is. Cut me a little slack. She and Bash are the ones who make things tense around here. I’ve got nothing to do about that.”
“I feel like I should join you.”
“Why?” No way in hell is that happening.
“You make her nervous.”
“So?”
“You really want a teenager nervous when she’s behind the wheel?”
“You make her sound like a kid. Need I remind you, Angel’s an adult?”
“She’s eighteen, technically still a teenager.”
“Technically, an adult.”
“Just don’t be a dick.”
“Me?” I stand and give him a look as I back away. “I’m warm and fuzzy.”
“My ass.”
“Don’t know about your ass. Don’t want to know anything about your ass: furry, warm, fuzzy, or otherwise. And I’ll be the perfect gentleman with Angel.”
I have no intention of being a gentleman.
Noodles gives me a long look, like he’s not buying my shit. He shouldn’t. I’m lying my ass off, but I’ve kept secrets from him before.
I can damn well do it again.
Unable to contain my excitement, I race inside, where I draw up short. Bash stands at the kitchen island. He turns at my entrance and crosses his arms.
“Yo.” He gives a chin bump in greeting.
“Yo?” I return a much more hesitant reply.
Bash runs his hand over the top of his shaved head. “I wanted to thank you for taking Angel out. I’d do it, but we can’t be in the same room without it turning into World War III. Put us in a car together?” He shakes his head. “It’s worse.”
“It’s no problem. Honestly, I’m feeling a bit cooped up. It’ll be fun to get out.”
“I want to ask a favor.”
“Shoot.”
“She won’t listen to me. She avoids Holly like the plague. Skye and Mitzy tried to talk to her, but she closes up like a clam.”
“What exactly do you want me to do?”
“I don’t know.” He presses his palms on the kitchen counter and stares at his reflection in the glossy surface. “Listen?”
“I can do that.”
“Maybe guide her?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m worried she’s stuck. What happened to her sucked, but she’s totally checked out on her whole life. No school. No job. No interest in anything. She just hangs around Insanity, and that’s not good. She’s never around anyone her age, and she sure as shit doesn’t want to listen to what I have to say. Says I’m a ‘poor role model’ because my life ‘isn’t normal.’ Whatever that means.”
“I’m not sure what you expect me to do? And she has a point.”
“About what?”
“At eighteen, we were playing to sold-out venues. Nothing about that is normal. We were young and famous.”
“Well, yeah.” He scratches his head. “I don’t even know what I’m asking you to do, but if the conversation goes there, you could maybe encourage her.”
“I can try.” I should say something like, I don’t know what eighteen-year-olds like, but my goal is to minimize the age gap, not draw attention to it.
“Thanks.” Bash looks up as Angel enters the kitchen. She changed into a dress, and I’d bet a million bucks she’s not wearing anything under it. I’m not the only one of us who’s eager to see where things lead.
“You ready?” I turn my attention to Angel.
She holds up her license. “I am very ready.”
“Well, let’s hit the road.” I gesture for her to go ahead of me, then pause. “I’ll keep her safe.”
“Thanks.”
“No problem.”
Only Bash has no idea that I mean what I say. Nothing bad will ever happen to Angel, at least not while she’s with me. I’ll protect her with my life.
That may be a bit overly dramatic, considering we’re headed out for a morning drive, but I mean every word.
Eighteen
Angel
My entire body tingles with excitement. It’s almost better than last night when Spike blew my mind with his exceptionally talented, and dreadfully skilled, fingers. He blew my mind in more ways than one, and I can’t wait to blow his…
Well, blow him, and his mind, in more ways than one.
All night, and all morning, my fingers itched to wrap around his cock. Horny doesn’t begin to explain the eagerness with which I look forward to our little drive beyond the confines of Insanity.
We’ll be free. Free from judgmental eyes. Free from disapproval and disappointment. Free from societal norms which dictate who may, and may not, love one another.
As for blowing my mind, I’m eager to see what that glint of metal is that he’s hiding under his pants. If it’s what I think, things promise to be quite fun. I can’t wait to dive into his twisted mind. Hell, I