Free Aftermath (Dividing Line #6) by Heather Atkinson

If Frankie didn’t like their hairstyle or the way they walked that was enough.”
    “How did you end up taking over from him?” said Rachel, genuinely curious.
    “We had a brother but he died of cancer. Frankie had hoped to bring him in on the business and train him up. So he turned to me instead. I was already second-in-command with as much power as Frankie could ever allow anyone else. I was the next natural leader, it was a smooth takeover.”
    Rachel knew what she was saying. I’m strictly in control, I have a strong crew behind me so don’t fuck with me.
    “Finally I’m free,” said Toni, taking another sip of whisky.
    “I’m glad you’re happy but you’re barking up the wrong tree. Alex killed Frankie and in retaliation we killed Alex. End of story.”
    “I’m never going to get you to admit it, am I?” she said, crossing her legs, causing the dress to slide back, revealing a lot of thigh. “I want you to know there will be no retaliation. Our business with Manchester is too good to spoil with petty warring.”
    “Shouldn’t you have this conversation with Mikey?”
    “I already have but I wanted to talk to you directly too.”
    “Why?”
    “Because I really wanted to meet you,” she replied, placing her hand on Rachel’s knee.
    Rachel’s eyebrows went up as she stared at Toni’s wandering hand. “I see.”
    “I know what you’re thinking. I said I was married to a man and I was, but between that loser and Frankie I was put off men for life. I’d heard about your beauty and I’m not disappointed,” continued Toni, her hand sliding higher.
    “I’m very flattered but I’m happily married and entirely heterosexual.”
    Toni leaned forwards to whisper in her ear. “One night with me would change your mind.”
    “You’re very pretty but I’m not attracted to women.”
    “Don’t tell me you’re not curious,” she said, her lips brushing Rachel’s ear. Toni leaned back slightly to look Rachel in the eye, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
    “Sorry. There’s only Ryan for me,” said Rachel, taking a sip of her drink so there was an obstacle between them.
    “What a shame. We could have been great together,” said Toni, letting her hand linger on Rachel’s leg.
    Sensing they were being watched they both turned to see the barman staring at them with his mouth hanging open.
    “What the fuck’s up with your face ya gleekit wee prick?” demanded Toni, her soft seductive voice suddenly dropping into the harsher Glaswegian.
    The man jumped and turned his back, pretending he was very busy tidying up the bar.
    “He might be mingin’ but he’s got pretty eyes, don’t you think?” Toni told Rachel as she studied the barman. “I like eyes. I have a collection of them.”
    Rachel sighed inwardly. Toni was more like her brother than she’d initially thought. “You collect people’s eyes?”
    “Only from people who annoy me. I like studying the different colours. Everyone thinks there’s just blue, green and brown, but they’re wrong. There are so many different shades in between. Eyes are much less messy than hands and heads and penises. Much less blood. I keep them in glasses cases. Ironic, don’t you think?”
    “Very,” replied Rachel flatly.
    “Your eyes are as black as mine. I don’t have a pair of black eyes in my collection. Yet.”
    “I can assure you mine are staying in my head.”
    “They are. I wouldn’t damage such beauty by taking them. Let me know if you change your mind about my offer, I can promise you won’t be disappointed. Now I’m going to enjoy the party,” she said, pecking Rachel on the lips before slipping off her stool and walking onto the dance floor to be immediately surrounded by men asking her to dance. She stalked through them all towards Amber’s female cousin Rachel knew was gay sitting at a table, who smiled up at Toni and pushed out a chair for her to sit down.
    Ryan, Jez and Mikey were by Rachel’s side in an