Page 136 of Trigger Happy Ending

Another tear threatens to spill over my cheek, but I blink it away.

Falling apart is not an option.

There’s someone I need to see.

Chapter 57

Raine

I’m sure the rumor mill will go into overdrive now I reappeared at the Golden Claw looking like a fucking corpse. I’m taking a massive risk by showing up here. I don’t know how much Carson knows, if he’s even trustworthy, if he and Soren are on good terms. Hell, he might see me and order his men to throw me out on my ass. But the way I see it, I don’t have much of a choice.

I pace around the dressing room and wait to be let in to see Carson. The girls were excited and more than a little weirded out to see me. I reluctantly embraced hugs from both Ava and Imogen. Ava held on a little tighter. I think we’re trauma bonded after all we’ve been through. She told me bad luck follows me everywhere and suggested I look into having a spiritual cleansing or, at the very least, investing in a few sage sticks. I laughed in her face. There isn’t enough holy water or herbs on the planet to cleanse me from my sins.

One of Carson’s security guards appears at the door and jerks his chin for me to follow. He walks me through the VIP floor until we reach the mirrored entrance to the UVIP room. The door opens, and Carson stands there. He walks forward, looks me up and down with steely eyes, and gestures to the curved sofa.

“Take a seat.”

“Thanks,” I reply, lowering myself down carefully. I wince as I slide myself back against the sofa. He doesn’t look pissed that I’m here, which I'm taking as a positive.

“Well,” he says, settling opposite me, “you’re back from the dead.”

“In the flesh.”

“Jesus, Angel. Or whatever your name is.” His mouth flattens. “What the fuck?”

I attempt to sit straighter, but my muscles hurt. “How much do you know?”

“I know enough.”

He’s playing his cards close to his chest, which I expected. I need to play on his ego, get him to drop his guard a little.

“Listen, I’m sorry. I didn’t come here to cause you more trouble.”

“More than you already have?”

I sigh, clearly I need to eat some shit here. “Yes. More than I already have.”

“You’re messed up in some serious shit. My club was trashed twice because of you. Cost me a lot of money.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

Carson lets the silence stretch before he asks, “Why are you here?”

I hold his gaze. “I know you helped him. And me.”

“I’ve got a soft spot for him, it seems. And for you.” Carson tilts his head. “Even though you’re both fuckin’ liars.”

I wince, this time not from my injuries, but from the blunt character assessment. “Fair."

"So, why are you here?" Carson repeats.

"I’m here because I need to find him.”

“Lukas?” Carson asks.

I nod.

“Or Soren?”