Page 19 of All That Glitters

Kiki jumps from her chair. Today she’s in a pair of shorts so tiny I’m pretty sure they’re panties and a stars-and-stripes bikini top, that her nipples are almost poking out of. Her hair is teased to within an inch of its life, making me wonder how she’ll even get a helmet on her head. She hurries over to Midas.

“Hey, Midas. Blade told me you’d take me for my new ink.”

He’s quiet for a second before he grunts. “He said there were two of you.”

I peek a glance behind me and see her nod and cock her hip. “Me—I’m Kiki, by the way—and Legs. She offered to go with Kruger, but has to wait for him to do something. I don’t know what. Anyway, are you ready to go? I can’t wait to get my tattoo. They weren’t a thing at Chaos.”

“You aren’t getting on my bike dressed like that. Find Legs, send her to me. You can change while you wait for Kruger.” I swallow, my mouth going dry. Fuck. I’m not sure I’m ready for this. The last couple of months have felt like going cold turkey, but I know one touch will be all it takes to turn me to putty again.

“It’s okay. I can change really quick.” She giggles, though I have no idea what’s funny.

I look over my shoulder, a little less discreetly, this time, and watch as Kiki bends over so her tits are in his face. She slides her hand up my arm as she leans in to whisper in my ear, “Between you and me, Kruger freaks me out a little. I’d much rather show you just how grateful I am to be here.”

He shrugs her off and stands up, leaning down over her.

“Let’s get one thing straight, bitch. Kruger’s my fucking brother. He’s worth ten of you. You’d be fucking lucky if he spent even a second with you. You’d better keep that in mind while you’re waiting for that ride, because you sure as shit aren’t getting on the back of my bike. Now find Legs and fuck off.”

I turn my back on her as she snuffles and runs off.

“I’d be surprised if she lasts long.” Lil chuckles.

“She’s a bitch.”

“And you’re not?”

I can’t help but crack a smile at their banter.

“I swear, Midas, sometimes your grumpy ass makes Hannibal look like a teddy bear.”

“Hey, I resent that.”

“Would you rather I lie?”

“Yes. Yes, I would.”

My lips twitch as I stand up and make my way over, like I wasn’t just listening to their conversation.

“Hey Lil, Midas. I hear you’re my ride.”

He takes me in—his eyes moving over my tight jeans, boots, and plum-colored Henley beneath a black leather jacket. “You ready to go. Just need my helmet, I left it behind the bar yesterday.”

Lil grabs it for me and hands it over.

“Thanks.”

“No problem. I’ll catch you later.” Lil smiles at me. Something about that smile comes off as sad, but it’s not my place to say anything.

“Are you ready to go? I’ve got to be at the shop later.” Midas asks. I swallow and nod. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

I follow him to the door, watching him wince when he steps out into the sun. He pulls his shades from the collar of his T-shirt and slides them over his eyes.

“Rough night?” I joke, feeling awkward as heck.

He looks down at me, and I have to resist the urge to squirm. As I walk quietly beside him down the dirt road, I try to think of something to say. There’s this awkward tension between us that seems worse than ever now.

“Fuck. Look, I don’t want shit to be weird between us.”

I bite my lip, surprised he’s bringing it up. “Okay.” I turn my head and keep walking.