Page 85 of Property of Anchor

I’d assumed, after everything, they’d cancel it.

But clearly, I assumed wrong.

“You’re keeping the island open?”I asked Anchor as we grabbed a seat at the edge of the long wooden bar.He didn’t answer right away, just handed me a plate and nudged the basket of buns and plate of hot dogs my way.

“We’re not stopping everything because of one sick bastard,” he finally muttered.“If we do, they win.We’re watching every inch of this island now.”

I nodded slowly.I took a bun and then a hot dog and slathered it in mustard.

Before I could ask anything else, the front door swung open.

Prime walked in, and behind him was a woman.A freaking gorgeous woman.

She was at least a foot shorter than him, with long, bright red hair that looked like fire against the black tank top she wore.Cut-off jean shorts hugged her curves, and her white sneakers were dirty as hell, like she’d been walking through the woods.Tattoos colored both arms in bold, vivid ink, and she held a black duffel bag like it weighed nothing.

I wasn’t the only one staring.The room got quiet.

“Everybody,” Prime announced, and raised his hand like he was introducing a damn rockstar, “this here is Shay.The newest contestant in the Skull Island survival games.”

Shay gave a little wave.“Hi.Thanks for saving me from a psycho I didn’t even know about.”

Cross hollered from behind the bar, “There’s hot dogs if you’re hungry.Mustard’s on the left, ketchup’s a sin.”

I glanced over at Anchor.“Am I allowed to talk to her?”

He thinned his lips.“Are you getting an attitude right now?”

I rolled my eyes.“Well, yes, but I genuinely need to know if I can make friends with her or do I need to act...bitchy?Aloof?Seal my lips?”

Anchor chuckled and took a long sip from his beer.“Make friends, doll.If she feels welcome here, it’ll make our job easier keeping her on the island.”

I watched Prime point out things to Shay, where the bathroom was, the kitchen, and the coffee setup.

She looked like someone I would’ve hung out with back in my old life if we didn’t have a psychopath killing people.I would’ve asked her to grab a drink or go thrifting.

“How much can I tell her about what’s going on?”I asked Anchor.

He quirked his lips.“Pretty much all of it.She’s in the middle of it now, just like you were.Can’t drop her off here and not explain shit.”

“So I can be her motorcycle club guide?”I joked.

He leaned in and kissed me.“Yeah, babe.Have at it.”

I hopped off the stool and made my way toward Shay and Prime.My steps felt awkward, like I was back in middle school approaching the new girl in the cafeteria.

“Hey,” I said.

Shay turned to me, her whole body sagging in relief.“Oh my God, I was worried I’d be the only woman here.”

“You’re not,” I smiled.“Come on, I’ll show you around.”

Prime raised an eyebrow.“You probably need a tour, too, sweetheart.I was gonna show her to her room.”

Shay looked between us.

I pointed a finger at my chest.“I’m kind of new, too, but I’m learning quickly.”

“Can she come with?”