by Trina M. Lee
Jett shoulder-checked before switching lanes. The Mustang roared as she hit the gas. “Can’t blame Cinder for being worried. This is some scary-ass shit. How did Rowen handle it? Obviously he stayed over. Did you two comfort each other with sexy times?”
I laughed. Of course she’d assume so. “Well, almost. But no. Your well-timed text broke the moment, and I decided it was best to stop before things went too far. I don’t need that kind of complication right now.”
“Because you want to do his brother too.” She nodded, purple curls bouncing. “I totally get it. Speaking of which, Arrow blew that blonde off the moment he walked into Spirit. She threw herself at him, and he shot her down.”
“Oh man,” I moaned. “Don’t tell me this. I don’t even want to know.”
“Bullshit you don’t. You’re happy he went home alone. Don’t deny it.” When I didn’t respond she smiled. “I know you, Spike. I’m your bestie. Also, I can hear your heart. You’d be surprised how much that can tell you about a person.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I muttered. “So I’ve heard.”
We reached the west end mall with five minutes to spare. Jett parked as close to the radio station entrance as we could get, and we sprinted the rest of the way. Had Tash and Rubi been involved, we’d have been early. Seeing as they both had classes at the local university today, it was up to Jett and me to make a good impression for the band.
The excitement of the radio interview temporarily banished the ill discontent left from Wren. With Jett at my side, plugging our upcoming Valentine’s show and the full-length album, I was immersed in the joy of rock n’ roll and chasing dreams.
We were asked the typical questions: How did we get into music? Were we excited for our upcoming tour? What was it like as a woman in a predominantly male industry?
“Women have always reigned in this industry.” Jett pinned the DJ with a predatory glare. “There may be less of us but that doesn’t mean shit. We came to rock hard, screw harder, and leave a legacy in our wake.”
I snickered at the DJ’s wide-eyed reaction.
“Sorry,” she added as an afterthought. “Probably shouldn’t say shit on the radio. Is screw ok?”
He stumbled over his next question. She and I exchanged an amused glance.
After we’d successfully managed to plug our show and make the DJ blush half-a-dozen times, we left the station feeling pretty good.
Jett steered me into the mall, headed for Victoria’s Secret. “Time for a new g-string,” she said as we entered the store. “Something that will make Sam drool the whole time he’s prying it off with his teeth.”
I frowned, blinking against the visual that conjured up. “Kind of gross, dude. Not painting a pretty picture with that description.”
She paused near a bin of underwear so skimpy they were little more than a scrap of material. With a chuckle she winked. “I’m actually far more likely to use my teeth than he is. How long has it been since you’ve refreshed your panty collection? I bet you could use some new undergarments.”
Wrinkling my nose I made a noise that conveyed how ridiculous I found her remark. “Yeah, sure could use some new ones for all of that no sex I’m having with nobody.”
Holding up a sheer black pair in one hand and a hot pink pair in the other, she grinned. “Arrow? Or Rowen? Here, get them both.”
I caught the panties she threw at me and sighed. Dropping them back into the bin, I turned away to peruse a collection of colorful leggings. “Not happening, Jett. Though I can’t say I’m not tempted. Trying to have a little self control here. Do the right thing. Or something. You’re not making it any easier.”
“How about this?” She countered with a leopard print bra that I might actually wear. “Your tits hardly need the help, but it’s cute as fuck.”
She moved along to a wall of lacy lingerie. I followed, perusing the items with little interest. Lost in my thoughts as Jett held up various items for my opinion, I couldn’t help but feel a little bummed about turning Rowen down last night.
No, it was better that way. Because every time I thought about being with Rowen, this little annoying movie reel in my head replayed the kiss with Arrow. For something so brief and relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of things, it stood out in great detail among my memories. That kiss just wouldn’t fade.
