Ignite (The Disciples 4)

I shouldn’t care that Axel might very well be done with me, but I do. To be honest, I miss him. My emotions are all over the place. One minute I hate him, the next I want to cry because I’m worried I might have fallen for the fucking jerk and that would be a disaster.

“Antoinette? Are you listening to any of this?” Cindy slaps my leg, almost making me spill one of the margaritas Eve made us.

“Yes, I like meat,” I answer automatically, hoping that was the question since they were talking about what we want on the pizzas. The living room explodes with laughter as Doug reaches over to pull me onto his lap.

I squeal but let him, or else I will spill my drink. “I bet you do.” He

waggles his eyebrows.

In a matter of a week, it’s as though I’ve found my tribe. My first impression of Cindy being crazy was true, but I love her. Charlie’s like a big sister, and Eve… well, Eve is my hero, the woman I aspire to be.

Then there’s Doug. I guess you could say I connected with him instantly. He gets me. No questions, no judgment, only acceptance. For the first time ever, I have friends.

If I wasn’t so unsure about how Axel feels about me, I’d be kind of happy.

“Eve, say it again.” Doug snuggles into my neck. He’s affectionate like Axel, and for someone who grew up with very little tenderness, I love it.

Laughing, Eve stands and holds up a finger as she downs the rest of her margarita.

“How many has she had?” Doug chuckles as Charlie mouths three and rolls her eyes.

“Shhh.” She waves her hands then swings her hair back and looks at me. “I want you to teach me how to strip!”

Cindy jumps up, her huge boobs almost falling out of her tank top as they both hold hands and laugh. “Me too and Charlie,” she squeals and points at Charlie who sits sipping her margarita.

“I do not want to know how to str—”

“Don’t listen to Charlie.” Eve waves her hand.

I take a sip of the frosty, sour yumminess and hop off Doug’s lap, setting the glass on the coffee table.

“Okay.” I hold up my hands to calm everyone. “The thing is, I never got to learn much because Axel took me off the stage… But first—”

“Hold on.” Eve reaches for my arm as she looks at me. “He did what?”

“Yeah, my first night at the Pussycat he dragged me off the stage.” I wave my hand and laugh at the look on their faces. “You guys didn’t know that?”

“No, someone who said she knew everything told me otherwise.” Eve’s big eyes swing to Cindy.

“How was I supposed to know that?” She rolls her eyes. “Come on, seriously?”

Eve holds up her hand. “Stop.” She shakes her head. “Teach me something. I want to surprise Jason tonight.”

“Oh God, please don’t do it.” Charlie closes her eyes and looks at Eve. “Sorry. But let’s be honest. Do you honestly think that’s a good idea?” She cocks her head at her.

“Yes, I think it’s a good idea.” Eve mimics her. “And get up—you’re learning too. David can thank me tomorrow at the party.” She pulls a reluctant Charlie to her feet.

“Okay, we’re ready.” She reaches for the rubber band around her wrist to put her hair up in a messy bun.

Grabbing my margarita, I take a quick sip. Doug extends his arms across the top of the cushions, a huge smile on his face as he motions for us to begin.

I laugh, feeling the wonderful buzz of tequila. “We need music,” I announce.

“On it.” Eve sashays over to a huge, ornate buffet and throws it open. “How about…?”

“‘Pour Some Sugar on Me.’ That’s what they all strip to.” Cindy snaps her fingers and straightens her tank top.

Eve looks at me like I’m an expert and I nod. “She’s right. They do like that song.”

“‘Pour Some Sugar on Me’ it is.” Eve bops her head as the music blasts on. The baby monitor on the coffee table lights up as Nicole protests.

“Shh,” we all say and devolve into laughter as Blade comes in frowning.

“What the hell is going on in here? Are you trying to wake the kids?” He looks at all of us and settles on Eve who stumbles over to him and throws her arms around his neck.

“It’s a surprise for you.” He arches a brow and shakes his head, unable to not smile at her.

Holy shit, he worships her. For a second, I rudely stare at them. I’d give anything to have Axel look at me like that.

He kisses her and unwraps her arms. “I’ll go take care of the kids, so you can have fun with your friends, Angel.”

She gets on her tiptoes and whispers something in his ear and I think he growls.