t fucking get pulled over.” Rebel and Auryn stepped back as Dom and I climbed into the vehicle.
I’d opted to drive. He would watch our backs. The person sitting passenger had the intense job of watching for cops and making sure nobody followed us from the drop.
The text tone on my phone went off right as we hit the highway. Since I wasn’t going to risk a wreck with illegal cargo in the back, I ignored it. I doubted it was important anyway. Most likely Rebel with another warning or reminder. Like we hadn’t done this a thousand times.
“We should stop and grab a bite to eat before we head back. I could kill for a taco right now.” Dom drummed his fingertips on the dashboard. The star and crescent moon tattooed on the back of his left hand stood out boldly against his skin.
“Tacos aren’t really driving food,” I said, shoulder checking as I changed lanes. “Especially for the driver. Maybe burgers or something.”
“Who said we have to be driving? Once we do the drop, we can stop for a bit. What’s the rush? Don’t tell me you’re ina hurry to get back and stalk Codie Edwards some more.” Dom slumped back in his seat, fidgeting with his seatbelt like he couldn’t sit still. “Man, I don’t get what it is with you and Rebel. So easily manipulated by some pussy.”
