Page 89 of Jett

“Kimba collects reptiles.”

A gruff laugh comes from my biker friend. “Yeah? Does she keep a collection of souls too?”

“Only on Mondays.” Kimba smiles sweetly as she sits on the couch opposite us. I don’t miss the way Grim’s eyes track her every move. “The other six days are spent gathering hearts. Wanna add yours to the collection, Big Man?”

“Who says I have one?”

“The way you look at my friend Raine when you think nobody notices, for one. Shall I go on?”

Grim growls and turns his attention to me. “Is there somewhere else we can talk?”

“You can speak in front of Kimba. She knows everything, anyway.”

“I’d prefer not to discuss club business with anoutsider.” Grim sneers.

Kimba rolls her eyes and rises, taking her beer with her as she walks down the hall. “Don’t worry, Raine. I need a shower anyway. My thoughts are suddenly very dirty.”

I giggle and stifle my laughter when Grim scowls at me. I bite my lip to keep from guffawing.

“Raine, you’ll lock up when you’re done?”

“Of course. Enjoy your shower.”

“I always do. Night, Big Man.”

Grim is openly sneering now. “She’s fun,” he says in a tone that implies she’s anything but.

I laugh because it’s clear Kimba gets under his skin for all the right reasons. He just can’t see them yet. “She’s been a good friend.”

“Why can’t you come stay with me? Jett knows where you are now, so you can come home with me and Lola.”

“I’m okay here. I like it. I’m good.”

“I don’t like you being unprotected.”

I sigh. “Funny, that’s what Jett said. Has it ever occurred to either of you that I didn’t need protection until I began working for the club? Until I became his ... old lady?”

“You get a new phone yet?”

“No. I can’t work, so I’m kind of freeloading, but now that I don’t have to hide anymore, maybe I can pick up a few shifts with Kimba.”

“So you’re just never going to come back?”

“Back to what? To Jett? To the clubhouse, to the possibility of being raped or murdered because I’m his old lady?”

“I don’t wanna lose you, babe.”

“Then don’t. Be there for me, be my friend, just don’t ask me to come back to that life because I don’t think I can.”

“Your friend?” Grim chuckles but it’s a humourless laugh full of sadness and loathing. “I ain’t ever wanted to be your friend, Raine.”

I reach out and touch the scars on his face, knowing how he hates this, knowing he still won’t pull away regardless. “I know. I’m sorr—”

“Sorry, right?” He shakes his head as he sets his beer down on the table. “I don’t want your pity either.”

“Grim.”

“You know I don’t wanna see you back with him. You’re too fuckin’ good for him. You’re too good for any of us, but I know you love him. I know those boys are your family. Are you just gonna walk away from that?”