Chapter 23
DELILAH
Seeing Imogen again is just what the doctor ordered. When we were lying beside one another on the stone altar, I really believed we would be walking hand in hand into heaven that night.
Now we are safe, and it means a lot.
Cassie is already here and as we enter the living room, she flings her arms around me and whispers, “Thank God you’re safe, Delilah.”
“Thank God we’re all safe.”
I smile shyly.
“Just so you know, I never want to see that place again.”
Cassie nods. “We’re done with it, thank God.”
She pulls me beside her on the couch, and Imogen points to a tray of refreshments.
“Help yourself. I slid some vodka into the soda, so it may not be the bar, but it should have the same effect.”
She winks, and Cassie’s impudent grin makes me smile. Cassie was wild at Rockwell, mainly because of the company she was keeping, and I’m interested in the state of her relationship with Frankie Majerio.
“Have you heard from Frankie?”
Her eyes shine.
“He calls, but it’s not the same though.”
Imogen shakes her head. “Ryder is pissed. Cassie is banned from leaving the compound unless she’s accompanied.”
“I’m sorry.”
She shrugs. “It’s fine. I’m due to begin a law course in the fall, so I’m studying hard for that.”
“It must suck not being able to see Frankie.”
Cassie’s smile dims. “I hate it, but well, he’s busy with his family and we made plans to meet up when the dust settles.”
Imogen adds. “He told Cassie he would visit her in the city when she starts work.”
“It won’t be the same, though.”
Cassie sighs. “Sometimes I hate being the protected princess of the president of an MC club. I can’t move now without him breathing down my neck.”
She chucks back the alcohol and appears so dejected, I am sorry for her.
“What about you and Drake?”
I turn to Imogen, and the happiness in her smile is the opposite of Cassie’s expression.
“Lucky for me, my father approves. The fact that Drake’s a Reaper meant he couldn’t use any argument that he’s not good enough for me. We’re taking it slow, though. You know, dating, enjoying one another’s company, and I’m liking the stage we’re at.”
“What will you do when Cassie starts law school?”
I’m interested in their future plans, and Imogen’s face lights up. “I’m heading for teacher training. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, and I want to focus on elementary school.”
“That’s a great choice.”
My smile is warm as I soak up the atmosphere. It’s easy being with the girls; they are no threat, familiar, and so kind. We also have the shared horror of Rockwell Academy, and my thoughts turn to the last people on the list.
“What about Jack? Is he still with Siri?”
Cassie nods, but her gaze falls to the floor, and Imogen answers, “Like Cassie and Frankie, they mainly talk on the phone. Siri is looking to be an accountant, and Jack, well–” Her smile fades. “Is set on a military career. He leaves next month.”
I glance at Cassie, who is staring at the ground, and as I catch Imogen’s eye, she shakes her head, warning the subject is closed.
“So, enough about us, honey. Tell us what happened when Blade whisked you off on the back of his Harley.”
This gets Cassie’s attention, and I can’t help smiling.
“We rode to a cabin in the mountains and, to be perfectly honest, I loved every minute of it.”
They lean forward, their eyes sparkling with interest.
“That’s how Snake and Bonnie got together.” Cassie adds and Imogen nods.
“He always says they would still be there now if she hadn’t fallen in love with him.”
“Why?”
“Because he realized the moment he set eyes on her that she was the one, and if it took him a lifetime to convince her, he would happily die trying.”
“That’s so romantic.”
I love this, and Imogen grins. “Is it the same for you and Blade?”
“No.”
Is it hot in here?
I shift in my seat. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m so grateful to him. He rescued me and has been amazing, but, well—”
“You don’t think of him in that way.”
Cassie blows out a breath, appearing disappointed.
“To be honest, guys–”
I sigh. “It’s probably the other way around.”
“No way!”
Imogen shakes her head. “The fact he walked you to the door and waited until the door closed, isn’t the sign of an uninterested man.”
“I think you’re wrong.”
I’m miserable inside because more than anything, I want Blade to show any kind of interest in me as a woman and not a project.
“He’s just my babysitter and probably can’t wait to get back to well–”
“Whoring around.” Cassie groans. “Don’t worry, Delilah, we understand how it works here and the single Reapers are in demand. It’s probably why we are banned from the bar. I mean, we are aware of what goes on though. We grew up here, but it’s not what you think.”
