Page 223 of Remorseless
“Flicks,” she responded, trying to remember a cooler name than pornos and a less generic one than adult films.
Bishop mumbled something, turned, and rushed back to his booth. He grabbed his drink and emptied the glass, while Potter, Narci, and Torrin stared at her.
She saluted them, then reseated herself, pleased she’d outsmarted them by giving up her purse.
“You’re dangerous,” Kaia said. “Too fucking innocent to know better. Too fucking gorgeous to be ignored.”
She disregarded his words. “Tell me the truth. Did CJ recruit you? My brothers are against me going on a date. I could see him trying to make me happy while keeping control of the situation.” Lowering her lashes, she studied her water glass. “He’s smart and kind and loyal. I couldn’t ask for a better big brother, but the thought that I’ll never date without his or Daddy’s interference is crushing. He can live his life however he pleases. Daddy will advise him. Momma fights for me, but we’re both up againstthem. They always find a way to get what they want.”
Kaia gave her a tender smile, took her hand in his and kissed the back of it. He stared into her eyes and said, “no, CJ didn’t recruit me, sweetheart.”
“They got Grant, my cousin—who’s not really my cousin—to ask me out.”
“Mrs. Harrington’s grandson, right, babe?”
She grinned, pleased he’d paid attention to her. “Yeah. Anyway, he fumbled his invitation. Your awkwardness would track with his clumsiness. Grant is so charming and smooth. But he didn’t really want to ask me out and you don’t really want to be here. I’m just a favor.”
“That isn’t true, Reb.”
She suspected it was. “I dressed for you,” she said quietly. She felt so stupid. “Momma and I went shopping just for this date.” She held up her hands, her sapphire blue false nails shimmering with nail art. “I even got a manicure.” She wanted to cry so bad, her throat was beginning to hurt. “But it was all for nothing. You don’t even like my outfit. Just another sign we really don’t have anything in common. I’ve always loved to dress in my mother’s evening clothes.” She smiled. “I used to. I’m seven or eight inches taller than her now.”
“I noticed.”
“Can we go? I release you from your obligation. I won’t tell CJ I figured it out. I’ll just tell him it didn’t work out. Besides, we haven’t even chosen our meal and I’m getting hungry.”
“Do you like me, Rebel?”
Irritation surged through her. “Go fuck yourself.”
He chuckled. “I’m not trying to get you to admit to something to tease you, babe. I like you. A lot. Everything I said to you isbecauseI like you. I have never paid for a girl in my life. I get girls to do whatever I want. The girls I hang with prefer jeans. CJ is so fucking proud of you. He trusts your judgment. Not only would it please him that you love him so much, he’d never disrespect you by recruiting me to ask you out. Think about it, sweetheart. You were cutting class the day we met. He didn’t know your location because he didn’t know what you did, so he couldn’t have sent me to you.”
She released the breath she’d been holding and her belly unclenched. “You’re right.” The words mirrored CJ’s advice.
Kaia remained silent.
“By the way, there was a microphone in my purse, which is why I sent it with Bishop.”
He went white. “Fuck.”
“Don’t panic. All that stuff about kissing me and me being a fuck doll might piss them off, but we can tell them you were joking.” She smiled at him, her hurt disintegrating as Kaia’s words settled completely into her. “Let’s just enjoy the rest of the evening.”
It took several minutes before he calmed down, but his color slowly returned.
“Enough about me,” he said finally. “What are your dreams?”
“I know fuck all about you, sir,” she said with a laugh. “You’re very good at evasion. Or distracting me with your overly flowery nonsense.”
He chuckled. “I’m a very boring guy, Rebel. I’d much rather hear aboutyouand your plans for the future.”
“I want to be the club’s special enforcer.” She thought of Uncle Johnnie and Willard. “There are two dude bitches in particular I want to torture before I kill.”
“I wouldn’t mind earning my patch.”
The announcement pleased Rebel and she beamed at him.
“The Dwellers are famous. But I need a Harley and free time. What Idoknow is you shouldn’t discuss club business. Especially shit about torture and murder.”
She pursed her lips and nodded. “You’re right.”
