Chanel clutch I found in a thrift store back in Hollow Brook named Karen, after the girl working the register. And to think I spent an entire afternoon envisioning how cosmopolitan Karen and I would look strutting around New York and here I’m nothing but laughable. “I was afraid I’d get accosted in this low-down and dirty town.” I beat him over the chest with my thrift store find. “And here it’s you doing the accosting!” I smack him hard over the top of the head, and a couple of beefed-up bouncers come up alongside me.
“Ma’am, is this dude bothering you?”
“Yes,” I seethe over at Axel with my newfound hatred for him. It’s always been there beneath the surface, and tonight it’s honored to make its official debut. “He most certainly is. Please escort me out of the building. I’d hate for him to follow me.”
The wrestler to my right cinches his arm through mine while the one to my left holds a hand out to Axel in the event he tries to make a move.
“Lex—wait!” he shouts over the music so loud even the DJ pauses his mixing moves to acknowledge the commotion. “This is a huge mistake! Don’t go!”
His voice grows small as I speed up the stairs, taking them on two by two.
No sooner do I get to the ground level, feel the rush of stale New York air hitting me in the face than a familiar voice roars from behind.
“Lex! Lex—please! Come back to me, Lex. I love you! ”
And those are the last words I ever hope to hear from Axel Collins.
I sob like the weak-minded moron I had become all the way home.
As soon as I set foot back in Hollow Brook, I knew Cupid and his stupid fictional arrow would never be a part of my life again.
I would never allow it.
Present Day
Lex
As if having a constant flock of protesters clamoring on the sidewalk in front of my home weren’t enough, they’ve managed to migrate to The Sloppy Pelican, filling in the lot with their ridiculous banners and homemade, mostly illegible third grade art on a stick.
“Oh ma gah!” Raven strums it out, doing her best country girl impersonation. We drove in together since she’s agreed to help me with the working end of Teagan’s official Freedom Fest. It’s slated to begin in less than an hour. I’ve been doing a lot of back and forth today, helping to decorate the banquet room to make sure the details were just right.
“They must have followed me this afternoon.” I click my tongue in disgust at the smarmy group, chanting boycott The Pelican!
“Oh my God.” Now it’s me exclaiming my horror. “This isn’t right.” My feet pivot in the small crowd’s direction, and Raven wastes no time in twisting me back toward The Sloppy Pelican.
“Never mind them. We’ll deal with them later. They’re old news anyway. We’ve got a Freedom Fest to tend to!”
“Right.” We speed in through the oversized front doors, and each time I enter this place the butterflies in my stomach still take flight. It’s true. Axel Collins has never stopped having that effect on me—and just the prospect of being near him does the same.
I’ve spent the night at his penthouse more times this week than at my own place. I guess it’s safe to say I’m warming to those Southern sleepovers quite nicely.
The Pelican is usually full to the hilt for a Friday evening, but tonight it’s shockingly empty.
“Looks like a slow night.” I head over to the bar where Mojo stands alone, polishing glasses instead of wowing the barflies with his mixing moves. “What’s going on? Is the Black Bear offering free food and booze tonight?” Everyone knows that the Black Bear is the only real competition for The Sloppy Pelican. But they’re located all the way on the other end of town. Even if the free scenario were true, I can’t imagine we would have such empty tables. The Pelican might be new, but it’s amassed a loyal following.
“The Black Bear doesn’t do anything for free. Heck, they charge to take selfies with the bartenders. But, hey—we all know bartenders are worth the price of admission.” He gives a quick wink along with the cheesy line. “Seriously though—” Mojo flexes those behemoth biceps without meaning to. His features morph to something just this side of pity as he ticks his head toward the front. “I have no clue why we’re so dead tonight. But I doubt the Black