Once Jett had selected some barely there underwear Sam was sure to love, as if he’d even notice when that’s all she wore, we headed back toward the entry where we’d come in. A glance at the large skylight that lit up the mall revealed a darkening sky. Sunset came much earlier in the winter months. That shouldn’t have made me nervous but it did. With my night-owl lifestyle, sitting at home after five each day would suck. And I was fully opposed to acting like a chicken shit. Although no doubt Wren had scared the crap out of me.
“We should grab dinner and head to the jam space.” Jett eyed up a cupcake stand as we passed. “Maybe to Spirit after. It should be safe for you there. Cinder doesn’t really expect you to hide out at home indefinitely, does he?”
“I think he does. I really ticked him off when I offered to be bait. But I can’t just do nothing. Even though I’m afraid to do anything. If that makes sense.”
We passed a group of guys decked out in leather and chains. Recognizing us they shouted. It startled me. For a moment I didn’t realize they were talking to us. However, Jett turned up the volume on her burgundy smile and turned to greet them. That was why she was the frontwoman. I did my best to make small talk while they complimented our band.
This kind of thing didn’t happen much, but lately it had been occurring more than I’d have ever expected. While it should have made me feel good, like I was on the right track, it just made me uneasy. What if I could never fully live this life I wanted so badly? What if demons and mayhem ruined it all for me?
It didn’t take long for one of them to ask us if we wanted to grab a drink with them. I let Jett field the flirtation, finding she tended to handle it better.
“Sorry, guys, we’re just on our way to meet our boys.” She flashed them a smile that would leave them in a fog. “We appreciate the invite though. Hope to see you at Starlight next week.”
When we made it out of earshot, I nudged her. “So Sam is officially your boy, huh? I wondered how long it would take you to admit it.”
She gave the Victoria’s Secret bag a shake. “I don’t buy underwear for a guy unless I consider them to be a steady thing. So I guess the truth had to come out some time. I’m cool with it. He’s worth giving up playing the field. And hey, I did say our boys. At least I can admit it, unlike you. Queen of denial.” She laughed.
I didn’t. Firing a head shake and a glare her way, I muttered, “Just who are you referring to?”
“Who do you want me to be referring to, Spike? That’s the real question.” Cackling like a jerk, she pulled her keys out as we neared the Mustang.
I cast a few choice words at her to which she responded with laughter. “Glad I can entertain you,” I replied with a scowl.
“What it comes down to is that the one you should be with is the one who shows up for you, who always has your back and never leaves you wondering. The one who—” Jett stopped suddenly. Her jaw dropped. “What in the fuck?”
Jett’s Mustang sat on four deflated tires. Each of them slashed. She walked a slow circle around the vehicle, checking for further damage and sniffing for a scent. “Someone wearing heavy perfume or cologne,” she announced, anger in her voice. “They knew this was a wolf’s car. I think your demon has a human minion.”
The trickle of dread I’d felt all day blew up into a storm. “Son of a bitch. They must be trying to strand me out after dark.” As I spoke the sky seemed to darken several shades, but that might have been my imagination.
Jett whipped out her phone and called for a tow truck. The anger seemed to roll off her in near visible waves. “They can’t get here for an hour or two. I’m calling Sam to come pick us up.” Phone to her ea
r she grumbled, “When I find out who did this, they’re gonna be wearing their ass for a hat.”
Nervous, I fiddled with my moonstone pendant. Running my finger over its smooth surface gave me a sense of comfort. One that immediately vanished when I glanced back at Jett’s slashed tires.
Aww fuck me.
“He’s on his way,” she said a moment later. “We should probably wait inside.”
The big bad wolf scanned the vicinity as we made our way back in. Though she’d never admit it, she was spooked too. Even though Jett wanted to be involved, I hated that it could endanger her.
As we retreated I couldn’t shake the feeling that somewhere someone watched us.
CHAPTER NINE
We sat on the small stage outside the record store. On occasion someone might perform on it, drawing shoppers to an impromptu concert. When not in use it was littered with people needing to rest their feet, all of them ignoring the sign that plainly stated nobody was to sit on the stage.
