Ignite (The Disciples #4) - Cassandra Robbins Page 0,77

someone in the crowd.

“For the love God, don’t do it.” Doug jerks her forward as we go out the front door.

“I need to have it out with him. I need to tell him exactly what—”

Ryder, who was in the corner with a woman, walks over to us as I mold myself into Doug’s back.

“Antoinette.” I jump at his stern voice. “Axel’s still with Blade and Poet. So, stay with Doug.” His eyes bore into me as he takes in my dress and gives me a nod of approval. I almost laugh because I look absurd, like I’m a solo wallflower surrounded by a massive amount of poison ivy.

“Let’s go,” he says, grabbing Cindy’s arm. My mouth opens to say something, but nothing comes out as I watch Cindy willingly go with him.

“Oh God.” I blink in shock at their retreating backs. “What do we do, Doug?”

“Nothing.” He takes a swig from the bottle. “She’s been dying to fuck Ryder for weeks. All we can do is be there for her.”

“She said she hated him.” I grab the bottle for another sip, feeling much more relaxed. Doug snorts and pulls me around a large group of biker wives. At least that’s what I’m assuming since they’re all wearing vests saying “Property of.”

The sun beats down with not a cloud in the sky as we make our way toward Eve and a tiny dark-haired woman wearing bright red lipstick and red flats.

“I need sunglasses,” I hiss as he drags me forward.

This has to be Dolly, and next to her is a tall, redheaded god. He’s striking. With his arm hanging casually around her shoulders, he laughs at something Rip said.

Dolly laughs with Eve, then screams when she sees me with Doug. I cling to Doug—it’s as though I’m about to be introduced to the queen, what with all the fuss they’ve made about Edge and Dolly.

Don’t do what Eve and Dolly did. It rings in my head as we stop in front of her.

Dolly looks me up and down and her eyes mist with tears as she almost claps but puts her hands to her lips as if she’s praying.

“Baby doll.” Doug laughs as he lets me go and grabs her. “Look at you. I missed you.” Edge frowns then goes back to laughing with Rip.

“Holy fuckety fuck.” She grips Doug’s T-shirt and stares at me wide-eyed.

“I told you.” Eve beams at me like I’m some kind of mythical creature.

“I just… Oh my God. Edge—” She reaches for his hand and stays in Doug’s arms. “Rip, be quiet.”

She pulls back to karate chop her way into their conversation. Edge’s lips twitch as he gives her his full attention.

“This. Is Axel’s.” She points at me. And I want to slink backward. Instead, I plaster on a smile and hold my head high.

Edge turns to me. His eyes are blue, but not like Axel’s sapphire blue. Edge has turquoise eyes and they’re definitely intimidating, which is stupid. They all are, but Edge seems to have an anger that the others don’t. He stares at me and smiles.

“There is a God and he sent us Antoinette.” He looks me up and down, but it’s not sexual, more like an approving father kind of way. “I’ve been waiting for you for years. You’ve no idea.” And I swear to God, he looks like he wants to lift me on his shoulders. I smile back, but sheesh, all his buddies seem so happy that Axel has me.

“It’s nice to meet you both.”

“If you need anything, you let me or Dolly know,” Edge says.

Dolly gives me the once-over, causing me to flush even more. Still, I hold my head high.

Thankfully Doug takes pity on me. “Let’s all go for a swim before it’s not sanitary.”

“I have to sit. My feet are swelling,” Dolly informs Edge who looks a little lost.

“Wait, you okay?” His eyes caress her face.

“She’s doing great, Edge. Just pregnant,” Eve says.

Edge frowns but stays focused on Dolly. “If you’re tired, maybe we should go—”

“I’m fine.” She laughs. “We’ll be at the pool.”

“Just take it easy, babe.” He kisses her so tenderly it’s strange that a man that rugged can be so gentle.

Doug’s phone rings as soon as he sinks into a cushioned chair under the umbrella. Dewey walks up, sweating, his face red.

I have a soft spot for him. He’s one of the sweetest guys. He adores Eve and is basically the manny to James Dean and Nicole.

Since Axel’s been gone, I’ve started having coffee