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“Hey, you three,” Dean greeted them with an infectious grin as they joined the group. “Ready for some introductions?” The day had been such a whirlwind, Shay hadn’t even realized that no one, apart from Dean of course, had had the chance to introduce themselves. The Death Dealers had ridden in separate cars and kept watch out front of the diner while they ate, so this was the first time they were really seeing each other up close.

“Sure—you start,” Roman prompted, his husky voice muffled by the cigarette he’d placed between his teeth. He sparked hislighter, the orange glow of the flame kissing his handsome features.

Dean fired off the names of his Death Dealers, indicating to each with an index finger. “This is A.J., Bobby, Nash, and Jacob, my ride-or-dies.” Then he pointed at himself, his smile growing. “And I’m Dean.” The men were all around the same age—late thirties, early forties. All except Nash, who looked to be in his mid-twenties. And Nash was?—

Staring. He was staring. At Shay. He had cropped dark hair, an abundance of tattoos, and pale blue eyes. He was attractive, yeah, definitely—but it was hard to notice when you had competition like the god that was Roman Devlin standing right there, smoke rippling out of his lips.

As Nash kept staring, Roman made a dramatic show of glancing between them, looking pissed.

Wait a minute—did Roman’s eyes just darken? She could have sworn the parking lot was growing darker, too.

Holy shit, was he…was hejealous?

Shay pressed her lips together to stifle a smile.Oh gods, this was too good!

Roman began their side of the introductions, starting with himself. “I’m Roman Devlin. This is my little brother, Paxton.” A pause. He gestured to Shay, and when he spoke next, he pinned his cold stare on Nash, his tone dripping with attitude. “—And this woman here, her name’sTaken.”

Shay blinked.

She whipped her head around to glare at Roman.

The Death Dealers barked laughs that snapped Nash out of his trance. He ripped his eyes off Shay, an embarrassed chuckle slipping out of him. “Sorry,” Nash muttered, scratching at the back of his neck.

Shay’s face warmed.

Dean clapped Nash on the back. “My nephew’s spoken, Nash—this one’s taken.” To Roman, whose black stare remained on Nash, smoke from the cigarette in his teeth curling toward the starry sky, Dean winked and said, “Don’t mind him. He’s like this all the time. Can’t resist the ladies.”

Shay cleared her throat. “Actually, my name is notTaken, and Roman does not speak for me,”she said, shooting a firm look at Roman. “My name is Shay. Shay Cousens.” She stepped forward, extending a hand to Nash first, then the others. Roman’s stare tracked her every move as the men exchanged pleasantries with her, a few snickering in amusement.

Gods, this was beyond awkward. And there was Nash again, trying not to stare—and failing.

“I’m single, by the way,” Shay said to Nash, just to irk Roman.

A prickle walked down Shay’s spine as something dangerous stirred in the air.

Yep, the parking lot was definitely getting darker.

Served him right. She was tired of Roman’s back and forth—telling her that he wanted her gone, insisting that what they’d shared was a meaningless fling, trying to leave her in the middle of the night. Now that they weren’t facing the threat of going to jail, and she had time to reflect on everything that’d happened…yep, she was pissed.

“Here.” Dean tossed Roman a key.

“What’s this?” he asked, squinting at it in the dark.

“Your new whip.”

“My new…what? Whip?”

Paxton gasped with excitement and began jumping in place. “A new car?!” he exclaimed, beaming up at Roman.

Dean indicated to the sexy black muscle car nearby. “That one there. That baby’s yours.”

Roman’s brows went up. Paxton jumped faster. “To borrow,” Roman clarified.

Dean was shaking his head. “To keep. I know you’ve always had a thing for Stacey, so. She’s all yours.”

“Stacey?” Shay asked.

“I name all my cars,” Dean explained. “This here is Stacey. And those two there, that’s Rose and Iris.” He indicated to the other two cars. “Seeing as the cops took your ride,” he said to Roman, “she’s your new one.” He opened his arms in presentation. “Happy Escape from Donovan Day.”