Swinging my legs so the back of my boots bounced against the stage, I watched people fawn over the puppies in the window of a nearby pet store. Silently I judged them all. From where I sat I could see the price tags on those mill puppies. Ludicrous. They’d be better off adopting a mutt.
“It’s gonna cost me at least a grand to replace those fucking tires. It’s one thing to fuck with me, but fucking with my car is a whole other kind of mistake.” Jett had been bitching since we sat down. She didn’t seem too keen on letting up any time soon.
I nodded to show I was listening despite scowling at the puppy gawkers. While she continued her rant, I slowly surveyed the crowds bustling about. Anyone could’ve slashed Jett’s tires. Anyone here even. Speculating would only drive me nuts, but I couldn’t help but wonder.
Ok, maybe Wren scared me. However he could use all the human minions he wanted. Any human working for him would soon regret it once Jett got ahold of them.
“Good, the guys are here.” She tapped my hand and hopped off the stage.
Guys? I glanced over to find Sam sauntering up with Arrow. A rush swept through me, leaving me warm from head to toe. Balls.
My gaze traveled over him despite my efforts to resist, and I ate up the sight of him. The black rose crept up the side of his neck from beneath his leather jacket. His low-slung jeans rode his hips.
Jett turned so the guys couldn’t see her face. Raising both brows she whispered, “What did I say about the guy who shows up? Also, I can smell how bad you want him.”
Because they had a clear view of my face, I couldn’t react with the snotty retort I otherwise would have. Instead I greeted Arrow with a carefully controlled smile and a head nod. “How’s it going?”
“All good. Are you ok? I was with Sam when Jett called. Is that demon messing with you?” Arrow tossed his hair out of his eyes. Without his beanie hat plastering it down, it fell in a tousled cascade to his shoulders.
I almost had to sit on my hands to keep from touching it. What the hell was wrong with me? So maybe it had been some time since I’d gotten any action, but sex was a perk, not a necessity. Still, the enticing smudge of black around his golden-hazel eyes had me biting my lip.
Fucking hormones.
“I’m fine, really. You didn’t have to come. I mean, if you had something else to do.” Could I be any more obvious? When I caught Sam and Jett exchanging an amused glance, I shriveled inside.
Arrow remained oblivious to their antics; he looked only at me. “Of course I had to come. We’re in this together.”
Clearing her throat to get our attention, Jett said, “Arrow, why don’t you take Spike home? You can come back for us later. I’m going to wait on the tow truck to make sure my baby gets transported safely to the dealer.”
“No, I’m not going home.” A swell of stubborn determination welled up. I refused to be cowed by Wren. Did he scare me? Damn rights. Could I show him that? Fuck no.
“Spike, come on. Cinder will have a fit.” Trying to appeal to my good sense, Jett played the Cinder card.
“I know that. But I can’t hide out every night. That’s exactly what Wren wants. To have Cinder and me so scared that we’re constantly looking over our shoulder until the big moment when he lets us have it.” I hugged myself, suddenly chilly in the breezy expanse of the mall.
Jett’s brow furrowed. “Fine. I get it. Be careful though. I love you. And I’m not the only one.”
Arrow shuffled his feet and tilted his head to the side, giving me a quick once over. “I’ve got your back, Spike. Don’t want to go home? Don’t have to. Let’s grab a drink or something. I want to hear about last night. Rowen didn’t have time to tell me much before he went to work.”
Alarmed, I wondered what the hell that meant. Then I realized Rowen had likely mentioned Wren, not the makeout on my couch. I hoped. “Alright, let’s go for a drink.” To Jett I added, “Text me when the tow truck comes, and we’ll come back. Just heading to Bourbon Street.”
She snickered and winked. “Try to stay out of trouble between here and there.”
I slid her a sly middle finger as I hopped off the stage and joined Arrow. We headed toward the busy strip of the mall that housed restaurants, pubs, and small nightclubs. Named after the famous New Orleans street, it was nowhere near as fun, but for a party strip in the mall, it wasn’t bad.
