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I knew in my logical mind that Gwen was a sweetheart and was probably not mocking me in her head, but that’s what it felt like whenever anyone gave me that look.

So I forced my smile wider.

“Is Livie working tonight?”

“Yeah!” she nodded, pointing towards the dressing room door.

“Thanks, babe!” I chimed, picking up my drink and heading for the heavy door that led through to the dressing rooms and general lounge area.

I exhaled a loud sigh as I pressed the door shut behind me, all the automatic locks clicking into place.

Livie looked at me through the mirror she was practically pressed up against. She was drawing on a dramatic, neon white cat-eye and only chanced a quick glance at me before her eyes focused back on her handiwork.

“Hey Zar,” she mumbled through her concentration.

I groaned in response and flopped onto the velvety couch behind her, cradling my cocktail glass and drinking from it like I was a toddler with an emotional support sippy cup.

She flicked the tip of the liquid liner and then sat back, comparing it to the other eye.

“What happened?” she asked, using her long fingernail to tidy up the edge of her lipstick.

I looked up to the ceiling, searching for the words.

Could I tell Livie about what had been happening?

Even though she was a huge amount more chill than my other beloved sister-in-law, she was still my brother’s girlfriend—and a huge key player in The Family.

She took to curling her pastel purple hair, wrapping the long, thick strands around the hot iron. Livie sat cross legged on the vanity table so she could get the closest possible to the mirror.

Even though she still danced a few nights a week, she had mainly taken to working with The Family, both in Sammy’s auto shop and handling all the techy stuff for Antoni. I didn’t quite understand what it was she did, but I did know that watching her work was like watching one of those hacker movies.

I did respect the fact that she kept dancing.

Even though everyone knew she had no reason to financially, she’d said once that it made her feel like herself. I took another breath and wondered what mademefeel like myself.

And I couldn’t think of a thing.

Livie looked at me again now, the worry clouding her eyes as she watched me finish the last of my cocktail with a long drag through my straw.

“I’m okay,” I smiled, sitting up. “I’m just bored.”

She chuckled, returning to her preparations, and I let my smile drop along with her attention.

What would I even say if I were to answer truthfully?

Livie was chill, yes.

But chill enough to accept the fact that I had just been with a Redline Angel, alone? I wasn’t sure. They had nearly been the end of Sammy a little over a year ago.

But, that had nothing to do with Ashe.

Or did it?

I hadn’t thought of it before, whether or not this man had been present when my brother got blown up, or whether or not he had been a key part of the kidnapping of my sister.

My stomach churned.

“Something’s eating at you,” Livie said without looking at me. “I can tell.”