Free Rain Falls by Harley McRide Page B

hiding behind that uniform so you don’t have to deal with the real world.” Rain’s voice was getting thicker by the minute. Abi stood and addressed the General, before he could sit down.
    “How do you take your coffee?” His eyes met hers and his features turned unamused.
    “Your father must be as proud as I am.” His eyes scanned her up and down, noting the tight black leather vest that zipped up the front in a halter type cut with nothing underneath and the black leather pants that tucked into her boots. “At least waitressing has its purpose,” he added.
    “My parents died when I was a kid. I’m pretty damn sure they are looking down and proud as fuck of me, considering I hold the National Champion belt in the women’s MMA division. I’m not a fuckin’ waitress, but I figured it’d be a better idea to get your ass sitting and sipping coffee before this turns ugly. Now go get yourself something and come sit down. Right here, dear ole dad.” She reached over to a free chair against the wall and slung it beside her. It was a direct view to Rain, but Abi also wanted him next to her in case he didn’t come for a family reunion and tried to start shit.
    Surprisingly, the General chuckled and went to the counter to order. “Your father is a fuckwad,” Shady said.
    “No shit,” Rain responded sarcastically.
    “He says one wrong word and I’m on his ass, got it?” Heaven reached in her pocket and pulled out her blade, getting it within easy reach under the table.
    Rain smiled. “Thanks, girls.” Her father came walking back and her smile faded. He ignored their scowls and sat down, scooting his chair in to sit with a rigid posture and his chest puffed out like a fucking peacock. The girls were all slumped over or kicked back comfortably.
    “I won’t sit by and watch my daughter be murdered. They are some very bad people, which given your poor judgment when it comes to men, I am sure you already know. He’s coming for you and he won’t back down until he has you. You’re going to go home and pack up your things and be ready to fly in an hour.”
    “The fuck you say,” Heaven answered for her. She glanced over at Rain and saw the same reaction the rest of the table held. Oh yeah. She was one of them no doubt about it. Gone with the rich bitch, in with the badass.
    “Young lady, this doesn’t concern you. It’d be in your best interest to keep your nose out of our business.” His condescending tone pissed off the entire table.
    “That’s where you’re wrong. See, Rain is one of us. We are a family, and if one has a problem, we fix it together. We don’t turn our backs on each other just because they may have made a mistake or a bad call of judgment,” Rose said with her arms folded over her chest. His eyes shot to her and he scowled.
    “Family? You call this high school rock-band-in-the-garage-club family? None of you know what the real meaning of that word is and I’ll tell you the same thing. Back off out of our conversation.” He was getting irritated, which didn’t faze the girls in the least.
    “I wouldn’t expect a man like you to understand what family is. We love one another and support each other. Not to appear good for the public eye or force each other to save face. We take care of our own and don’t cut anyone out because of a bad marriage. If I’d been around Rain back then, she wouldn’t have fallen in that trap. We’d have kept her from ever getting involved with Zane to begin with. So tell me, General, why are you here?” Bree spat.
    “Again, little girl, that doesn’t concern you.” He gave Rain a disapproving glance that had her sitting upright in her chair.
    “And what you don’t get is that these girls, and the guys, are concerned. They have risked everything and saved the lives of a hundred girls or more now. It doesn’t matter how hot things get with this, they won’t pussy out or back off until the job is done. Now, cut the bullshit, Dad. What do you