Page 28 of Burning Ember

Rigor’s leaning against the hallway wall when we come down the stairs. There’s a party brewing behind him, people laughing, drinking, and dancing to the heavy metal music blasting through the main room.

Rigor stands as we approach. His ever-present frown seems more severe than usual. Spreading his arms as we near him, he creates a barrier between us and the party.

“Hey. What’s up?” Lily asks while giving him a bewildered expression.

He kicks his head back and to the side. “Go ahead, Bird. Pumpkin you need to come with me.”

“What? Where you takin’ her?” Lily’s voice sharpens.

“Mav wants to see her.”

Her hand goes to her hip. “Why?”

He sighs before saying, “No idea. And I wasn’t about to question him.”

“Does Dozer know?” she fires back.

Rigor takes a hold of my arm. “No. He left to go to the hospital. Doc’s updatin’ him and Nick on Cap’s condition. Nick called, ripped him a new one for not being there. He told me to watch her”—he tips his head in my direction—“as he hauled ass outta here.” He shrugs. “But what can I do? If Mav wants to have a word with her . . .”

The idea of facing Mav again has my hopeful mood plummeting, and dread circles like a whirlpool in my stomach.

A high-pitched voice interrupts my thoughts. “Rigor, I thought we were goin’ for a ride?”

We all turn to see a tall blonde woman sauntering up behind us. She eyeballs Rigor’s hand on my arm for a second. She’s pretty, tall, and thin, but her make-up’s a bit too dark. Her lipstick a touch too pink and her silicone boobs are a little over the top. Literally.

“Be there in a sec. Takin’ her to see Mav.”

Her mouth twists. “Why?”

Turning to face her fully, Lily retorts, “Oh, what didn’t he fill you in?” The girl glares. “No. Then it’s probably none of your business.”

The blonde flicks her hair off her shoulder. “Well,Mav likes it rough, honey. If you can’t handle him, just come find me. Ask Rigor here, I don’t mind a few bruises in the right places. Isn’t that right, Rigor?”

Lily pats her arm. “Real classy, Star. But no need to get your crusty panties all twisted. You’re still the boy’s favorite toy, at least for twelve more days.”

Star pushes Lily’s hand off. “Twelve days, huh? Right. Like she’ll last that long,” Star scoffs. “Just like this . . .” She flutters her hand in front of Lily, motioning over Lily’s leather jacket. “I can’t wait ’til Goose smartens up and dumps—”

Rigor’s grip disappears. He grabs Star, jerks her savagely by her upper arm. She cries out and stumbles on her silver heels. Her eyes go wide with fear.

I’m also a little unsteady by Rigor’s harsh and abrupt reaction.

“What the fuck? She’s an old lady,” he growls down at her.

“Then w-what is s-she doing in this part of the clubhouse?” The words are shaky like she’s scared to speak them.

“None of your goddamn business! That’s what.” He shakes her again. “Show her some fuckin’ respect. I hear you talk to her like that again, and I don’t care how good your mouth feels, I’ll let Goose know you disrespected his woman. He’ll eighty-six your ass in a heartbeat. You feel me?”

He pushes her back and then points to the main room. “Go wait for me outside. If I still feel like takin’ you for a ride, I’ll come find you.”

“Rigor,” she calls out in a whiny tone.

He points past her. “Get!”

Turning back to me, he mutters, “That bitch better get the fuck out of my face before I lay her ass out.”

Before trudging away, Star throws a “This isn’t over” scowl at Lily.

When Star’s gone, Lily faces Rigor. “Your taste in women sucks. Just sayin’ . . . You could do so much better.”