Page 55 of Merciless Angel
“How long did you date Zane Larson?” she asked. “Was it serious?”
“Not really,” I sniffled. “We were on and off for a few months. When I realized he was seeing other girls, I decided that I didn’t want to see him anymore. We went our separate ways, and I haven’t spoken to him since.”
They asked me a few more questions, mostly making me repeat myself. Then they let me leave with the promise they’d be in touch if they thought of anything else to ask me. I left the precinct with tears dried to my face and a roiling stomach. It took great strength not to throw up in the bushes outside.
Once I left, I called Raina. “I need a drink. Or ten. Meet me at the lounge next to that Italian restaurant? I need to talk.”
She didn’t hesitate. “Of course. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
The lounge was quiet at this late afternoon hour. A few people sat at the bar, otherwise, it was empty. I went to a table in the back next to a tinted window that looked out onto the street. When the server came by, I ordered a double whiskey and Coke. I may have to leave my car and Uber home, but I didn’t care.
Raina came in a few minutes later. She wore a black tank top and a pleated skirt that showed off her killer legs. Her blue eyes were lined in black, her lips popping with red. Her smile faded at the sight of my tired, weary face.
“What did those Angel fucks do now? Tell me everything, girl.” She slid onto the seat across from me and reached for my hand. “You look rough, Clover. Have you been crying?”
I’d done my best to clean up the mascara streaks before entering the lounge. My red rimmed, puffy eyes gave me away.
“The cops asked me to come to the station to answer a shit ton of questions about Zane today.” I kept my voice low despite there being nobody within earshot. “Even though I had nothing to do with his death, I felt like they were going to nail me for it anyway. It was stressful as hell.”
I sucked back a large amount of my drink. The alcohol raced through my veins, helping me relax in my seat. The server came by to take Raina’s order before disappearing again.
“You didn’t tell them anything, right?” She watched me guzzle my drink, her brows knitting together in concern.
“Of course not. I told them that Zane and I broke up, and I haven’t spoken to him since. I’m not sure they believed me, but I didn’t kill the guy.” No, the men who’d claimed me for themselves had killed him. As much as I hated them, I wouldn’t sell them out by turning them in. At this point, I would go down with them if they were caught.
“Shit.” Raina rubbed a hand over her forehead. She thanked the server who returned with her drink, waiting until we were alone again. “Think they’ll be able to track it to the Angels? Would you want that?”
I had to think about that for a moment. “I don’t think so. They have no reason to suspect the Angels. Honestly, I don’t think I’d want them in prison for Zane’s death. As much as I hate to give them credit for anything, they saved me from being his hostage for the rest of my life. Zane had no intention of letting me go.”
“Then he got what he deserved. I knew he was a piece of shit. You didn’t do anything though. They can’t accuse you without evidence. It will be okay, Clover. Try to calm down.”
I chugged back the rest of my drink. It burned so good. “There’s something else I need to talk to you about.”
Raina sipped her drink, eyeing me over the rim of the glass. “I’m all ears. What’s up?”
Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly. I couldn’t believe I was doing this. “The Angels want me to get dirt on the Gods. They want me to help them sabotage the next cash or drug drop.”
Raina’s face grew pinched with anger. “Those motherfuckers.”
“I told them I would do it, but I lied. I don’t want to screw over the Gods. I want to screw over the Angels, and I need your help.” Hearing myself say it made it real. Part of me wanted to instantly take it back.
“Gladly. I’ll do anything to put those sleezy fucks in their place. It’s time we get you away from them too.”
“Yeah…I guess so.” Running a finger around the rim of my glass, I stared into it, wishing it wasn’t empty.
“Hold up. Isn’t that what you want?” Raina paused, searching my face. “It is what you want, isn’t it?”
How did I tell my best friend that the men who’d violated her had become a part of my life that I both loved and hated? They were vile assholes who did what they wanted at any cost. They’d treated me like their toy. Their possession. And yet, they’d saved me twice. They’d gone to the Sinners and struck a deal to find out where Zane had taken me. They owed a favor now because of that.
“I think so. I don’t know.” I shook my head. Why was this so damn confusing? “It should be what I want.”
Raina sighed, sitting back in her seat. “I get it, girl. The Gods tormented me, and I ended up married to them. Sometimes you form a bond. You didn’t mean for it to happen, but it does, and you feel like shit about it.”
She nailed it. I felt like I should hate them, yet last night in bed with Blaze, I’d felt guilty at the thought of betraying them. I knew that I shouldn’t. They’d demanded too much of me this time.
“You’ve got that right.” I motioned to the server when she came by, asking for a refill. “I feel even worse about it because of what they did to you.”
“Don’t let what happened with me guilt you, okay? I’m fine. A little scarred up but fine. Those pricks don’t deserve someone like you, Clover. I hope you know that. Whatever you want to do, however you want to handle this situation, I’m here for you.” Raina hesitated before adding, “But if you feel something for them, that’s okay too. Don’t beat yourself up about it.”