Page 4 of Damon

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.

CHAPTER THREE

ATHENA

“Of course I couldn’t be seen driving last year’s Mercedes, so I traded it in for this year’s model. Decided to go with silver this time. What did you think of it?” He stared at me expectantly, holding his fork halfway to his mouth.

I gaped at him, trying to remember his name. Kevin? Devon? I knew better than to date guys I matched with on dating apps. Clearly, I was a masochist. Maybe it was time to admit to myself that I didn’t enjoy spending so much time alone while my friends were all paired off and planning their futures. As much as I enjoyed having fun with guys, I detested the actual dating part.

What I wanted to say was, “I think I should have driven my own car.” Instead I said, “It’s really nice. Silver was a good choice.”

I didn’t give a shit about this guy’s car or the money he tried so hard to flaunt. Usually guys like this had small dicks or shit personalities. Often they had both. All the money in the world wouldn’t make up for either.

Glancing at my plate, he raised a brow. “Aren’t you enjoying your filet mignon? It looks like you’ve barely touched it.”

Probably because every word out of his mouth drained my appetite and made me question my life choices. I wasn’t sure if Kevin/Devon really was rich or simply putting on a show. I didn’t care. I’d been done with this date since we sat down. Listening to him drone on about his new Rolex had almost been enough to make me throw myself out the window into the parking lot.

“No, it’s good. I had a big lunch. I’m not all that hungry.” Setting my fork down, I took a drink of the expensive wine he’d had brought to the table.

He frowned but said nothing, continuing to dig into his expensive slice of prime steak. When he excused himself to use the restroom, I pulled my phone from my purse and immediately fired off a text to each one of my friends. Someone had to save me.

While waiting for a response, I glanced down at the dress I’d worn. A black number with spaghetti straps and a slit down one leg. Nice enough for this restaurant but not the message I wanted to send to Kevin/Devon.