Page 18 of The Price of Love

“Classic power play,” Wiz says, surprising me. “You can’t live in the shadows forever. You should put that bitch in her place.”

“Yeah, sure.” I give her a half-smile. “Never marry a ruthless divorce lawyer.” My ex, Margot, started fucking her paralegal and left me with nothing, not even my kids.

Wiz’s eyes soften. “You can turn around now.” While I know underneath she’s kindhearted, after being emotionally beaten up by Margot, Wiz’s aggressive nature makes me uneasy.

Tentatively, I turn.

“Hey, Prospect,” Wiz calls toward the bar. “Bring Shadow a mojito with an extra wedge of lime.”

It’s her way of letting me off the hook, and I’m grateful since I don’t belong in the spotlight. It’s not a place for shadows.

“Thanks.”

I glance around the room. It looks like it’s gonna be a full house tonight, and I’m good with that since I didn’t want to sit in my tiny apartment with the walls closing in around me.

Edge smiles at me and puts her hand on my arm. A shiver runs through me. It’s not sexual. When I’m feeling low, a kind touch will do that to me.

“How about you come sit at the bar with me?” Edge says.

I nod. “As soon as I get my drink, I’ll join you.”

Edge squeezes my arm before she turns away, causing tears to well in my eyes. Damn it. Tonight isn’t a good night.

Before I can dwell on it, the prospect delivers my drink. I give her a smile and thank her. The Steel Graces treat prospects well. I’ve heard horror stories about how some clubs haze theirs, but no reputable club does that.

My prospecting days weren’t bad. Though Margot took practically everything I owned, she didn’t know about the Harley Shovelhead my grandpa left me when he passed. Once Margot forced me out of our home, for my sanity, I started riding again. Then I stumbled upon the Steel Graces.

I was looking for safety. Somewhere to belong. The process went quicker than I’d expected, although some of the girls say I was fast-tracked. I’m sure Edge had a hand in it, but she’ll never admit it. I believe she realized being a submissive prospect wasn’t healthy for me after being so subservient in my marriage. I’ll always be grateful to her since I needed a break from being bossed around.

About a year ago, I was patched in, and I bawled like a baby when they gave me my road name—Shadow. It meant I wasn’t alone anymore.

As I turn with my drink, Wiz calls, “You’ll be at the poker run meeting tomorrow?”

“Yeah, but I won’t need your granddaughter to watch the girls.”

“Oh, right.” Her eyes soften. “Sorry about that, Shadow.”

I smile and then make my way toward the end of the bar. Even though Wiz can sometimes be harsh, she’s helped me through some tough times.

When I slip into the seat next to Edge, she smiles. “I’m glad you came out tonight.”

I look down and run my hand over the bottom of my cut. “Yeah, me too.”

Edge bumps me with her shoulder. “You need to let loose a little. Dancing or darts?”

I laugh. “I have to choose one or the other?”

Edge laughs. “Now that’s the spirit I wanna see.” Her face grows serious. “I know things have been rough, but we got ya.”

I smile and let my head fall against her shoulder. “I know you do, and I appreciate it.”

We sit like that for a few moments, neither of us speaking. Finally, I lift my head and say, “I’m still planning to kick your ass at darts.”

It’s well after midnight when I exit the clubhouse. I’d danced and laughed more than I have in weeks. It’s like all the girls knew I needed a lift, and feeling the sisterhood was just what I needed. Even Wiz kept checking in on me, and Edge stuck close. Margot might have me down, but I’m not out. Not with the Graces in my corner.

There’s a spring in my step as I walk to my car. I breathe in the cool air and gaze up at the vast night sky. Most days, I feel small when I look at the stars, but not tonight.

I run my fingers over the name patch on my cut. Nope, I’m not small tonight. Margot took almost everything from me, but this is one thing she can’t.