Page 47 of Viper

“Been ready.”

She went over to Troy and hugged him. “Good. You two do that while I get some sun.”

He pulled her to him and held her against him for a beat. When she pulled away, Atlas’s watchful gaze stayed on Troy, but there was no heat behind his stare. Only mild curiosity.

“Can I use your phone?” she asked. “I’d like to call Chantal.”

“Sure, babe.” He pulled his device from his pocket and passed it to her.

She accepted the phone and crossed the living room. Stepping onto the balcony, she slid the door closed behind her. The midmorning sun immediately warmed her skin and she almost moaned. She sat in one of the fold-out chairs and stretched her legs over the little plastic table.

Bringing the screen to life, she dialed Chantal’s number.

Her friend answered on the third ring. “Hello?” she said, through a yawn.

Paige chuckled. “You weren’t still sleeping, were you? It’s after ten.”

“Ugh, I had a late night. Met up with some friends and went boating.” Her friend hesitated. “I-I would’ve invited you, but⁠—”

“It’s okay. I was a little busy.”

“Mmm. I bet. I knew you two were going to fuck. The way that man looks at you. Oh, my god.”

Paige let out a laugh. “Well, I’m not denying anything. However, that’s not what kept me tied up in the evening. I was in the hospital.”

“What happened?” Chantal screeched.

Paige told her about her drink being spiked and having to get her stomach pumped.

Chantal listened and cursed in outrage. “I can’t believe I didn’t see through him. I feel like I should’ve caught this. Should’ve realized something was off with him. To think we were hanging out with a murderer!”

“I should have caught this. He fooled me, too.” She sighed. “It doesn’t matter now. I just wanted to touch base with you and let you know what happened. Clearly, he still has it out for me—and that could mean you’re in danger, too.”

“Let a motherfucker try,” Chantal nearly shouted. “I hope he comes for me. I’ll cut out his eyes.”

“That’s a little gory,” she said lightly. “But I’ve got your back.”

“I knew you would. Take care and put that creep out of your mind. Just get lots of dick this weekend.”

“If I can still walk after this morning, it’ll be a miracle,” she retorted, before she could stop herself.

“Ahh, I knew it!” Chantal shrieked. “You’d better invite me to the wedding.”

“Oh my gosh. I’m letting you go.”

“I mean it. I’ll plan you the best bachelorette party you’ve ever seen.”

“Duly noted. Take it easy this weekend too, and maybe head back home early—just to be safe.”

“Ha! I’m ready and waiting for that prick. Love ya.” She clicked off.

Paige lowered the phone to her lap and dropped her head back against the chair. Closing her eyes, she let the rays of the brilliant sun warm her from the inside out. It was wild to think that the last few days had been both the best and worst of her life.

Troy sure made it all worth it.

Troy took a long sip of the lemonade Havoc had brought up for everyone. Reaper, Wraith, and Havoc had rested for a few hours then returned with lunch for the group. They’d eaten deli sandwiches and coleslaw, then Paige announced she was going down to the pool for a swim.

Troy didn’t blame her for not wanting to sit around the apartment when it was so nice out. Reaper had agreed to accompany her while the rest of them worked.