Page 73 of Jezebel's Liberation

“Think we might need to change how we operate, boss,” Jinx says.

“Obviously,” Diabla adds. “Look how well that’s gone.”

“Fine.” I wave my hand in their direction. “Who wants to spill their guts right now?”

They all shift uncomfortably beneath my gaze, and no one makes a move to volunteer.

“Like it or not,” I begin. “We’re all hackers for a reason. We love the solitary lifestyle and not having to answer to anyone.

“Besides you, you mean,” Diabla retorts.

“I’m your boss, yes,” I grit out. “However, besides our normal day-to-day work, I’ve never asked any of you about your personal life.”

“I think what Jinx is trying to say,” Bela inserts diplomatically. “Is that after this whole McCormick mess, we should be more open with each other about our extracurricular activities.”

“Yep,” Jinx and Loki say at the same time.

“Yeah, sure,” Diabla agrees begrudgingly.

I blink a couple of times and refocus on the stage, where Apple is now standing. She holds the microphone close and addresses the crowd. “Welcome to Purgatory! Who’s ready to get this party started?” she calls.

The crowd cheers loudly while Malice stands in front of the stage with Grim to make sure they don’t get too rowdy. Their menacing frames are practically daring anyone to try some stupid shit, so they have a reason to bust in some skulls.

“They’re pretty protective, huh?” Loki asks, pointing toward them.

“Oh, you better believe it,” Skye confirms. “The last person who tried to rush the stage and grab her ended up in the hospital with a broken arm. None of our men will allow anyone to put their hands on us.”

Jinx whistles. “Now, that’s a man.”

Diabla’s head snaps up. “Wait, you’re okay with a man acting like a complete Neanderthal and not let you handle your own shit?”

Jinx shakes her head. “I can handle my own shit, Diabla. But it would be nice to finally have someone in my corner, so I don’t have to.”

Diabla snaps her mouth shut because who can refute something like that. Sure, we’re all independent women who don’tneeda man, or in my case,men, to solve our problems, but sometimes it’s nice to share the burden so you don’t feel like the weight of the world is solely on your shoulders.

Possum saunters up to the table with Thorn and Spike. In what can only be described as a synchronized move, they fist Ivory and Delaney’s hair, pulling their old ladies’ heads back and kissing them until all four of them are panting.

“See, Diabla.” Bela jerks her head in their direction. “That is something I could get behind.”

“What are you ladies talking about?” Possum inquires.

“Nothing that would interest you,” Diabla mumbles.

“Where’s Soul?” Cece asks, pulling Possum’s attention away from Diabla.

Possum hooks his thumb over his shoulder. “In the office, going over the books.”

“Motherfucker,” Skye fumes. “Why can’t he wait until close or before we open. We’re trying to have a party here.”

Skye rushes toward the hallway that leads to her office, and Cece downs the last of her drinks before following her.

“I can’t let her kill Soul,” she says with a wink. “I need his dick later.”

I groan. “Cece, I fucking told you I don’t want to hear that shit about my brother.”

“Oh, come on,” Mel teases. “Don’t be a prude… You’re shacking up with two bikers.” She wags her brows.

My face instantly heats. “I don’t go around saying I’m going to ride their dicks later though, do I?”

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