Page 72 of Matrix

“I didn’t need to see that shit,” I grumble, but mostly because I’m jealous. I want Daisy to give me one of those. I can’t wait to have her sexy hands and devilish lips all over my naked body.

“Sorry, man.” Tank’s neck flushes so red that his hickey blends into it.

“Let’s ride.”

I grab my helmet off the back of my bike and put it on. The miles between the garage and the NOLA clubhouse are a blur. All I can think about is Daisy. I didn’t get a good look at her during the chaos, but she seemed like she hadn’t been injured. I’m grateful for that. I’d be a fucking mess if anything happened to her.

When we get to the clubhouse, one of the young, hot blonde girls literally hurls herself off the front steps into Tank’s arms. I’m guessing it’s Vicki because she’s already gnawing on his neck like a rat on cheese. I shake my head as I walk past them.

Taking the steps two at a time, I hurry into the house.

“Daisy’s upstairs with her sister and Doc,” Vapor says as I walk past him.

“Thanks.” I give him a nod.

Daisy’s soft voice leads me to one of the bedrooms where Angela is lying in bed. An older woman is sitting by her side. She’s probably in her mid-fifties, and she reminds me of Nina. Her spiky, snow-white hair stands out in stark contrast with her vibrantly colored muumuu dress. I haven’t met her before. I have no idea who she is, but with the way she’s frowning, she’s obviously concerned about Angela.

Daisy steps over to where I’m standing.“Hey, babe.”

I pull her into a hug before spreading hot kisses all over her face and mouth. By the time I’m done kissing her, I’m ready to drag her down the hall so we can finish breaking the bed. She’s not having any of it and pulls away.

“This is Doc Lavine.” She gestures toward an older Creole man, probably in his sixties, with toffee-colored skin and short gray hair.

“Bonjou.”

“Hello. It’s nice to meet you. How’s she doing?” I ask.

“Ah, she very bad. But we work with this.” Doc Lavine pulls a vial out of his bag. He shakes it, mixing the clear and brown fluids. He opens it, releasing a spicy scent reminiscent of cinnamon, but it’s not quite the same.

“What’s that?” Daisy asks.

“Petit potion. Fix soul.” He dabs the liquid on Angela’s forehead before muttering a barely audible chant.“She’ll live. But her heart be troubled.”

Before I can ask him for details, he leaves the room.

“He’ll be back tomorrow.” The older woman adjusts her muumuu while eyeing me.“I’m Babet. You must be Matrix. Daisy has told me a lot about you.”

“She has?”

“I have?” Daisy glances at Babet before turning to give me a shrug.

“You don’t have to say much to reveal everything.” Babet smiles.“I’ll stay with Angela while you two catch up.”

“But—”

“Come on, babe.” Daisy grabs my arm and half-drags me down the hall. As soon as we’re in our room with the door closed, she lets out a huge sigh.“I swear that woman can look right into your soul. It’s like she knows things about me that I haven’t told her. It’s fucking weird.”

“O-kay. How’s Angela doing?” I guide her to the bed, where we sit.

“All I know is what you heard Doc tell us. She’s going to be okay, but she’s bruised up. Everywhere. I hate that they did that to her.” Tears fill her eyes.

“Oh, babe.” I cradle her to my chest.“She’s safe now. Everything’s going to be okay.”

“Thank you. You saved her life.” She presses her cheek against mine.“I don’t know what I would have done without you. I would never have found her.”

“You’re part of our family, Daisy. Fed or not, you’re still technically our club girl.”

“Is that all?” she asks softly.