Twist the Knife - Page 142

“Is that normal?”

“Yes, it’s normal,” he says with more patience than I’d expect when I’m asking such a dumb question.

“Since we were really clear in the beginning that it was strictly…” for educational purposes.

“Sex?” Rooster answers for me. “Use your big boy words.”

“Yes,” I grit my teeth. “I warned her multiple times not to catch feelings…and that I don’t do relationships.”

“Jesus Christ.” He glares at me. “She was really okay with that?”

“Yes. You might think I’m an asshole, but I’m always honest.”

“I don’t think you’re an asshole. I think you’re a horndog.” He sighs. “So, what’s got you so stressed?”

“We had an arrangement. That was working fine.” I blow out an annoyed breath. “And now I’m the one who caught feelings, okay. Are you happy now?”

Rooster bellows loud enough to shake the fucking house. “Oh, man. This is good. I believe this is what they call karma.”

“Only if she doesn’t feel the same way,” Shelby says, returning to her chair across from me.

“You heard all of that?” I ask.

She flicks her hand in the air like she’s swatting a fly. “Just the highlights.” She meets my eyes. “I missed the big reveal of who it is, though. I know you told Logan.”

I sigh. “If I tell you, can you please keep it to yourself for a little bit? Don’t share with Serena. Or Heidi. Or Trinity. Or Lilly. None of the girls. No one.”

“My lips are sealed.” She pulls a black box out of a black velvet satchel. “You said I’m your best friend now. And I would never break a bestie’s trust.”

“It’s Margot.” I wait for Shelby’s reaction.

Her eyes light up. “Oh, the pretty little mortician?”

“She’s actually the mortuary cosmetologist. But she has her funeral director license…you know what, I don’t quite understand all of their roles.” I wave it off, not the point. “She tends to dead people and their families, yes.”

“Cool job,” Shelby says. “Must be real sad, though, sometimes.” She casts a quick glance at Rooster. “Not everyone’s death is a relief. She must see some of the worst humans do to one another.”

“Yeah. It’s rough on her some days. And there’s certain stuff she won’t do because she’s seen a lot of consequences,” I say carefully.

“She doesn’t ride,” Rooster guesses immediately.

“Don’t make a big deal?—”

He holds his hands up. “No judgment. As long as she’s not gonna try to make you stop riding.”

“Never even hinted at it.” I drill Rooster with a look. “And I won’t try to talk her into it either.”

“Fair enough.” Rooster nods.

“Daaang.” Shelby whistles and somehow even her whistle sounds Southern. “Y’all worship at the altar of Harley-Davidson. You must be head over boots for her.”

“We don’t…never mind.” Nah, she’s got a point.

Rooster drums his fingers against the tabletop. “So, did you ride home from Deadbranch and go straight to her place?”

“Uh.” I scratch the side of my head. “Yeah. I only planned to see her and say hi, you know. But then one day turned into two and…” I shrug.

“How’d you leave things?” Rooster asks. “You know, when you finally left?”