Page 15 of Loving the Enemy
Ice turns toward Emma and says, “I’m gonna go introduce Zaira to the boys. Wanna come with?”
Emma smiles. “I think I’ll pass. I’m gonna go get something to drink and sit down for a bit.”
“No alcohol,” he says.
She shrugs, placing her hand protectively over her baby bump. “I know. You don’t have to remind me.”
Emma turns and walks toward one of the patio tables. Ice takes my arm and says, “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
“Of course I am,” I reply excitedly. And as we walk away leaving Michael and his Laurel alone, I can’t help the huge grin that comes across my face. I’ll will show him two can play at this game.
Ice walks me toward the other MC guys, and I find they are all very handsome and, to my surprise, very polite. Totally unexpected. Throughout all the introductions, I meet Rebel, Ari, Hawk, Honey, and Spike. Rebel and Ari are definitely a couple. I am pretty sure Hawk and Honey are as well, but I sense some tension. Note to self,steer clear of them. You’ve got enough tension in your life. You don’t need to add more.It’s obvious Spike is alone. Perfect. I begin a conversation with him, and before long, we are joking and laughing together. Michael has not taken his eyes off us, and I can see he is not happy. Fine by me. He can stew in jealousy for all I care. He started this.
It doesn’t take long for him to walk our way, without Laurel I might add, and interrupt. “Zaira, I need a minute.”
“You’ll have to wait, love. I’m talking to Spike right now. It would be rude of me to just walk away.”
He grabs hold of my arm and pulls me away. “Now, Zaira.”
I turn back toward Spike and mouth,I’m sorry.
Michael drags me into the house and heads straight for his office. After pushing me inside and slamming the door behind him, he walks past me toward his desk and turns.
“What the fuck are you trying to prove, Zaira!” he yells as he leans over his desk in a huff.
“Me?”
His eyes go wide as he stands upright. “Yes you! You’re trying to make me jealous by flirting with Spike.” He comes out from behind his desk and stomps toward the bar.
His back is to me when I yell back. “And you are trying to make me jealous with Laurel!”
He continues to pour his bourbon. “That’s different.”
“It most certainly is not!” He turns to face me, and I get up in his face. “Grow up, Michael!”
“Me!” He points at his chest innocently. “I’m not the one flirting with a biker out there.”
“No.” I jab my finger into his chest. “You’re the one who came to a family dinner with a fucking date!” I yell back.
He steps back. “You wanted a divorce. We are separated!”
I step back. “Exactly, so if I want to talk to another man who is single and available, I will.” I turn my back to him, but before I can take a step, he’s already grabbing my arm, turning me back around.
“Oh, hell no!” He tries to pull me close, but I push him away.
“So it’s okay for you to see other people but not me?” I try now to keep my distance. I know from experience that things never end well when we are in close proximity of each other.
“I’m not seeing anyone!” He takes a step closer. and I step back.
“Then would you care to explain who Laurel is?”
His excitement vanishes, and he says. “She’s my new assistant at Bella Celeste.”
“And?” I question. At least we are now somewhat civil to one another.
“And what?”
“She’s obviously here with you, Michael. Don’t play dumb with me.”