Arrow and I walked side by side through the mall in strained silence. Was it strained for both of us? Maybe that was just me.
The scent of his cologne wafted, triggering a replay in my head of the night he kissed me. Could that just stop already?
I dodged a woman barreling through with a baby carriage and almost collided with him. “Sorry,” I mumbled.
“Spike, can you just chill? Why are you so tense around me these days? Do I make you uncomfortable?” Bold and brazen, unafraid to confront the issue head on. That was Arrow.
Time to be honest. “It’s not you. It’s just… everything. Ever since you kissed me, I’ve been a mess of confusion. I’m still not sure how I feel. I just know I can’t stop thinking about it.” My cheeks burned as the words left my lips. I ducked my head, letting my hair fall to hide my face. With each step I stared straight ahead.
For a moment he didn’t speak. The tension mounted. Then he let out his breath in a whoosh. “Well, you’re not the only one. I’ve wondered if maybe it was a mistake. But you kissed me back. So I know it wasn’t.”
I dared to look up, a small, pleased smile on my face. “Definitely wasn’t a mistake.”
He graced me with a lazy half grin that made me glad Jett wasn’t around to give me the side eye over my racing heart or stink of attraction. I reminded myself that this same guy had done some terribly shady things. So why the hell couldn’t I shake this? Because he’d also done some damn incredible things as well. The paradox that was Arrow.
We decided on the Sherlock Holmes Pub. This early in the evening it was still relatively quiet. It boasted of a laid-back atmosphere with a lot of warm wood tones and dim lighting. A row of two-seater tables lined the wall just inside the entry. It was a quiet, out of the way place to talk.
I took a seat while Arrow grabbed us each a beer. The text alert on my phone went off. It was Rowen.
Sorry I slipped out. Had to work at eleven. Everything ok?
I slid a guilty glance toward Arrow. Rowen and I weren’t together. We hadn’t been for some time now. So why did I feel ashamed? Jett would say it was because society had taught me I had to. Maybe she was right.
Well, fuck society.
Yeah, I’m fine. No worries. I couldn’t think of anything else to say, so I left it at that.
Arrow returned, and I stuffed my phone in my purse. When it went off again I didn’t look.
“So tell me about last night.” Arrow leaned closer over the table. “Rowen said you guys had a run in with Wren.”
“Is that all he said?” I asked, treading on dangerous ground but needing to know if Rowen had spilled our vodka makeout.
Twisting my bottle atop the pub logo coaster, I shook my head. “No. We ran into Wren, and he scared the crap out of us. As he’d intended.” I told Arrow everything about Wren, using the demon as a distraction. Talking about him meant not having to talk about anything else. Anything personal.
He listened attentively, asking questions here and there. I finished with the bloody hair in my mailbox. And a shudder. “Needless to say, I don’t want to show fear, but I’m definitely not at my most confident. Wren is nothing like any demon I’ve encountered before. It’s not just that he’s strong, but that’s he totally out of his mind. And that makes him far more dangerous.”
“Don’t doubt yourself. You’re a supreme badass, and you need to believe it. Own that shit.” Arrow slid a finger through the condensation on his bottle. My gaze followed the action, noting the way the drops dispersed beneath his touch. He’d become one of the most intriguing people I knew.
From asshole to ally and back again, Arrow messed with my head. “Why did you choose the dark?” The question popped out before I could second guess it.
His face lost all sense of expression. I couldn’t read him, and I worried I’d crossed a line to a place where I was not welcome. I opened my mouth to tell him to forget that I’d asked when he surprised me by saying, “Because I belong there. In the dark. It’s what I am. Who I am. There’s no place for me with the light. There never has been.”
“What? No, that’s not true. Of course there’s a place for you. There still is, if you want it.” I clutched my beer, hoping my face didn’t convey how sad I found his response.
He made a noise somewhere between a scoff and a snort. “Trust me, Spike, I am not one of the good guys. Not hero material like you and Rowen. I always knew where I’d end up, and I’ve made my peace with that. It’s no big deal. Really.”
