Page 98 of The Price of Love

I glance at Nails, who’s at the ready. Dimples rubs her hands together.

“Can I ask everyone that worked Casino Night to please stand?” Storm says.

Nadine and I are already standing. All the officers and the patch sisters who helped rise to their feet.

Storm nods. “First, I want to recognize the group who carried the evening.” Storm turns to Frost. “I believe you owe the club an apology, especially those standing.”

Frost frowns and crosses her arms over her chest.

“Do you have something to say before you issue your apology?” Storm asks.

“Fuck right I do.” Frost’s eyes blaze. “I fucking stopped by to help. Heard you were shorthanded. You’re the one that laid your hands on me first, so why the fuck should I apologize?”

Storm doesn’t react. Her only tell is her clenched fist.

“I wasn’t planning on doing all this in front of everyone,” Storm says. “I was just wanting you to apologize, but it seems like you wanna go there. You dishonored the club. The gamblers are skittish and don’t take kindly to having their game interrupted. It’s bad for business.”

Storm takes a few steps toward Frost. Those standing are still on their feet since Storm didn’t tell them to sit.

“The Thorns have been successful for years because everyone respects the club. Respects each other. And respects protocol. You violated that.”

Frost gives Storm a crooked grin. “How so? Like I said, I came to help since I heard you were shorthanded.”

“Really? An hour before we were done. And you decided to bring outsiders into our private club space?”

Frost laughs.

“Something funny?” Storm says in an even tone, but there’s something dangerous in her eyes.

“I thought it was okay.” Frost gives a nonchalant shrug. “Wasn’t your little piece of ass there? Who was she representing? The Thorns or the Graces?”

People gasp, and Dimples looks like she’s gonna jump over the table to stop Storm from charging Frost. Surprisingly, Storm doesn’t move.

“Ya better check yourself, Frost.” Storm never takes her eyes off Frost. “I’ll not have you disrespecting your club. Your sisters. Your fellow officers. Your president. Or your president’s girlfriend.”

Storm takes another step toward Frost, so she’s now standing at the center of the table. “This is your last chance to apologize to the club.” Storm waves her hand toward those still standing. “And apologize to those who you dishonored last Saturday.”

Frost stares at Storm before she glances out at the group. All whispers have quieted, and nobody moves.

Without looking back at Storm, Frost mutters, “I apologize to the club. And to the sisters who worked the event.”

Thank god. I can finally breathe.

“Now sit your ass down,” Storm says to Frost.

Frost’s back is stiff as she returns to her seat.

Storm remains standing. She slightly bows her head toward those of us standing. “Once again, I thank you for your service to your club. Please, have a seat.”

Once everyone sits, Storm walks around the table. She brushes her hand against Dimples’ shoulder as she walks past her. Storm doesn’t sit. Instead, she stands behind her chair with her hands grasping the back of it.

“Thank you all for coming. The beers are cold and calling our names. Meeting adjourned.”

Since Storm is already standing, everyone gets to their feet. Frost brushes past Storm, and I see her lips moving, but I can’t tell what she’s saying. Storm’s neck goes red as Frost exits first.

CHAPTER 38

SHADOW