“In what way?”
I lean forward, desperate to learn what the real deal is here, and Imogen interrupts, “My mom met Flash in the Reaper bar. She was one of their broken angels, and Flash took a liking to her, and she to him. Ryder warned him off, but he went there anyway, and the rest is history.”
Cassie nods. “Then there’s Jet and Lucy. He was sent to bodyguard her, and they ended up returning to the compound as a couple. It happens, you see. Why won’t it happen for you and Blade?”
“Because he may not want me. I’m just another job to him.”
“I’m not so sure, honey. Just carry on being you and look out for the signals. I’m guessing Blade can’t voice his emotions and it’s probably cutting him open inside.”
Imogen giggles. “The proof will be in the Reaper bar. If someone hits on you, it would be interesting to see Blade’s reaction to that.”
I think back to his interruption when Britney mentioned pick and mix in the cafeteria, and a small spark of hope kindles inside me.
The door slams, and an attractive woman heads inside with a kind smile.
“Hi, girls.”
Imogen grins. “This is my mom, Jennifer.”
She turns to her mother. “This is Delilah.”
“It’s great to meet you, honey.” Her smile is warm. “I have a lot to thank you for. You were incredibly brave to approach Drake and help him expose Angela Constable. We owe you Imogen’s life.”
“I didn’t really…”
She holds up her hand. “Nothing will persuade me otherwise.”
She appears concerned. “I understand you lost your memory. That must suck.”
“It does.”
Cassie leans forward with interest. “What can you remember?”
“Only that I was married.”
I shiver.
“Gideon Fox, apparently.”
“Wow!”
Their eyes widen. “Anything else?” Imogen asks, and I shrug.
“I only know what Ryder told me. That my real name is Aspen Costello, and I was married to Gideon Fox. Then I was apparently sent to a sanatorium in Switzerland when I lost my mind, and he divorced me when it was obvious I wouldn’t recover. ”
“That’s bullshit.”
Cassie sounds enraged, and Imogen’s mom shakes her head.
“Language, Cassie.”
Cassie grins at Imogen, who rolls her eyes. “Mom, you curse like a soldier, why can’t we?”
“Because you’re not married, honey, and when you are, you have earned the right to cuss because you have every reason to.”
She winks, and Cassie grins. “I’m amazed my mom isn’t cussing every other word then.”
We giggle, and Jennifer chuckles. “I doubt your mom has much to cuss about, Cassie. Your father can’t do enough for her.”
“It’s the same for all of you, Jennifer. Flash is besotted, even after all these years.”
“That’s what happens when you meet your soulmate.”
Jennifer sighs. “Speaking of soulmates, I need to change. I’m meeting Flash and the others in the bar. It’s Friday night, which means I may be late.”
She turns to me. “Nice meeting you, honey. Come and say hi when you make it to the bar later. I heard Blade is responsible for your baptism of fire, and for your own sanity, there is nothing to fear. We’ll be watching out for you, and the men are respectful and the whores friendly.
Just enjoy your evening and forget any worries you may have. ”
She turns and heads to the door, and Imogen groans. “One day we will walk into that bar and have every right to be there.”
“Why can’t you go now?”
Cassie shrugs. “Daddy says it’s not fair on the Reapers. They go there to relax and around us they must mind their language and manners. It’s their space to let off steam after a hard day, and I understand that. Plus, who wants to socialize with your parents?”
“Ugh, gross.”
Imogen pretends to gag.
“But Drake is a Reaper, does he use the bar?”
“Occasionally, but only to relax with the guys. He, well, comes and finds me if he wants company.”
“And your parents are good with that?”
“They turn a blind eye. They’re kind of cool and don’t question me when I take the walk of shame and come home early in the morning.”
Cassie rolls her eyes. “Everyone knows Drake and Imogen are in love, and yet they’re still pretending it’s not happening. It will only change when they get married and the Reapers arrange for another house to be built on the grounds.”
“You are so lucky.”
I think about the community they live in and love the sense of family and loyalty they all share. My thoughts turn to Blade, and a shiver passes through me because more than anything, I wish that in a perfect world, one of those houses will be built with our name on it.