“I’ll be ready to leave in twenty,” Jason announced, not looking up from his phone. He’d been on it most of the morning, doing God knew what as swarms of people enjoyed the breakfast buffet.
I nodded as if I gave a fuck about what he said or wanted. I wasn’t trying to hide my true feelings anymore like before. I’d hit my limit with the circus act I’d been forced into, and I was done.
“Sure thing,” Cori replied as Tabitha pulled back. I brushed Cori’s hand off my thigh. She sighed again, shifting in her seat.
“I’ll be back,” I muttered to no one specific as I stood.
“Where are you going, babe?” Cori asked.
I didn’t respond, walking away.
These last forty-eight hours had been the longest of my life. Miranda wasn’t answering my calls or replying to my texts. I needed to know if she was okay, though I was sure she wasn’t. I considered calling Simone to check on her but decided against it. If my sister found out I went to Vegas with Jason and Cori, she would hate me. She’d probably also tell our parents. I didn’t care to imagine what they might think of me.
I searched for a quiet spot outside the building away from Cori and Jason to call Axel. When I found a private place, it took three rings for him to answer.
“What’s up?” Axel asked, sounding rushed.
“Really? That’s why I am calling. What’s going on? I haven’t seen or heard from you this whole trip.”
“I’ve been around. It’s not like I can be visible.”
“Why do I feel like you’re avoiding me?”
“Shit, man. You sound like we’re fucking dating. I’m working. That’s what the fuck’s been going on.”
“Liar!” My jaw ticked. I swear this asshole better not be screwing with me. “You were supposed to keep me updated.”
“When does your flight arrive? Maybe we can meet later today.”
“Three. But I want to beat Miranda home from work. She gets my undivided attention this evening.” I waited for a reply. And waited. And waited. “Hey? You there?”
“Um. Yeah.” This dude wasn’t much of a talker, the strong silent type from what I’d come to expect. But for fuck’s sake, could he make this call informative at the very least?
“What in the hell is going on?” I didn’t have an ounce of patience for anyone after my life had imploded Sunday morning, and Axel was seriously pissing me off. “I’m here in Vegas without a fucking clue about what’s going on. You’ve left me high and dry. What if Jason’s associates try to take me out?”
“Not happening.”
“No? How do you know? Are you hiding behind a tree or something?”
Axel growled. “Look to your right.”
As I turned, I saw nothing of importance except for my own personal bodyguard, who was totally oblivious to what was really going on. He was kicking back in the limo. He hated me. I could tell by the scowl on his face when he saw Cori and Tabitha. “I don’t see anything.”
“Black van with blacked-out windows. Now, wait for it…” A tall, dark-haired man wearing a black leather vest and inked arms stepped out of the van. “See him?”
“Yeah.”
“His name is Trey. He’s a member of Jagged Lords MC. He’s been watching you since you arrived, along with members from their Vegas charter. There are three more in the van and two prospects to your left.”
“What is this and what the hell is a prospect?”
Axel sighed. “You don’t know much about MCs, do you?”
“Is that a real question?” I gritted out.
“A prospect is someone wanting to be a patched member. Trust me when I say, they’ve had eyes on you constantly. Even inside your hotel room with Cori.”
“What? My room?” I squinted at the big-ass biker. He appeared familiar. “Hey, is he a bouncer at Club Rendezvous? I think I’ve seen him there before.”