Page 59 of Tempted

“What do you say we all go somewhere andparty?” Lip Licker jerks his head to the left.

“No, thanks. We’re good,” Chrissy says,linking her hand with mine.

“We can make you a whole lot better,” GoldTeeth says.

“She said we’re good. Back off,” Iseethe.

They lose the smiles and step toward usmenacingly. Then I hear the booming voice of God.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

No, not God, but a savior all the same. Myknight in shining leather – Gage.

Gold Teeth looks him up and down and sneers.The crowd disperses until we’re left with Dealers on one side andSnakes on the other. Gage stands in front, commander of his army.Dr. E and Razor are at his sides, and Ron looks like he’s barelyholding himself back.

“Two o’ yours, huh?” Gold Teeth takes thelead on his side.

“Yes, they’re mineandoff-limits.”

“They ain’t wearing cuts.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“Matters to us. What’s to stop us from takingwhat we want?”

Gage’s jaw twitches. These guys don’t knowwho they’re messing with. I grip Chrissy’s hand tightly.

“I’ll put a bullet in your brain so fastyou’d be dead before you even tried to touch ‘em.”

Tensions rise and everyone’s trigger fingerseems to be itching. The Snakes’ president steps forward and placesa hand on Goldie’s shoulder.

“Cool it, Ram.”

Ram/Goldie sniggers at Gage and takes areluctant step back. His president approaches Gage.

“It’s all good, Hunter. Just amisunderstanding. The Dealers and the Snakes are good.”

Gage jerks his head at us then shakes theother president’s hand. We move to his side and he places his armsaround our shoulders. That sends a pretty clear message, and allthe Snakes stand down.

“See you around, Ace,” Gage says to theSnakes’ president.

When we get back to the bikes, he stares downat us sternly.

“How could two little girls cause such bigtrouble? That could have turned out very differently.”

“They’re too hot for their own good,” Ronchimes in as he sidles up next to Chrissy. He drags her away andleaves me with Reaper.

“They started it. We were just minding ourown business.”

“I know. We need to find a way to let theworld know you’re mine.”

“Any ideas?”

“A few.”

He reaches into the neck of his hoodie andpulls his necklace with the “12 Gage” pendant from around his neck.He places it around mine, fingering the pendant where it restsbetween my breasts.

“That’s a start,” he says.