CHAPTER 39 #2
I nod. There’s an unasked question in Shadow’s eyes, so I say, “I got my road name for a reason.” I struggle with my words, so I shoot Dimples a pleading glance.
“I got you,” Dimples says and gives me a slight smile. “When Storm first came to the club, she had anger management issues.” Dimples puts her hand on my shoulder. “But it was always directed at anyone who threatened the people she loved.”
“I almost got kicked outta the club.” I look down at my lap in embarrassment. “I’d only had my patch for a little over a year. We were having our annual party. There must’ve been twelve other clubs there. The president of one club took a liking to Dimples.”
“The party was outside,” Dimples says, jumping in. “There was a huge bonfire, and everyone was gathered around it. I let down my guard.”
“Bullshit.” I still remember that day like it was yesterday.
Well, at least part of it. “She was a fucking predator.” I meet Shadow’s gaze.
“She manipulated Dimples away from the fire. When I found them, the bitch had Dimples pinned against the wall. I still don’t know what possessed me to look for Dimples. Sixth sense?”
“I’ve always believed that,” Dimples says to Shadow.
“The woman was enormous. Towered over me. She was at least six-two or -three.” Dimples spread her arms out wide.
“And she was a wall. I couldn’t get away from her.
She was pressing against me, trying to kiss me, and her hands were all over me.
” Dimples shivers. “Still makes my skin crawl.”
“So what happened?” Shadow asks me.
“You’ll have to ask Dimples. I blacked out. When I snapped out of it, blood was everywhere, and the woman was knocked out cold. There must have been ten girls pinning me to the ground.”
“She was still fighting to get away,” Dimples says. “Aces couldn’t even get through to her, so Aces pushed me forward and said, You try.”
“That’s when I calmed down. As soon as I saw Dimples was okay, I stopped fighting.”
Dimples raises her eyebrows at me.
My cheeks heat. “Fine. As soon as I saw Dimples, I curled into a ball and started sobbing.”
“Oh, Storm.” The compassion in Shadow’s eyes gives me hope in this hopeless situation.
“I almost killed her.” Shame courses through me. “She was hospitalized for two weeks.”
“Did you get arrested?”
I shake my head. “She and her club lived under the code of club honor. She told the hospital she crashed her bike.”
“Nobody believed her,” Dimples says. “But the law around Cinder Ridge doesn’t interfere in club business.”
“Aces had a problem on her hands. Me!” I hold up one finger. “She gave me one chance—showed me mercy. But I could never black out like that again, or she’d take my patch.”
Shadow tilts her head. “And you haven’t?”
“No, ma’am. I know the signs. The thoughts in my head when I’m in danger. When I need a minute.”
“And I know the external cues,” Dimples says. “But it’s been more than a decade since it happened.”
I can see the thoughts rushing through Shadow’s head. Is she trying to figure out whether I’m dangerous?
“I see your hesitation,” I say. “I’m gonna tell you something few people know.” I glance at Dimples. “Dimples, Rouge, and Nails are it. Aces gave me an ultimatum. Go to counseling for my anger, or she’d take my patch.”
“I’m taking it you went?” Shadow says.
“I was a star pupil. Graduated from anger management with flying colors.” I smile at Shadow. “I’m telling you this because I want you to understand I’m not that person anymore. But I have to guard against it when someone I care about is concerned.”
“Trust me,” Dimples says. “Being with the Thorns, she’s been tested plenty, but she uses her techniques.”
“But you said you’ve punched people,” Shadow says. “You hit Frost’s friend.”
I smile. “I didn’t say I never hit people. I said I’m fully conscious when I do. It’s club life.”
Shadow looks down at her hands that are resting on the table.
Sadness washes over me. “I know it’s not the way of the Graces.”
I feel Shadow slipping through my hands. A band tightens around my chest.
“Does that change things?” Dimples asks.
I say a silent thank you to her since it was something I couldn’t bring myself to say.
Shadow looks up and meets Dimples’ gaze. She holds it for several seconds before she glances at me. “No, it doesn’t change how I feel.”
My spirits soar, but then they plummet. What does that mean? Earlier, with Wiz’s threat hanging over her head, I was sure it meant she was done. If that’s true, it wouldn’t change anything because I’d be banished from her life.
I work up my courage. “Can you clarify?”
“I appreciate you telling me your story,” Shadow says.
Uh-oh. That sounds like a letdown line if I’ve ever heard one.
Shadow takes a deep breath. “For the past two days, I’ve thought of little else. What happens next? What am I gonna do? The Graces were there for me at my lowest.” Shadow pauses and takes a long pull of her beer.
My stomach churns. No matter what she says, I gotta respect her wishes. Aces flashes through my mind—love that got away. Love? That’s insane. I haven’t known Shadow for very long. But Aces always swore it hit her hard and fast.
How tragic. Am I about to follow in Aces’ footsteps? This could be one of Shakespeare’s tragedies that Shadow loves so much.
Dimples snatches my empty beer bottle. “Should I go get us another round?”
Shadow shakes her head. “No, I’d like you to stay.”
Translation, she wants Dimples here to keep me under control when she lets me down. I brace myself.
Shadow surprises me when she takes my hand and looks into my eyes. “I don’t know what this is between us, but it’s special, and I know you feel it, too. But things just got more complicated.”
“To say the least.” I give her a smile, letting her know that whatever she says, I’ll respect her wishes.
“I’m not the only one with an issue with my club. If Frost and Wiz are working together, they’re gonna use me against you, too. What are your sisters gonna think if Wiz puts the heat on? She’s got pictures from inside Casino Night.”
“In other words, this is just the beginning?” Dimples says.
Sadness fills Shadow’s eyes. “I’m afraid so.” She waves her hand between us. “This is bigger than just us. It’s going to ripple through both clubs. I’m not the only one with a choice.”
I narrow my eyes. “What do you mean?”
“This could cost me my patch, but it could cost you your presidency.”
“I’m willing to take that chance,” I say and mean it. “How about you?”