CHAPTER TWO
DAMON
Athena Spencer thought she was God’s gift to men. Seeing her reap what she’d sown almost made it worth coming to this shitty party. I didn’t have much of an opinion on her overall, although I did find her to be a bit of a loudmouth.
Rumor had it that she liked to chew men up and spit them out. Sooner or later she would encounter the wrong man. The one that bit back.
Tipping my beer to my lips, I watched with mild amusement as she hurried off with her friends. Most likely having been embarrassed at being called out in front of everyone.
The guy she’d been arguing with, Andy something or other, had been successfully scared off by Casper. I didn’t blame him for choosing to retreat. However, as he reached the edge of the graveyard, I found myself rocking forward on my heels. Launching into motion as I followed.
I cast a brief glance back over my shoulder. Nobody paid me any attention. They usually didn’t at these events. I only came because Noah had been so insistent. I would’ve much rather stayed home with my game system and a six pack.
Needless to say, I wasn’t as social as my best friend.
Being forced into fake conversations with random people over a drink was my idea of hell.
Despite my efforts to get out of this party, Noah had been annoyingly persistent.
Telling me that I can’t spend my entire life locked away in the house ignoring everyone. I begged to differ.
Since we had been welcomed into the Graveyard Kings, Noah had found his groove. Managing to fit in with little issue. I strongly suspected that not a single one of them liked me. The feeling was mutual.
They had killed two of our best friends and broken my fucking arm.
It had since healed, yet I would never forget it.
I couldn’t pretend I wouldn’t have done the same if I’d been in their position.
I damn well would have. Still, becoming part of their group was the last thing I’d ever wanted.
Once Noah had become romantically involved with Dominik Taylor, our fate had been sealed.
I sauntered across the graveyard, drinking my beer as I went. “Hey,” I called, stopping Andy before he got into his car to leave. “Got a minute?”
He eyed me with suspicion. “I guess so. If you’re here to threaten me because of Athena, then save your breath. I’m already leaving.”
“Nope.” I shook my head. “Actually, I was curious about what happened between you two. It looked kind of tense.”
“That chick is crazy.” Andy shot a fiery glare back toward the party where Athena danced with her friends. “She’s a total game player. Lures guys in before tossing them aside like garbage. She let me believe that she was really into me. I guess it was my fault for falling for her act.”
Spying an opportunity, I played along, doing my best to sympathize with his plight. “Don’t you just hate chicks like that?”
“Yeah, I really do. Bitch led me on. Played me like I was nothing but a game.” Andy huffed, clearly still worked up.
Knowing exactly what I was doing, I said, “She shouldn’t be allowed to get away with that. Wouldn’t you love a chance to get back at her?”
He let out a bitter laugh. “Hell yeah. But what am I supposed to do? It’s not like I can do a damn thing about it.”
I took another sip of my beer before wiping the condensation from the bottle off my palm on my jeans. It was a damn hot night. The road that led back to town was empty. Not a car in sight. The party continued to rage on behind us.
“What if you could do something about it?” I let that question hang between us for a moment before continuing. “I’m not sure how much you know about me. My friend and I offer a variety of services. We do things that others either can’t or won’t. I might be able to help you out.”
Andy’s eyes narrowed. “What exactly does that mean?”
“It means that you want a little payback against Athena, and I’m in the business of helping out with that kind of thing.” I saw the curiosity cross over his face and knew that I had him. This was too easy.
“All right, I’m listening. What exactly can you do?” Again he stared back toward the party. Glaring at Athena who was oblivious.
Wondering how far he was willing to go, I asked, “What do you want me to do? I could grab her for a few days. Scare the shit out of her really good. Make her think twice about picking up random men. I can also make her disappear completely, although that kind of thing gets pretty expensive.”
Andy did a double take then. “Seriously? I’m not sure we need to take it that far. Although I’m not completely opposed to having you grab her. Maybe tie her up. Make her think you’re going to kill her. Make her fucking beg for mercy.”
