Page 75 of Freaks Of Nature

My jaw clenches as I stare through the space the wipers cleared of raindrops on the windshield. If she does, I’ll have to share her with him.

“I don’t know,” I say, becoming aware of the crumbled wrapper in my fist.

Putting my elbow up on the window, I brace my head on my knuckles and scoot lower in my seat.

We stay quiet for the rest of the drive.

When we get to the house, Ash marches inside while I plug in my earbuds and set up my workspace, so I can add the missing highlights.

After the final clear coat, I let it sit to dry and check the time on my phone. Emily is just starting her shift.

Luckily, the rain has stopped completely, and I don’t need to change into waterproof gear before heading her way.

My head snaps up from the screen when Ash walks out.

I cut the music. “Where the fuck are you going?”

“I thought I’d stop off at the diner, grab some dinner, and maybe flirt with the cute waitress there.”

My shoulders square on reflex, fists balled down at my sides, the right one clenched around my phone. “The fuck you are.”

“Why not?”

“Dammit, Ash.” I take a threatening step toward him, my right hand coming up between us. “Stay the fuck away frommy girl.” I can’t figure out why he hasn’t lost interest in her yet. He should be looking for new pussy to screw by now.

“Yourgirl?” He tips his head back on a laugh. “You keep calling her that, but she made it clear she’s notyouranything. Especially when she’s screaming outmyname. ‘Oh, Ash… don’t stop’,” he taunts in a feminine lilt, turning to his bike.

My eyes flick to the phone in my hand.Has he been texting her?

I have her number too, but only through him. She never volunteered it.

A growl ripples up my throat. “I’m warning you.”

He gives me another cold laugh. “Make me,” he counters, slipping on his gloves. “Or better yet. Let’s race for it. Winner gets to eat out.” He reaches for his helmet, not waiting for whether I’ll take the bait or not.

With my feet momentarily rooted to the ground, I watch him put his helmet on, then jump into motion grabbing my own.

He turns his back and swings his leg over his bike as I match him, fastening the straps on my gloves. But when we start the engines my phone vibrates in my pocket.

I pull it out to check the screen and see it’s a message from Christopher—I have a job.

“Fuck!”

Ash

“Hey, pretty girl.”

“Ash!” Emily’s bright smile greets me as I slide my ass into a booth.

The diner is packed, and I’m lucky to get the last seat in her section. I was prepared to take on the elderly lady ahead of me, had she not turned to find a spot on the other side.

“You look hungry,” she says, sliding a menu across the table.

I back up against the window, my body angled toward her and my helmet on the bench beside me. “Famished.” I grin.

“Is Mason not with you?”

I try not to take it personally when her eyes flick to the door to check for him before I can reply.