Murmurs of agreement spread through the crowd, but I also note scowls on a few brothers’ faces. Maybe this wasn’t the best time for this demonstration, but fuck it. Waiting for a more convenient time, when I know a girl’s being taken advantage of, makes me as guilty as the rest of them.

I shove Shadow once more. “Don’t make me have this talk with you again.”

“Sure, Prez. Whatever you say goes.”

Why don’t I feel convinced?

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Lilly

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” Serena keeps whispering as I take her down the hall.

“Shh.” I push the door to one of the quieter lounges open. It appears to be empty and I close the door behind us. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Z didn’t have to do that for me. Shadow’s only going to be more pissed and take it out on me later.”

I don’t bother asking why she keeps coming to the clubhouse or any of the dozens of other shitty questions I’ve had thrown at me in the past. Instead, I put my arm around her and offer support. “Did you want to be with Shadow?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “He’s never really concerned with my wants. I mean, sometimes he can be nice. But that seems to be less and less often lately.”

He’s never struck me as nice before, but I nod and ask if she wants something to drink instead.

“Please.” She rubs her arm where a dark bruise is already forming. It matches one around her neck that’s visible when she pulls her hair back.

This life…club life is so complicated.

Teller opens the door and shuts it behind him. “Everything all right? You want Charlotte and me to give you a ride home, Serena?”

“Will she mind?”

“Not at all.”

“Okay.” She stands and brushes off her jeans with shaky hands. Without warning, she pitches forward and hugs me tight. “Thank you, Lilly.”

“Sure.” I squeeze her back. “Thank you for all your help this week.”

The door opens again and Charlotte smiles brightly. “Are we staying or going?”

“I’m going,” Serena says.

Teller frowns. “You don’t have to. No one’s kicking you out.”

“Oh.” Serena stops and stares at him, then me. “It’s probably better…I can help you clean up tomorrow, Lilly.”

“Whatever you want. You have my number. Text me if you want to come over.” So I can make sure Shadow’s nowhere around. But I don’t say that. I’m not sure what Z’s going to do and I understand what an awkward situation this is for him.

“I will.”

Teller motions me forward and leans down. “Z doesn’t want you anywhere by yourself tonight. Let me take you to him before we go.”

“Okay.”