16. Meri
CHAPTER 16
MERI
Told you I could take care of myself.
One week later…
“I’m so glad you came.”
I smile at Ember over the bottle of beer I’m nursing. Contrary to popular belief, not all bartenders are lushes. I like to drink as much as the next chick, but I don’t like to get sloppy. And since this is my first party at the Soulless Kings clubhouse, I’m being extra careful.
“Me too. I see you all at Ballinger’s, but this is different.”
She laughs. “You have no idea.”
Poker and the other brothers have been sequestered in a room for the last hour, ever since Tracer ran into the common room yelling I got him. I assume he was referring to Diego, but I don’t know if I’ll ever get confirmation. I’m okay with that, though. Poker will tell me what I need to know.
“He’ll be back soon,” Addison says, following my gaze to the hallway where they disappeared.
“Am I that obvious?”
“Don’t let them make you feel bad about wanting to be with your man,” Wren, Journey’s old lady says.
I know all about her multiple personalities, having witnessed her shift a few times at Ballinger’s, but she seems to be doing well, and I’m happy for that. I can’t imagine how hard Dissociative Identity Disorder is.
“It’s just…”
“It’s still new,” Ember supplies when words fail me.
“Exactly. I’ve never been the type of girl who wants to spend all her time with a guy, but shit… Poker’s different.”
Ember sighs wistfully. “That’s a biker for you. They’re all different. But in a good way.”
It’s not five minutes later that the guys stroll into the large room, each making a beeline for either their woman, a Bangin’ Betty, or the bar for a drink.
“Hey, babe,” Poker greets as he slides an arm around the small of my back. “Having fun?”
“Yeah.”
I search his eyes for the confirmation I want about Diego, and somehow, he knows exactly what I need and gives an almost imperceptible nod. Relief washes over me, and I take a long pull of my beer.
“Wanna shoot some pool?” he asks. “We could even put a little wager on it.” Poker bobs his eyebrows suggestively.
“I’m game, but I’ve gotta warn you, I’m pretty fucking good.”
“Is that so?” He grabs my hand and practically drags me toward the pool table across the room. “What are you willing to bet?”
Instinctively, I want to turn this into some version of strip poker, but we’re not alone, so…
“For every ball I sink, you drink a shot of Jack.”
“And for every ball I sink?”
“I’ll down a Blowjob.”
“Jesus,” he rasps as he thrusts his hands through his hair. “You’re on.”
Two games later, I’m drunk as shit.
How the hell did that happen? I’m a pool goddess!
I sway as Poker guides me toward an empty couch, but halfway there, he stops in his tracks, and I slam against him.
“What’re you doin’,” I slur.
“Hey, baby,” a woman’s voice is the only response I hear, and I immediately perk up. “How about you ditch drunk Barbie and take me to your room?”
Say what now?
“Kitty, you know that’s not gonna happen,” he snaps, keeping me tightly tucked to his side. “Move.”
I manage to clear my vision by blinking several times, and that’s when any trace of alcohol flees from my system.
This slut has her hands on my man!
I straighten to move in front of him, forcing her to break contact. “You heard him,” I snarl. “Move.”
“You think he’s gonna stay with you? He’s been fucking me for years,” she taunts. “When he’s sick of your rancid pussy, he’ll come craw?—”
Pain radiates through my hand and up my arm as my fist connects with her jaw, but I ignore it.
“The only rancid pussy here is yours!” I shout, punching her again. “Poker is taken, and it would be wise of you to remember that you fucking bitch.” Hauling my arm back, I land another blow.
Kitty is now on the floor, trying to scramble away from me, but I bend down and grab her by the hair.
“Poker, help me!” she screams.
I glance over my shoulder to see him standing with his arms crossed over his chest and a grin on his face. “I’m good.”
“Somebody, hel?—”
Dropping her head, I stomp a foot into her chest, grinning sadistically when she writhes in pain. Then I yank her up by her hair again and drag her to the door. As soon as I have her outside, I let go, enjoying the thud of her thick skull on the pavement.
I turn around and storm back into the common room, and Poker is standing just inside the threshold. “Feel better?” he asks with a smirk.
“Told you I could take care of myself,” I snap.
And then I promptly pass the fuck out.