Z assures me Shadow’s been on his best behavior since the Serena incident. Even so I’m a little hesitant to attend tonight’s party.

I love him and I trust him, but I’m not convinced Shadow is no longer a problem.

The club’s loud, the brothers rowdier than usual. More girls than ever seem to fill the place. Maybe news spread throughout the club girl grapevine that Z had cracked the whip and they could come here to party without the threat of being roughed up.

Z’s alternated between sliding his hand over my ass and discussing an upcoming road trip to Texas with one of the brothers all night, so I’m not worried about the extra muffler bunnies.

When he takes a break, I lean in. “I want to call and say good night to Chance.”

“I’ll come with you.” The deep rumble of his voice suggests he’s interested in more than a quick phone call to our son.

As if on cue, Hustler slams his beer down next to Z’s. “A word, Prez?”

Laughing, I lean in and kiss Z’s cheek. “I’ll be right back.”

The hallways are full of the usual noises. A few doors are open and I may or may not take a peek inside as I walk past them.

Our hallway is quieter. Normally, I prefer that when we’re trying to sleep. Tonight, it gives me the creeps for some reason.

My skin prickles and I hurry to open the door, locking it behind me.

Heidi answers right away and we talk for a few seconds before she calls Chance to the phone.

He only has a few short answers for me before giving the phone back to Heidi.

“Thanks again, Heidi.”

“No problem. How are things there?”

“Pretty chill, actually.”

“Good.”

We talk for a few more minutes and I say good night to Chance one more time before hanging up.

I stop in the bathroom, fix my lipstick, and run a brush through my hair. My slippers are calling my name. The five-inch platform heels are killing my toes. But they look much better with this dress than slippers will.

Chuckling to myself, I close the door to our room and lock it like Z asked.

The hallway is still quiet, the sounds from the party slightly muffled by the distance.

As I turn the corner, I bump into Shadow.

Was he waiting there?

Z already explained he couldn’t get rid of Shadow without cause. He needed more than manhandling a club girl who isn’t claimed by anyone.

Something about that really pissed me off.

Maybe I can help give Z the reason he needs.

Let’s face it, at best, Shadow’s a rapist-in-training. At worst, he’s going to end up getting Z or one of the other brothers killed.

With that in mind, I work my lips into a seductive smile and cock my hip.