Page 109 of Sangre
After she finished half of her salad, she opened her purse and took out a prescription bottle. He watched her take out a small white pill and swallow it with a swig of water.
“What’re you taking?”
“Just something to take the edge off. I’m nervous about the show tonight and the label.”
“How often do you take them?”
Isla popped the bottle back into her purse and took a sip of wine. “Not that much. I used to take them a lot more.”
Sangre pushed away his empty plate then took a long pull from his beer. “Are you supposed to be taking those if you’re trying to stay clean?”
She jerked her head back. “How did you know about my stint in rehab?”
“I read about it in an article. When your manager called me about the security job, I googled you to see who you were and all these articles came up about your drug problem.”
Isla looked out the window. “Oh. I hoped you didn’t know about that. You never said anything.”
“It isn’t my business to question a client about personal shit, but things are different between us now. How’re you doing?”
“Sometimes the urge to do some lines is so overpowering that I think I’m going to cave in, but then I remember how hard it was to quit.” She took a sip of wine. “That memory keeps me from doing anything stupid. I never want to go back to using coke.”
“It must be hard to stay clean in the music industry. I imagine it’s all around you.”
“It is. The worst is when I’m super stressed or overwhelmed. I didn’t use for that long, so I guess that’s a plus. Most of the people I know back home have been snorting or smoking the stuff since high school. A few of my friends have been going in and out of rehab for years. I definitely don’t want to be like them.” She clasped her hands together. “One day at a time, as they say.”
Sangre reached over and placed his hand over hers. “I’m here to help you if things get tough. I do think you need to throw away the pills you have in your purse. Addiction is addiction. I don’t think you want to replace one for another.”
“I know. I guess I just feel like they’re my security blanket when things get too hectic and out of control.”
“Yeah, sometimes shit hits the fan or life just sucks. I can’t say too much because I usually smoke weed when I want to chill. I don’t know. I just want you to know I’m here for you.”
“Thanks. Are you tense about the Satan’s something?”
He chuckled. “Thatasshole MC? No fuckin’ way.”
“It sounded pretty intense. Are you in danger?”
“Being in an outlaw club, a brother’s always in danger. It’s the way our world is. I’m used to it.”
“Doesn’t it scare you?”
“Only if my family is threatened.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Or you.”
“I’d die if anything ever happened to you. Please be safe.”
“I’ll be fine, babe. When you get back to LA, you watch yourself, okay? If you have a crisis or you’re having a real shitty day, call me.”
She blinked rapidly. “I will,” her voice hitched.
For a long pause, they held each other’s gaze then Sangre leaned over and kissed her soft lips. He caught a glimpse of her breasts below the deep scoop neck of her top. Arousal swept through him in a wild rush. “Let’s try out the bed in your hotel room,” he murmured.
She sat back and placed her purse on the table, a slow smile spreading over her face. “Let’s go.”
***
The crowd wentcrazy for Iris Blue, and pride swelled in Sangre’s chest.I’m gonna miss you, babe.A smack on his back tore his focus away from Isla as she bowed on the stage.
“Damn good show, bro. She had the crowd eatin’ outta her hand,” Army said as he gazed at Sangre with glassy eyes. “Just damn fuckin’ good. We need to celebrate.” He swayed a bit and grabbed onto Sangre’s arm.
