Page 63 of Dealing Dirty
“You’d like to think that, wouldn’t you?”
He recoils as if I’d slapped him.
“I had it under control,” I say coldly.
“Didn’t look that way based on how that fucker had you pinned.”
My hands slap against my thighs, and I hate the way my voice cracks. “Do you even care that you just embarrassed me in front of all these people?”
I step close enough to press a finger to his sternum. “You made a big show of two idiots fighting over somewhore.” My throat constricts, and I lower my voice, “Well, congratulations. You succeeded.”
Glass shards clink together from behind the bar as Micah brushes it into a dustpan. Hazel has scooted out of the war zone and a little closer to a stool. Their diverted glances only piss me off more.
“Juliana—”
“No, Derrick. I don’t need you acting like some crazy, jealous boyfriend!” My throat works to swallow down my outburst.
“What did you expect me to do? I couldn’t just stand there and let him take advantage of you.”
“Did you even stop to think that maybe I can take care of myself?” I scoff. “No. You were too busy asserting your dominance like I’m your property.”
Untying my apron, I slam it onto the counter. His mouth pops open, but I cut him off. “I’m not a damsel in need of rescuing, and I’m not wasting my time with someone who wants to claim my body, then doubts my intentions the moment he sees me with another man.”
His jaw sets, but my accusation strikes a nerve.
I sidestep him and head straight for the exit. I don’t have my keys, but I couldn’t care less. I’ll hitchhike my way home. Hell, maybe I’ll even seduce the driver who plucks me off the interstate.
That’s all I’m good for, anyway.
“Let her cool off, D.” Jack’s voice sounds from behind me as I shoulder my way to the door.
Cassidy races to my side, grabbing me before I can get too far, but I shrug out of her hold.
“Jules,” she gasps.
The last thing I intend to do is hurt her. I just need some air. I’ve got to get as far away from The Pound as possible, and unfortunately, she’s tied to it.
Hazel meets me at the door, and I exchange a nod with Tank when he informs me that Alfonzo is gone.
Cassidy’s face pinches, fighting back tears when Hazel hands me a sleek black helmet.
“Let’s go for a ride,” she says before whistling at her crew.
I ignore the sensation urging me to run back to Derrick. Jack’s got one hand on his shoulder and I mimic him, placing my palm on Cassidy’s and giving her a reassuring squeeze.
Following Hazel’s slender form out to the parking lot, I don’t bother looking back.
Chapter Eighteen
Juliana
For a month and half now, I’ve occasionally found myself sneaking peeks at the Wolves in their corner of the bar, wondering what made them choose this lifestyle. The lot of them are hardened criminals with questionable pasts, yet even as crazy intimidating as Hazel’s father can be, none of them have been anything other than respectful to me, Cassidy, or any of the guys, for that matter.
Our shoes crunch over the gravel scattered about the parking lot, and the frigid night air laps against my bare legs.
Cooper and another man flank us as we make our way toward Hazel’s Harley.
“Wow!” My jaw drops when I catch sight of her sleek, sporty ride. The chrome shines in the dim light of the streetlamp where the rest of her crew has parked, and the deep onyx color of the coverings give it a sexy, almost haunted allure.
