Page 41 of Love Gamble
“Thanks so much,” she says to all of us. “I’ve had the worst day, and some company right now is just what I need.”
“Of course,” Bella says. “We know you’ve worked for the MC for so long, but we’ve never really hung out with you without the men.”
“I’ve tried to keep everything strictly business with the MC, so I usually keep my distance,” Echo admits, taking a long sip of her drink. “But now I can see that I’ve isolated myself by doing that.”
I feel for Echo and the spot she’s in.
And if I’m being honest, when I walked in and saw her talking with Damon so closely, I did feel jealous. But she works alongside them, and she’s never slept with any of them, so she’s never stepped on any toes.
Something must have happened and maybe she’s realized that she doesn’t want to be so alone anymore. I think that everyone can relate to that in some stage of their life. I know I can. I’ve always considered myself a lone wolf, but I love the people I have around me, and I’d never want to be without them.
At the end of the show, we are all cheering and tipping the dancers.
Damon comes and sits with us at the end, bringing us another round of drinks.
“This was fun,” I tell them all, my head buzzing in the very best way. “I’ve had the best night, so thank you.”
Romeo and River show up, looking less than impressed.
“Hey, husband,” Julianna says to Romeo, sliding up to him. “I know, I know. Save the lecture. Damon was here and we were safe. Now let’s go home.”
Romeo kisses her and whispers something into her ear. Her cheeks warm and she clears her throat.
Romeo then looks over at me. “We need to talk about those text messages.”
“What messages?” Julianna asks, arching her brow.
“Tatum contacted her,” he explains, and I shrug.
Julianna widens her eyes. “Saying what? Did he threaten you?” she asks as she grabs my arm.
A fierceness enters her eyes, and I see the President of the Angels MC in her come out. She really was born to rule.
“No, he didn’t threaten me. He wanted me to meet him, though,” I admit.
Julianna loosens her grip on my arm. “I’m glad you didn’t. You need to be careful with Tatum. He’s unpredictable. You can’t put yourself in any danger.” She pulls me in for a hug. “I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you.”
River comes over and Bella says something to him quietly. Then he turns to me and narrows his eyes. “Come on, Corey. We’re all going home.”
Damon walks over and stands next to me, and River looks between the two of us.
Shit.
Bella takes my arm and leads me away, leaving the two men alone together.
I knew this was going to have to happen, but now that it’s here, I’m terrified. Luckily the alcohol takes the edge off.
I just hope that River doesn’t decide to be an asshole and say that he doesn’t approve of Damon.
“What do you think they’re saying?” I ask Bella, trying to look around her and lip-read. “Do you think River is going to be reasonable?”
“I spoke to him, don’t worry,” she assures me, pulling me to the bar. “Let’s have another drink. You can’t control what happens next, so don’t stress out about it. Either way, in the end, it will be fine.”
“You’re right.” I nod and take her offer on the drink. “How about a shot?”
“I’m going to suffer tomorrow, but sure,” she replies, and slides me a menu. “How about tequila?”
Sounds like regret. “Let’s do it.”