“You okay, Prez?” Edge is behind me. He sways, not in any better shape than me but willing to help.
“I’m fine,” I say, wondering if she magically changed the locks because my key does not fit. I blink—how did I get this fucked up? The blond-haired blue-eyed siren sleeping in my bed is the reason. I needed to prove to myself that I was still me. That I could drink everyone under the table. That I could fuck two girls and not blink an eye. The only thing is that I couldn’t. I tried, but my dick wouldn’t cooperate. I saw her blue eyes everywhere, so in the end I growled at anyone who dared to get close to me.
“Fuck this.” I pound on the door and I can’t be sure, but I think I hear, “Go fuck yourself.”
I look at Edge who is smiling and swaying as he types on his phone. “Wildcat, that’s what you got, man. You’re smart, Blade.” He pats my back and I frown as I watch three of him walk down the hall.
I try the door again. Nothing. So I pound. Two prospects poke their heads out to see what’s going on.
“Go away,” I command and try my key again. This time I get it and I stumble into the darkness. I kick off my boots, pull off my shirt, and fall right into bed. She doesn’t move. In fact I don’t hear her breathe until I reach for her and pull her into my arms. Her sweet breath tickles my chest and I smile because nothing this whole day has felt this good. Then I pass out.
I roll over and all I feel is empty, nothing. Blinking, I sit up. The room is dark since the curtains are still closed, but sunlight spills from underneath them.
“Angel?” I look toward the bathroom and see the door is open and dark. Unease fills me, starting in my head and ending at the bottom of my stomach. I bolt up and open the curtains to look down at the pool. It’s empty. The clean turquoise water winks and glistens up at me. I look down at myself; I’m barefoot and shirtless and still wearing my jeans from yesterday. I reach into my back pocket for my phone and cigarettes and sit on the edge of the bed, light up, and turn on my stalker tracker to locate Eve. The red light blinks and says she’s here. I inhale my cig and look around. Flashes of last night’s bad decisions make me squint and look at the red dot again. Something’s wrong—I can feel it. I push on Eve’s name and instantly swing my head at the phone lying not three feet away from me, vibrating.
“God damn it.” I grab a black T-shirt before I explode out of my room.
“Ryder, Edge,” I bellow as I enter the kitchen where numerous Disciples sit respectfully drinking coffee. Amy looks up from her cooking and for a second, I see her lips twist up in a grin. Then it’s gone, making me question if I’m still drunk. I grab a mug.
“Where is she?” I’m not fucking around. The unease has turned into full-blown irrational behavior.
“I have no idea what you are referring to. Which slut are you talking about?” She wipes her hands on her apron and looks me straight in the eyes. I take a step back. Amy has always been in my corner, a confidante, but this morning she looks at me like I’m a disappointment and I throw the mug across the room. Coffee and ceramic smash into the cherry cabinets and a few guys jump up and look uncertain at my next move. Amy doesn’t flinch—she turns off the stove and walks out the door.
“Fuck,” I roar and this time the guys do leave as Ryder and Axel run in. Axel wears only his pants and Ryder has his Glock out.
“What?” he yells. I must look crazy because they both take in the empty room and broken cup. Ryder puts his gun in his pants. “Prez, what’s going on?” His hands are up like he’s trying to calm a wild animal.
“Where’s Eve?” I spit out the words. They both look confused.
“She’s gone.” I run my hands through my hair trying to stop the pounding in my head as I try to think.
“Get Edge.” Ryder nods, his face filled with concern, so I ignore him and turn to Axel.
“Get me the digital recordings of the whole compound, starting with last night.” I reach into the cabinet and grab another mug. “Tell Amy to come back,” I snarl as I pour myself some black coffee.
“Blade?” Axel looks around the room then at me. “What happened?”
I take a sip and swallow. The thick, dark, bitter taste does nothing to improve my mood so I take another. “I woke up and she’s gone. If anyone has touched her… hurt her…” I can’t finish the sentence because deep down I know if she’s gone it’s because of me and last night.