Page 33 of Quadruplets for the Vipers

Chapter 16

Jace

The second Leah and Knox walk in the front door, it’s obvious that they’ve hooked up. I can tell from the shit-eating grin on Knox’s face and the flush on Leah’s cheeks. She looks happy and relaxed. Knox certainly did his job and then some.

“Well, you two look like you had fun.”

Predictably, Leah looks as guilty as sin. “We went to the beach.”

“I can see that.” I nod at the trail of sand behind them. “I hope I can join next time,” I add with a wink, enjoying watching Leah squirm. “While you two were off having fun, we’ve been busy making progress.”

“You have?” Knox interjects eagerly. “Do we know what the Hellhounds wanted with Leah?” He frowns, balling his fists, raring for a fight.

“Not yet, but we’ve got a lead. We’re heading out to meet with the guys from the Vagabonds tonight to see what they know. Axel and Rider have already gone ahead to check out the place.”

“What about Leah? We can’t leave her here alone.”

“That’s why she’s coming with us.”

Both Leah and Knox seem startled by my response.

“I am?”

“She is?”

“The Vagabonds are allies, I think it would be good for Leah to meet others like us,” I say pointedly. “We’re meeting on neutral territory away from the Hellhounds. Leah will be safe with us. Besides, there’s some live music night at the bar we’re going to, Axel thought Leah would enjoy it.”

A pained look of guilt and shame flickers across Leah’s face. It seems that the guys have failed to express to her how unbothered we are by sharing. Though I suppose it’s not something you can really understand until you’re living it. So many people who claim not to be jealous are lying to themselves.

“Well, go on and get ready then, we’ve gotta go soon.”

Leah nods and darts off, grateful for the escape. Knox hovers, wanting to follow but trying to play it cool.

“You look like the cat who got the cream,” I smirk at him.

He grins back proudly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You two have all the subtlety of a truck. You might as well go after her. But don’t forget that she’s fair game now, I’m not following the rules if you aren’t,” I say with a wink.

“I’d like to see you try.” Knox challenges with a wide grin that bares his teeth.

We’re always competitive with one another, especially when it comes to women, though we’re more than happy to share, we still try to one-up each other. I hope Leah knows what she’s let herself in for.

***

The party is in full swing by the time we arrive. Leah’s eyes light up as she takes in her surroundings. Her focus landson the band on stage that is drawing a crowd of people to the dance floor with their popular rock classics. She smiles and gets a dreamy, far-away look in her eyes as she subconsciously sways in time to the beat, lost in the music. I can see why Axel wanted her to come tonight. Leah is somehow even more breathtaking, the music igniting a passion from deep within her that brings her to life. Like moths to a flame, every person we walk past is mesmerized.

I spot Rider across the room, ever alert, standing next to the booth where the others are sitting. I take her hand under the pretext of guiding her through the crowd. I’m reluctant to let her go when we get there, feeling strangely bereft without her hand in mine as Axel introduces her to the others.

“Leah, this is Diego, Mateo, Rafael, and their old lady, Valentina. They’re part of the Vagabonds motorcycle clubs, allies of ours.”

I watch as Leah processes the information about the polyamorous partnership. That’s no doubt the real reason why Axel wanted Leah here tonight. The man isn’t exactly subtle, but at least he’s giving Leah another choice, showing her how things could work out if she wanted them to. I wonder if that factors in Rider and me. It certainly would for us, but I can’t tell if Leah likes me or merely tolerates me. And while Rider is clearly smitten, his love language is aloof silence. The man has zero game when it comes to women and has hardly dared to say two words to Leah. Knowing Rider, he thinks that if he ever made a pass at Leah, she’d run screaming for the hills.

I’ve been so busy mulling over Leah’s reactions, I’ve missed the initial greetings. Knox has also nabbed the seat on the other side of Leah, leaving me to perch on the edge. Even though it’s completely obvious to me that Axel not only knowsbut also doesn’t mind that Knox and Leah hooked up, Leah seems uncomfortable. It seems we’re going to have to spell things out for her.

As we make small talk, Leah begins to relax. She and Valentina seem to get along, laughing and chatting. Valentina has a way of drawing people in and putting them at ease. I can tell Leah is itching to ask more about her relationship with the three guys, but is too polite and uncertain of how to.

Despite the turmoil that led us to arrange this meeting, it’s good to catch up with the guys, regaling Leah with stories and making the girls laugh and roll their eyes over our stupid hijinks. Zeus was good friends with Diego’s father, so we go way back.

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