Free Seasons of Change by Olivia Stephens Page B

see the pores in his skin and the fact that he’s lightly sweating, probably as a result of whatever it is they’ve all taken.
     
    “Let her pass to speak to your girl, Elvis.” Ryan’s voice comes from behind me and he’s so close that I can feel the heat from his breath on my neck.
     
    I have to stop myself from recoiling since it would just launch me closer to the other man. I bite back the smart remark that’s on the tip of my tongue when Elvis steps out of the way to let me pass.
     
    I crouch down to Suzie, but her eyes are unfocused and she doesn’t make any sign to show that she knows who I am or that she even knows I’m there. Since her mom had left town, Suzie had turned into a bit of a wild child. I suppose that’s when the two of us started to drift apart.
     
    But this was the first time she’d been with an Angel, and God only knows what she was turning herself into for him. I’d only seen her the day before, but she already looked like someone I barely recognized, dressed in leather pants and a skimpy top that barely holds in her impressive breasts.
     
    “Suze, it’s me. Are you alright?” I ask, lightly shaking her shoulder. After a few seconds she looks up at me, but there’s no recognition in her eyes. “Suzie?” I ask again, getting scared now. “What the hell have you given her?” I stand up and round on Elvis, who looks comically shocked that anyone would question him.
     
    “Only what she asked for, little girl,” Elvis replies, his mouth moving into a lascivious grin which makes my stomach roll. “Why? You want some too?” he asks, grabbing my ass from behind and slamming me into him so we’re groin to groin.
     
    “Get the fuck off of me!” I screech at him, but his grip on me is too tight.
     
    “Are you deaf or just dumb?” Jake’s voice breaks the moment and when I look over at him I can see the anger flashing in his eyes.
     
    “What did you just say to me?” Elvis’s attention is now concentrated on Jake and I can feel his grip on me relax, allowing me squirm away from him, but his hand shoots out and grabs my arm so that I can’t get away.
     
    “Deaf it is, then” Jake continues, folding his arms. “You should really get that looked at,” he says with faux concern.
     
    “Back off, Summers. Go back to your drink, this isn’t any of your business,” Ryan says dismissively, looking at me as he speaks to Jake.
     
    “It’s my business when you start grabbing my friend,” Jake replies. “Now let go of her.” His voice is quiet but menacing and I wonder that I’ve never seen this side of him before.
     
    “No can do, Jakey,” Elvis replies, smiling. “I think she likes it,” He pulls me towards him again. Ryan is watching with hungry beady eyes. It doesn't take a genius to figure out what he's thinking about.
     
    “No girl wears shorts like that without looking for some action,” Elvis leers at me and his cracked lips split into a smile, revealing rows of stained yellow teeth.
     
    “Really?” Jake asks. “Because in my experience, women who want you to touch them don’t look like they’re about to hurl all over you,” he says calmly as Elvis’s face starts turning redder and redder. “So are you going to let go of her or are you going to make me do something that I really don’t want to do?” Jake asks, drawing himself up to his full height, seemingly unafraid and prepared for a fight.
     
    The bar is completely silent as it becomes clear that we are the focus of everyone’s attention. It’s not often that the Angels are challenged, and the crowd is enjoying ring side seats.
     
    “And how are you gonna make me, Jakey boy?” Elvis asks mockingly as he pulls a knife out. It looks just like the one that the bald guy had in the diner. They’re probably standard issue for the members of the MC.
     
    “Jake,” I say warningly, hoping that he tell I’m asking him to take a step back, to not get involved. I would never forgive myself