After Curfew

Chapter 25 - Baby Girl

Chapter 25 - Baby Girl

West's gaze settled on Slate's hand that was gripping my thigh softly and I watched as the side of his lip tipped up in a sort of cruel smile.

"I'm hurt baby girl, you've replaced me already?" West said, his eyes alight with what I recognized as amusement—only because I'd seen his eyes burn with that same look when he watched the girl slap me at the club yesterday for kissing her boyfriend.

I had to give West credit, he is one clever motherf*cker. I have no doubt the plan had formulated in his twisted mind just seconds ago when he realized Slate was the jealous type by his hand that was currently placed possessively on my leg.

Pretending that him and I used to date to screw with Slate was borderline genius, it already seemed to be working by the way Slate was clenching his jaw and tapping his finger impatiently on the table.

The worst part about the whole thing was that I couldn't do anything to stop it. Instead I had to play along and lie straight to my friends and family because I was afraid of what would happen if I didn't. Fear seemed to be becoming a constant factor in the decisions I've been making lately and it all seemed to lead back to the cynical green eyed maniac and his mysterious so-called 'boss'.

"Slate and I aren't dating." I gritted out between clenched teeth as I struggled to keep my cool. It seemed like I was saying that phrase a lot lately.

My gaze stayed locked with West's mostly because I was scared to look at anyone else, but also because his emerald eyes always seemed to mesmerize me. West released a short, mocking laugh at my statement—as if he knew something no one else did.

"I sure hope not." He said, a smirk making it's way to his face as he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at me. I immediately knew he was referring to me making out with the guy at the club yesterday and I resisted the urge to get up and strangle him. No one needed to know about that, especially since the only reason I had done it in the first place is because West blackmailed me.

"What the f*ck is that supposed to mean?" Slate finally cut in and I turned to see him glaring at West with his fist clenched. He looked like he was on the verge of getting up and punching West in the face so I placed my hand on his chest to try and calm him down. Slate was tough (and clearly had some anger issues) but I had no doubt in my mind that West had no trouble killing someone without giving it a second thought. I had seen that crazed, murderous look in his eye that day in the green room and something told me that he never went anywhere without a gun tucked into his waistband.

West was still wearing an amused smile when I turned back to him, clearly enjoying watching Slate get angry.

"So you're the infamous Slate Carver?" West questioned Slate and his condescending undertone did not go unnoticed. I also knew for a fact that he already knew exactly who Slate was. He seems to know everything about me. "You have the drag racing record down at the tracks."

"Yeah and who the f*ck are you?" Slate responded harshly, seemingly becoming more annoyed by the second which only caused West's smile to widen.

The possibility that Slate's anger towards West might've been sparked by jealousy made my stomach flutter, but my unease also grew with every word he spoke. The last thing I wanted was any of the guys to get dragged into this mess I somehow found myself in. I can only guess who these guys who are after me are and what they do and none of my guesses are very pleasant.

"West Ryder, nice to meet you." West responded sticking his hand out for Slate to shake. At the sound of West's full name, I felt Slate stiffen beside me. The name 'Ryder' sounded incredibly familiar but I couldn't quite place my finger on it.