Live Free (Lords of Mayhem 3)

Evonne turned to stare at him, feeling stunned. Mouth liked to talk and flirt. It was what he did.

“Come on, before you get both of us doing the shit tasks,” Sherlock muttered, gesturing toward the hallway.

“Possessive much?” Hil whispered into her ear. “What did you do to the man, Evonne? “

“What? Nothing.” Evonne shook her head.

“Must’ve been something,” Hil mumbled.

“Maybe they just fit, Hil,” Jul offered.

“What? No offense but you and Rocky?” Hil shook her head.

“He’s a lot deeper than you give him credit for. If we’ve learned anything it’s never judge a book by its cover,” Evonne said.

“Okay, I hear you. But—I mean what do you do?” Hil asked.

“Are you asking about sexual preferences? Because I have to tell you, Hilary, I’m downright scandalized,” Evonne said covering her throat.

“Shut up, you know that’s not what I meant. What’s gotten into you lately?” She held out her hand with her palm out. “Never mind, don’t answer that.”

Evonne laughed. “I’m just teasing. We watch a lot of movies, train in the gym.”

“I knew that booty was looking even more banging.” Hil patted Evonne’s ass.

“Hands off, you might get Rocky going again,” Juliette teased, winking.

“He’s not that bad. I think seclusion is getting to him too,” Evonne said.

“Uh, huh,” Hil nodded as they reached the door that led outside.

Sherlock held the door open, allowing Mouth to step outside first and scout the area.

“We’re good,” Mouth said as they stepped out.

“Thank you for this. I think I forgot what the sun looked like in person.” Hil sighed.

“It has been a long week and a half,” Juliette added.

They walked a few yards behind the boys, giving themselves privacy without diminishing their safety. Walking the perimeter, they leisurely kept the conversation light and playful. For a moment, they could almost pretend things were actually normal.

“We should head back. It’s been awhile and being outside makes me nervous,” Mouth finally said.

“All right, Mouth.” Evonne glanced at the others. “We’re ready.”

“Sherlock, take the rear.”

Sherlock nodded, falling back as they made their way inside behind Mouth.

The place had settled down. Small clusters were scattered around the room and the vibe felt relaxed and laid back. Evonne noticed Joey and Moose were absent along with the Prez and Boston. Poor things are probably exhausted. She almost snickered.

“I think I’m going to retreat to my room before I piss anyone else off,” Hilary said.

“You sure? We don’t want you to feel like you have to run off,” Juliette replied.

“Positive. I’ll see you guys in a few.” With a tiny wave, Hil headed toward her room, looking completely out of place in her black slacks and colorful blouse. Her heels clacked across the floor as she made her way through the area.

Evonne could see the alienation occurring, but she felt powerless to do anything to stop it.