Page 130 of Crow
“Pretty good.” Angie sank onto the couch. “Dom just left. He knows about us. A friend of his, who’s not only nosy but also a gossiper, spotted me on the back of your bike the other day and ratted me out.”
“Was your brother super pissed?”
“Surprisingly, no. He likes that your Irish and, get this, that you ride a Harley.”
“That’s two points in my favor.” He chuckled.
Angie smiled, his words warming her heart. She knew that Crow didn’t give a damn whether her brothers or anyone in her family liked or approved of him, but since it mattered to her, he pretended it was important to him.
“He wants to meet you sometime. Does your club own Skid Marks?”
“Yeah, why’re you asking?”
“Dom mentioned it. He said the place sells some cool motorcycles.”
“It does. I can get him a discount when he’s ready.”
“Don’t get mad, but I didn’t mention the outlaw club thing. I don’t think that would sit well with him or my brother Nick.”
“It wouldn’t sit well with most citizens.” He laughed. “No worries. I’m not gonna get hung up on what you tell or don’t tell your family about us. I’m with you, not your family. Do whatever you gotta do to keep you from stressing out and being in my arms.”
“I love being in your arms, sweetie,” she said. “Do you have to work a double shift tonight?”
“No, but I got some club business and won’t be back until midnight or later. Sorry, but it can’t be helped.”
“Does this ‘club business’ involve a party at the clubhouse?” Angie knew the question was petty, but it just slipped out of her mouth. Earlier that afternoon at lunch, Silvia kept telling her stories about the Night Rebels’ wild parties and the women who attended them, and it’d lingered in Angie’s mind most of the day.
“Parties are never club business, babe.” He chuckled. “All I can tell you is I got club business that needs dealing. If you need me, call me; otherwise, I’ll come by after I’m done.”
“Are you doing this ‘club business’ alone?”
“Can’t talk about it, darlin’.”
“Is it dangerous?” An image of Crow lying in a pool of blood flickered in her mind. “I’m scared.”
“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry. Nothing dangerous is going on.”
“Would you tell me if it was?”
“No, but don’t spend the next several hours worrying about something. Stay in the moment, okay, darlin’?”
“Okay.” She didn’t feel as strong as her voice sounded. “The time doesn’t matter when you come. I just want to be with you.”
“There’s no fuckin’ way I’m not gonna be with you, darlin’.” There was a pause, and then she heard Crow’s muffled voice talking to someone. “Sorry about that. I have to go. I’ll see you later.”
“Okay, be careful.”
“I will.”
“Love you,” she whispered, but he’d already disconnected.
She put the phone down on the coffee table, picked up the remote, and turned on the TV.
Angie’s eyes fluttered open, and she squinted against the light. Someone on the television was making a glazed ham, and the control was on the floor.
“What time is it?” she mumbled aloud, scrambling to sit up. After swiping the phone’s screen, her eyes widened.I fell asleep for two hours.She rubbed the back of her neck, hoping some of her sleepyhead grogginess would dissolve. The sound of a car engine sputtering on her street sent chills down her spine. After a few seconds, she didn’t hear the vehicle anymore, and she let out a breath she’d been holding.I’m being silly. The car’s gone.
Angie switched off the television and pushed up from the couch. As she walked over to turn off the lamp, she froze.What’s that?She heard something outside—trees rustling and another noise she couldn’t quite make out—and strained to listen.
