Page 106 of The Price of Love

“Trust me,” Dimples says. “Being with the Thorns, she’s been tested plenty, but she uses her techniques.”

“But you said you’ve punched people,” Shadow says. “You hit Frost’s friend.”

I smile. “I didn’t say I never hit people. I said I’m fully conscious when I do. It’s club life.”

Shadow looks down at her hands that are resting on the table.

Sadness washes over me. “I know it’s not the way of the Graces.”

I feel Shadow slipping through my hands. A band tightens around my chest.

“Does that change things?” Dimples asks.

I say a silent thank you to her since it was something I couldn’t bring myself to say.

Shadow looks up and meets Dimples’ gaze. She holds it for several seconds before she glances at me. “No, it doesn’t change how I feel.”

My spirits soar, but then they plummet. What does that mean? Earlier, with Wiz’s threat hanging over her head, I was sure it meant she was done. If that’s true, it wouldn’t change anything because I’d be banished from her life.

I work up my courage. “Can you clarify?”

“I appreciate you telling me your story,” Shadow says.

Uh-oh. That sounds like a letdown line if I’ve ever heard one.

Shadow takes a deep breath. “For the past two days, I’ve thought of little else. What happens next? What am I gonna do? The Graces were there for me at my lowest.” Shadow pauses and takes a long pull of her beer.

My stomach churns. No matter what she says, I gotta respect her wishes. Aces flashes through my mind—love that got away. Love? That’s insane. I haven’t known Shadow for very long. But Aces always swore it hit her hard and fast.

How tragic. Am I about to follow in Aces’ footsteps? This could be one of Shakespeare’s tragedies that Shadow loves so much.

Dimples snatches my empty beer bottle. “Should I go get us another round?”

Shadow shakes her head. “No, I’d like you to stay.”

Translation, she wants Dimples here to keep me under control when she lets me down. I brace myself.

Shadow surprises me when she takes my hand and looks into my eyes. “I don’t know what this is between us, but it’s special, and I know you feel it, too. But things just got more complicated.”

“To say the least.” I give her a smile, letting her know that whatever she says, I’ll respect her wishes.

“I’m not the only one with an issue with my club. If Frost and Wiz are working together, they’re gonna use me against you, too. What are your sisters gonna think if Wiz puts the heat on? She’s got pictures from inside Casino Night.”

“In other words, this is just the beginning?” Dimples says.

Sadness fills Shadow’s eyes. “I’m afraid so.” She waves her hand between us. “This is bigger than just us. It’s going to ripple through both clubs. I’m not the only one with a choice.”

I narrow my eyes. “What do you mean?”

“This could cost me my patch, but it could cost you your presidency.”

“I’m willing to take that chance,” I say and mean it. “How about you?”

CHAPTER 40

SHADOW

I check myself in my bathroom mirror, making sure my hair and makeup look good. Am I vain wanting to look good on my way to the gallows?