Free Avenging Us (Rocker Series Book 3) by Gina Whitney

about nabbing my heart.
    He wore a grey T-shirt that stretched across his hard chest that said Obey. Colorful tattoos ran down his arms to his fingers. A pair of black board shorts sat low on his trim waist and hung below his knees. His hair was slicked back and a five o’clock shadow dimpled when he smiled. Obey was a brand name he favored, but I didn’t expect her to know that. I’m positive she was assuming it was a BDSM thing, and he was a caveman. Which he was. But he was all about double meanings.
    “Well, I’d say stop eye-raping him, but he’s yours. So have at it,” Cindy said, stepping aside, and I stepped up, taking her place in his arms.
    Abel pulled me into the crook of his arm and turned to Cindy. “You say hello to Wood yet?”
    I nestled my face into his chest, not wanting to see the sour look she wore.
    She tapped her chin for a minute thinking. “Oh, you mean McPrick. Nah…”
    “Once upon a time, Cin, you adored him, and he adored you. Life’s too short to waste time crying over the hand you have been dealt. It’s your responsibility to make the best of what you have. I used to struggle. So I understand.”
    She blinked a few times, but no words came.
    “A famous quote I’ll never forget. ‘ Hell is to drift. Heaven is to steer .’” He reached up, squeezing her arm. “Steer your way happy, babe.”
    She chewed her cheek before responding. “I’m fucking blown away. Where is that badass, deviant rocker I knew?”
    “He’s still here…just maturing a bit. About time, no?” he said, reaching across my belly with his hand.
    “Yes, and I’m going to be a happy auntie. But, all this Zen shit you’re laying on me is fuckin’ with my head.”
    “Good! A good head-fucking does a person good. I came…I conquered…and now I’ll leave you to it.” He smacked a wet, juicy kiss on my lips and walked over to Ender and Jake.
    And we watched.
    By six o’clock, our lavish July Fourth party was in full swing with over two hundred guests mingling and nibbling on Michael’s exquisite hors d’oeuvres. Two enormous charcoal grills continued to provide traditional Fourth staples: burgers, hot-dogs, ribs, chicken, corn, and shish-kabobs. Some people danced by the edge of the pool to hip-hop songs while others socialized, sitting on padded lounge chairs or in private cabanas. The bars still had a short line of people for liquored drinks; cocktails and expensive wine were tray served. Abel and I spent most of the day so far making our rounds, stopping as people called out to him and wanted to talk.
    Cindy and Chance stood at an appropriate distance, listening to the discussions and watching Jake, Ender, and Jessie. I couldn’t help but laugh to myself. My feet were begging for some relief and my curiosity pleaded to be satisfied. Abel was very polite, introducing me to everyone I didn’t know and including me in his conversations. However, most of the people I didn’t know were the music executives and it was business. He was his charming and amicable self, with his dry sarcastic sense of humor, and they laughed along with him. After all, he was a rock star and lined their silk pockets. Women licked their lips and flipped their hair as they passed, and men looked at him like they wanted to physically trade places with him.
    We were finally able to walk away and have some alone time. I sat on one of the many outdoor couches, and Abel went to get us some food to eat. I was starving and getting crankier by the minute. My dress seemed tighter…or did I gain another five pounds today? I didn’t know, but I was uncomfortable and my social drive came to a crawl. My main focus was what Abel was piling on my plate. He’d turn and point. I’d give him thumbs up or down. A pretty girl, slightly taller than average with a curvy figure, large brown eyes, and full red lips got in the line behind him. Her wavy black hair and dark skin revealed her Latin culture. I saw the other boys talking to her