Page 43 of Property of Zombie

“He’s going to introduce me to everyone,” Lucy answers before I can. “Aren’t you?”

“Sure thing, babydoll.”

For the next hour, I lead Lucy around the room and do just that. My brothers all seem slightly smitten by her, and while I’m glad they like her, it’s all I can do to keep the jealousy at bay. No one gets out of hand, of course, but that doesn’t seem to matter.

“Well, well, well,” Star says as Lucy and I step up to the bar. “Is this her?”

Lucy’s confusion is apparent in the way her forehead wrinkles. “Who’s this?” she asks me.

“I’m the woman who warms his bed at night,” Star says, and I see red.

“She’s a bitch who’s just pissed because she doesn’t do it for me,” I snarl.

Lucy snaps her fingers like she just figured out some big secret. “Oh, right. I heard about you.” I narrow my eyes at her statement, unsure of where this is going. “You’re the cunt who couldn’t make him forget me.”

Yep, definitely marrying this woman.

With lightning speed, Star reaches out and yanks Lucy away from me by her hair. The two of them crash to the floor, knocking over a barstool and gaining the attention of the room in the process. I’m about to grab Lucy by the waist and haul her away from the club whore when she flips them both and straddles Star.

Star tries to buck her off, but Lucy only leans forward to wrap her hands around her throat.

“G-get the fuck o-off me,” Star wheezes.

“Nah, I don’t think I will,” Lucy says matter-of-factly.

My dick twitches at the ease with which she’s man-handling Star. “Don’t kill her,” I say, although that wouldn’t be the worst thing.

“I won’t,” Lucy says, and I see her fingers tighten. “But I am going to make sure she won’t forget me either.”

Lyric and Mellie appear at my side.

“When will they learn?” Mellie asks, exasperated.

“Learn what?” Lyric asks his old lady.

“That once a brother is taken, he’s off limits,” she replies. “I’ve made that pretty clear.”

“He’s mine!” Star shrieks, regaining my attention. “I called dibs!”

“Dibs?” Lucy counters. “He’s not the last remaining seat at the table.”

“He’s mi⁠—”

Lucy’s fist connects with Star’s cheek, sending her head whipping to the side and knocking her out. “Grow up,” she snaps.

“Babydoll, c’mon,” I urge, bending to grab her arm and pull her to her feet. “She’s not worth it.” I turn to search for a prospect, and my eyes land on Colin behind the bar. “Yo, Prospect,” I shout. “Come take out the trash.”

He nods and makes his way around the bar to Star.

As he drags the unconscious bitch away, and Lucy huffs out a breath. “Sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” She shakes her hands, and blood trickles from her split knuckles.

“It’s called the green-eyed monster,” Mellie says helpfully.

Lucy opens her mouth, but no words come out.

“The club whores have that effect on people,” Lyric adds. “Every fake smile, every breath and vow, they claim it’s all for them.” Pres shakes his head. “Most of them know the score, but every once in a while, one of ‘em takes it too far.”

“Did you just reference “Every Breath You Take” by the Police?” Lucy asks.