As he spoke, a sinister glint filled his eyes. It didn’t take much to bring out this side of a person. One betrayal and he was ready to have me kidnap and torture Athena. The idea did have its appeal. I didn’t doubt it would be a fun time.
“Maybe hunt her down one night when she’s out.
Chase her. Hurt her even. Whatever it takes to make her sorry.
” Andy went on to describe a colorful assault that even I wouldn’t engage in.
I had no problem making Athena cry and beg.
What he described was beyond anything I was willing to do. Sick fuck.
“Let me handle the details,” I said. “Let’s talk cost. How much are you willing to pay?”
We negotiated a price that sounded reasonable despite being less than what I would usually insist upon. Andy wanted me to show some kind of proof. Photos or videos. Easy enough. Once we came to an agreement, he left, and I returned to the party.
I lingered along the edge of the graveyard, lost in thought as I watched people drink, make out, and dance like idiots. Athena herself sat on the grass near the trees with her friend Codie, the two of them engaged in conversation that had them both laughing.
I completely understood Andy’s desire for revenge. However, he had revealed himself to be a bit of a crazy bastard. Wanting me to do some pretty sick shit to her. The wheels in my brain turned as I pondered the situation.
Athena’s long brown ponytail swung behind her as she tipped her head back in laughter. Even though I couldn’t see her face clearly from where I stood, I knew her green eyes would be sparkling. She always seemed to be in a good mood. So upbeat and fun-loving.
I thought about the time we’d collided in the hallway on campus. I’d snapped at her to watch where she was going. Unwilling to take my attitude, she snapped right back at me.
I would never admit it out loud but I’d kind of loved it. Most people didn’t talk to me like that. They knew better.
“Where have you been?” Noah stepped up beside me, smelling like whiskey and Dom’s cologne.
“Around. Doing a little business.” Having finished my beer, I placed the empty bottle on the nearest headstone.
“What kind of business?” Noah studied me curiously, knowing me too well. “We’re here to party. Business can wait.”
“Don’t worry about it. I took a solo job. Nothing you have to concern yourself with.” Averting my gaze, I made sure not to look in Athena’s direction. I didn’t want to make it obvious.
Noah turned to better face me. “That’s exactly the kind of response that makes me feel like I need to concern myself with it. What are you up to, Damon?”
“It’s nothing. Really. Just a guy who wants a little payback. The usual.” My hands felt too empty. I needed to get another drink.
Launching into motion, I crossed the graveyard to one of the coolers containing beer and other options. Noah was hot on my heels.
“This wouldn’t have anything to do with Andy and Athena would it?” Noah asked. When I didn’t reply, he repeated, “Would it?”
Damn him for being so observant. Twisting off the cap on my beer, I took a long swallow before replying. “Why does it matter? It’s a job. It’s what we do.”
“Yes but we don’t shit where we eat.” Lowering his voice, Noah hissed, “We don’t take revenge jobs against a woman linked to the guys we are partnered with. Athena is Storm’s best friend. What the hell are you thinking?”
Storm was Rebel Kane’s wife. The so-called leader of the Graveyard Kings. Sure I was treading on dangerous ground here, but nobody had to know.
“It’s really not a big deal. Nobody will even know I’m involved, as long as you keep your mouth shut.
Don’t say anything to Dom. It will be over before you know it.
” Shrugging off his concerns, I pulled a joint from the small tin in my pocket.
As I lit up and took a long toke, I pretended not to notice the aghast expression Noah wore.
“That’s a pretty big ask.” Grabbing my arm, Noah forced me to make eye contact. “What exactly are you planning?”
“I haven’t decided yet.”
Noah shoved his finger in my face. “Do not do anything to fuck this up for us. We have a good thing going here with the Kings.”
“You mean you have a good thing going with the Kings. Probably because you’re fucking one of them.” Placing a hand on his shoulder, I calmly said, “Don’t worry about a thing. I’ve got this.”
I saw in his eyes that he didn’t believe me. This wasn’t the first time we’d been divided over a job. Probably wouldn’t be the last.
Since he already knew, I let my gaze wander in Athena’s direction. No way was Noah talking me out of this. I was actually really looking forward to it.