Angel (Fallen Angel, #3)(46)

“And you’re…happy.”

“I am. And if you’d stop playing the stubborn, unforgiving asshole, you would admit you’re happy too.”

“Oh, I can admit I’m happy even being a stubborn, unforgiving asshole.” I crossed my arms again and rubbed my jaw. “But I can see that I go too far with shit sometimes. If I’d known I was such an unbearable jackass, I would’ve backed off a little.”

Trent snorted. “No, you wouldn’t.”

“Okay, I probably wouldn’t.”

Trent looked at me expectantly, and when I didn’t say anything, he asked, “Isn’t there anything you want to add to that?”

“No.”

“Really? Nothing you think you should say to make up for being an arrogant jerk?”

I thought it over. “Nope.”

Trent rolled his eyes. “Well, if you think of something, you know where to find me.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I straightened and looked between the two guys. “We done here? I’ve got a hot date waiting for me.”

When he nodded, I made my way to the door, but before I walked out, I looked over my shoulder. “Hey, Trent? Good luck tonight. You’re gonna need it.”





Thirty-Two





Halo





I COULDN’T READ the look on Viper’s face as he made his way to the bar, where I stood with the guys, both our drinks in hand. He’d been gone so long that I’d almost sent out a search party.

“Everything okay?” I said, handing him his drink. “I got you a double whiskey.”

“That’s perfect, Angel.” He surprised me by throwing his arm around my neck and bringing me in for a deep kiss that left me breathless until Levi’s voice broke us apart.

“Maybe you could save it for the after-party? Just because we’re inside doesn’t mean there aren’t cameras.”

Viper dropped his hold on me and shrugged as he lifted his drink to his lips. Satisfied, Levi walked off as I gave Viper an inquisitive look.

“Okay, what’s goin’ on?” I said.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean you’re acting strange.”

“Is that new?”

I lifted an eyebrow and waited until Viper sighed.

“I ran into Trent.”

My pulse jumped. “And?”

“He wanted to talk. I wanted him to kiss my ass.” He took a long swallow of whiskey, and I cursed.

“You didn’t fight, did you?”

“Physically? No. He’s got a boyfriend the size of the fuckin’ Hulk.”

“Viper—”

“Don’t worry so much, Angel. We…came to a truce, I think.”

“You think?”

Jagger appeared beside us. “Did I hear you say you called a truce with Trent?”

“He what?” Slade joined the circle, and even Killian walked over to see what was going on.

“Calm your tits. It’s not like I sought him out,” Viper said.

“What did he want?” Slade asked.

“To apologize.”

“Seriously? Out of everyone, he chose you to apologize to?” Jagger shook his head.

“I’m sure he’ll corner your ass later, don’t worry.”

“And you bought that shit?” Slade frowned, his arms crossed over his chest. He looked wild tonight, his mohawk painted in various shades of blue and purple. It always struck me how he looked like the intimidating guy in the group when he was really the most sensitive. Not that he’d ever admit it, and he’d probably try to punch me if I said it.

Viper held up his hands. “Look, I’m not gonna be best fuckin’ friends with the guy again. He did what he felt like he had to do, and so did we. I think we got the better end of the deal.”

“He seemed like he was in a much better place when I saw him in Savannah,” Killian added. “There’s no reason to hate on him anymore, not when we’re doin’ so well. Now, if we were still in a shithole of a mess, yeah, I’d wish a plague on his fuckin’ house.”

Levi came to an abrupt stop beside me, his wide eyes shifting to Killian. “I’ll come back,” he said, hightailing it away.

Killian watched him go for a long moment and then focused back on us. “Besides, we’re all here, all nominated for awards. This is how it’s supposed to be.”

Slade scowled. “So we’re supposed to thank him for leaving, is that it?”

“That’s not what I’m saying,” Killian said. “I just don’t think there needs to be any more of this animosity shit. He left, he moved on, we moved on—let’s just agree to be civil.”

“Yep, that pretty much sums up our convo,” Viper said. “Although I still wouldn’t mind watching Slade throw a punch his way.”

“Viper…” Killian started, but when Levi walked up again, he clamped his mouth shut.

“I hate to break this up, but the show’s about to start,” Levi said. “You guys need to get to your seats.”

As we headed into the theater, Jagger said, “By the way, did you say he has a boyfriend now?”