We reach the firing range just as Mal is accepting her prize cuddly toy, and she turns at our approach. I nod towards the overlarge giraffe. “What are you going to do with it?”
The other woman chuckles, “put it with the other three I’ve won.”
“We’re having a shooting competition. Are you interested in entering?” Firebird asks, with her pen poised over her clipboard.
I fired my first gun when I was five and nod. “Do you think we have a chance of winning?”
Eve chuckles as she shakes her head. “Not if you have me on your team. Bastian’s only just started to show me how to use a gun.”
“Shit, Eve. You grew up in Noir Valley–How can you not know how to shoot?”
Eve rolls her shoulder at Firebird. “Never had a reason to. Mama wasn’t into hunting.”
Firebird’s glance slides over to where Leon is talking to Alex and Cole as they walk around the bikes. “Twelve months, Eve. You’ve twelve months to become a perfect shot. Data’s teaching Poppy to shot, Mal’s a good shot. We’ll let them win this year. But next year is going to be our year.”
I turn to Mal. Her loose dark thick hair covers part of her face. Her make up is flawless. Her eyes slumberous in the dark kohl. Her blouse is button to her throat, and she has a light summer scarf wrapped around her neck. Her scars hidden from prying eyes. “How are you settling into Noir Valley, Mal?” I ask.
The woman sips her beer as her gaze skims over my shoulder, and I turn to find her staring at Oyster and Flash. “It’s different to Baton Rouge. Quieter and I like it.” She smiles, but only one side of her lip curves. “It’s better when he’s not about.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Oyster.”
Mal nods. “He’s like a doddering old father.”
“Oyster.”
“Yep.” Her brown eyes roll, “always fussing.”
I look at Mal. Her smile of moments ago has slipped, and she’s turned her gaze away from the biker. She’s several inches shorter than I am, and a couple of years older. I chew my lip. The only woman I’ve ever seen Oyster fuss over is his mother, Ma Keys. As I study the accountant, I smile. I’ve never seen Oyster with a woman outside of the club and as I watch him with Flash. I guess he never goes short of female companionship when he’s in Noir Valley.
“Do you like him?”
A slow blush spreads over Mal’s cheeks as she gives a vigorous shake of her head. “No. he’s too bossy for my taste.”
“Who fancies a swim?” Firebird glances at each of us. “You did bring your costumes ladies. If not, there are spare on the riverboat.” A groan greets Firebird, but no one has the heart to say no to her.
The sun slips behind a cloud and I open my eyes, to find myself staring into Alex’s blue gaze and I turn slightly to look at either side of him, Cole is not with him.
“You look beautiful.”
I shade my eyes as I sit up and accept the beer he offers me. When I glance at the women, they turn their backs on me and I’m left facing Alex as he sits on the ground beside me. “Where’s Cole?”
Alex shrugs. “Playing cards with the guys.”
“I’m supposed to be spending the day with him.”
The noise of the cook-out fades as the buzz of blood echoes in my ears as Alex’s fingers glide over the flesh of my bare arm as he shuffles closer. “Day invited him. He could have said no.” Alex’s smile deepens, and my stomach swirls. “If you were my date for the day.” He leans in further. “I know who I would have chosen.” The laughter in his eyes sets the warning bells off and as I watch him, I ignore them. “In fact, I did say no.” He leans forward, brushing his lips over my nose. “Aren’t you glad I said no. Otherwise you’d be on your lonesome.”
My tongue runs over my lips, blinking as I pull away from his smile. “I’m sure Cole will come looking for me.”
Alex strokes the bare flesh of my stomach and I wish I had chosen the one piece instead of the black bikini. “He won’t.” He glances towards Demon’s Lair. “He’s in a big game. He’ll be caught up in it for several hours.”
“You’re a bastard.”
Alex shrugs. “You said you were coming with him. You never mention spending the day or…” His gaze lingers on my thighs and I fight the urge to clench them. To hide from his burning gaze. “The night.” From the inside pocket of his cut, he withdraws a sheet of paper and drops it on my lap. My fingers shake as I reach for it, and my heart skips a beat as I read the results of Alex’s and mine’s tests. There are no more delays.
“How did you get my results?”
“Doc Holden gave them to me.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Because I asked him.”
I slip the pieces of paper back into their envelopes. Alex is watching me. I feel gauche and lick my lips as I scan the open field. No one is watching. No one is interested in our conversation. Then I glance at the riverboat and my knees shake. Alex’s chuckle draws my gaze back to him and he lifts my hand. His thumb presses into my palm as he kisses the flesh. “If you were one of the club whores, I would have taken you by now. Have sunk my cock into that sweet cunt of yours. But you’re not a club whore, Mia.” Alex’s dark gaze lingers on my lips and as I go to pull my hand out of his, his grip tightens. “Mia, I’ve waited these few weeks. I can wait a little
