Page 23 of Havoc

She nods, her eyes becoming distant. “Once. And not for very long. The Twisted Kings party, but it’s nothing like that.”

I’ve spoken to Luna a few times, but I’ve never quite related to her until I spot the shadows in her eyes. Ones I’m sure also haunt mine.

“I didn’t realize you spent any time at the clubhouse,” Reagan says to me. “They took me straight to the house where I met you, and that’s nowhere close to their compound.”

“Oh right.” I didn’t mean to let that slip. “It was a long time ago.”

Tempe’s focus homes in on me. I sense her analyzing my words, which is understandable considering she’s the president’s old lady, and I’m an outsider who just admitted to spending time with a rival club.

As friendly as the girls are with me, they’re loyal to their men. I know better than to mistake their kindness for actual friendship.

“Do you guys meet out here every day?” I change the subject, avoiding Tempe’s gaze.

“Only when this one is out of bed early enough.” Reagan nudges Luna’s shoulder.

Luna tries to hide her blush with her coffee mug. “Ghost stays up late, and we like to sleep in.”

“Sleep in…” Tempe hums. “I’m sure that’s what you’re doing.”

Luna takes a sip of coffee, not confirming or denying, even if it’s obvious Tempe is right from the blush staining Luna’s cheeks.

“Leave her alone. Like you’re one to talk.” Reagan nudges Tempe’s shoulder, and Tempe’s cheeks turn a similar shade of red. “Exactly.”

Luna laughs, hopping up. “I’ll grab you a mug, Aimee. Take a seat.”

“You don’t have to do that.” I shake my head when Luna offers me a chair.

“I know I don’t. But you’ve had a longer night than any of us, so just sit down and let me get you coffee.”

Luna breezes past me before I can stop her, and I take the seat next to Tempe.

“I’m starting to see it now.” Tempe smiles.

“See what?”

“Why you and Reagan get along so well. Let me guess, you prefer to do things for yourself?”

“And you’re so different.” Reagan rolls her eyes.

“Just saying.” Tempe rubs her belly, which is slightly rounder than Reagan’s. “You’ll fit in around here. It takes a woman who doesn’t put up with bullshit to deal with these men.”

“And they love us for it.” Luna slips back outside, handing me coffee.

It nearly burns my tongue on the first sip.

“So Aimee”—Luna drops into her chair—“did you actually shoot Havoc last night, or is that just more gossip from Chaos and Soul?”

Tempe’s eyes widen, and Reagan almost spills her tea at Luna’s comment.

“You what?” Reagan gasps.

“It was an accident.” I scrunch my nose, burning my tongue with another sip. “To be fair, he was the one walking through a dark house that had just been raided by his rival club. What did he expect me to do?”

Tempe’s head tips back in a laugh. “Reminds me of the first time I met Jameson, and I tried to punch him.”

“You didn’t.” My eyes widen.

Tempe shrugs. “I had my reasons at the time. And even if he didn’t appreciate it then, if you ask him now, he’ll probably tell you that’s what won him over.”