Page 154 of The Innocent

Imogene cleared her throat. “Is he coming this way?”

Ava snickered. “Yes.”

“Shit,” Eden muttered.

“Is that a problem, ladies?” Ava asked.

Was it?

“I just feel like we’re in trouble,” Eden said, and Imogene agreed. They hadn’t done anything, but he was so intense, unfriendly, and had a very strong presence.

“Did you do something?” Ava teased.

Imogene shared a look with Eden, and they both shook their heads.

From her peripheral vision, she saw him lean his arm on the bar facing them. He was impossible to ignore, and Imogene peeked up, smiling. It was too bright and obviously forced. And not returned. He shifted his gaze between them.

“Jekyll and Cue know you two are here?”

“Yes,” Imogene blurted.

“Uh-huh.” Eden’s response was barely audible.

Ava chuckled, which gained the attention of all three, but her eyes were on Ace.

She waved her finger between her and Eden. “You make them nervous. Why is that?”

“We’re not nervous,” Eden said, but when Ace slowly angled his head, and his gaze darkened, she bowed her head.

We’re nervous.

“Can I get you something?” Ava asked, distracting Ace.

“Scotch.”

Imogene pushed her plate to the edge of the bar and grabbed her drink, taking a long sip. The hairs on the back of her neck stood. She slowly looked over at Ace. As suspected, he was watching her.

He lifted his chin. “You alright?”

Ace had witnessed everything go down the other night. He wasn’t exactly showing her concern, but he was asking. This was the most he’d ever said to her.

“I’m okay.”

Ava placed his glass on the bar, and he grabbed it, walking away without another word.

****

I’m definitely fucking smacking her ass tonight.

Jekyll walked into the clubhouse, scouting the room. There were only a few brothers hanging out. They were scheduled to start planning out the Ghosttown invasion next week. Everyone had their own tasks assigned. Jekyll would be working with Cross and the direct contacts for Satan’s. Once everything aligned, it would be brought to Oz for final approval. This wouldn’t be rushed, and the Satan’s would never see it coming.

“How’s our girl, Jek?”

Jekyll balled his fists but battened down his temper. Gent only enjoyed his taunting if he got a reaction. Eventually, he’d move on to another brother, who would threaten him with death. Until then, Jekyll would ignore him.

I’ll fucking try, but I might still kill him.

“It’s like you want to die.” Oak burst out laughing.