Chapter 2

Beer Park

Rhi POV

Walking around the Strip alone is odd, especially after having everyone around just a couple of hours ago. It's bustling with activity and people of all ages are hopping from one place to another on their way to wherever their destination is. They're either focused on where they are going or they're trying to get out of the heat. Kate and Ana claim it's too hot during the day and it's better to go out at night. I always tell them air conditioning is the best way to lure customers inside. People hop from store to store to get out of the heat which, more than likely, increases the probability of someone purchasing something while they're inside.

I remember when we first got here, it was 91 degrees at 8 am, and they were already complaining about the heat. I love the heat. The hotter the better. I really enjoy it and the fact that I don't have to wear or carry a jacket is perfect. Despite my love for my Adidas gear, if I could go barefoot all the time I would. Maybe I should live on the beach somewhere and that dream could become a reality. Hmm… maybe Where's Rhi? will come into play sometime soon. I can't help but laugh at the thought of the giant tropical Hide and Seek game I can start with the girls. The wheels in my head are already spinning with thoughts of things to do. I have so many ideas that I don't even know where to begin. I don't need to think about that just yet. I need to get this vacation done first.

Right now, I'm on a mission to play some pool. Entering the gaming area, I'm expecting to have to wait for a table to open up. However, I'm pleasantly surprised when I see one that is open on the far side of the room in the corner. Heading over, I stop and pick out a cue and grab a cube of chalk. While I'm racking up the balls, the waitress comes over with a shot of something. "Excuse me." She says to get my attention. "This is for you."

Confused, I look from her to the tray and back at her. "I didn't order this."

With a smile, she explains, "Compliments from an admirer at the bar." Pointing to one of the bars closest to the table I'm at there's a group of guys looking my direction. I'm not sure who it was that sent the drink over but I don't make a habit of just taking a drink from strangers, especially without even talking with them.

"What kind of shot is it?" I ask her. "Did anyone else handle it?"

She laughs and smiles. "It's tequila, Patron, and no, no one else has touched it. I'm glad you asked that. Too many people accept drinks from strangers without thinking about the consequences. Not everyone has good intentions, despite what they look like."

Boy, isn't that the truth. "I totally agree with that. Even the most attractive people can have a darkness lurking inside." I nod, glancing over at the bar again. "You're sure nothing was slipped in it and no one else touched it?" I need to make sure it's safe before I even consider accepting it.

"Yes, I'm positive. It's safe." She answers. "It's up to you if you want to accept it."

"Thank you. After the past hour I've had, I could really use a shot. Can you bring me two more, please? And buy them a round too." She nods and hands me the glass. Looking back over at them at the bar, I raise my hand with the glass in it as a thank you and down it, placing the glass back on the tray. "Tell them thank you."

Nodding, she walks back toward the bar and I turn back to the pool table and finish racking the balls. Before I take my first shot to break the racked balls, it occurs to me that I haven't heard back from anyone about the messages I sent. I'm a little concerned, so I pull out my phone to check it.

"Let's see… missed calls: Ice, Bear, Slade, Alex, Unknown, Unknown. Text messages: Alex, two different unknown numbers, Amber, Slade, Bear, Gio, Devin and Elliot. Fucking hell. How did I miss so many calls and texts?" After checking my phone, I laugh, "Oops. It's still silenced. That explains a lot."

Ignoring the calls, I focus on the text messages. "Let's see, who to respond to first? Might as well go in order."

A: I wish you would talk to me

A: I really think we can work through everything

A: Will you respond please?!

A: I guess you left already?

U: Princess how did you miss your flight?

U: Are your friends with you or are you alone?

AM: Hi Rhi! Mom, Dad and I are just walking around some more today and doing a little shopping.

I: Missed flight huh? Did you book another one?

S: Where are you?

B: Princess where are you?

G: You're still here? What happened? If you want to come to the club this evening sometime we can make arrangements to take the bags to Ms. Trombley. Anything after that we can play it by ear.

D: It was my pleasure. I enjoyed your antics, we all did and so did Gio, it made the night fun and interesting. It was definitely a different experience.

E: Stay in contact with me. I'm the only one who can respond right now. I'm sure you're going to be in so much trouble when you get home if you don't! LOL

A: I see you're still in town

S: Princess you better answer

A: Playing pool huh? Who are you with?

B: You're not answering. We're starting to worry.

U: Don't make us come find you Princess

U: I guess we're going to have to come find you

"Fucking hell. That's a lot of messages." I'm actually quite shocked, even though I sent a lot of texts before I came here. "Well, if I didn't have to turn off my phone because of some psycho I wouldn't have missed all of them."

I see the waitress coming back with my drinks, "The gentlemen at the bar extend their thanks for the drinks." She hands me my shots, which I down quickly. "Can I bring you anything else?"

Nodding, I order a rum and Coke and a bottle of water. While I'm waiting for her, I decide to wait to respond to any messages. Instead, I start to take some shots, quickly sinking five stripes. They seem to be lucky for me so whenever I get a chance I claim them instead of solids.

Not having anyone else to play with, I use this time to practice and work on some trick shots. I'm not the best, I could never be a Pro, but I can give them a run for their money. The guy's got a taste of that last night. I chuckle, "Yeah, their faces made every shot worth it. That's what you get for underestimating the ability of a woman."

I'm leaning over the table, lining up a shot, when I see someone appear in my peripheral vision and hear, "Do you mind if we join you?"

Taking my shot, I sink the ball and stand up, chalking my cue. Turning around, the guys who had sent over the first shot are standing to my right. "Sure. Grab a cue. You rack, I break." Grinning I have thoughts of when I shocked Slade when I first met them.

"I'm Travis." He smiles and nods to his friends, "Jake, Steve, Ryan and Tim."

"Nice to meet you all." I'm not ready to give out my name to just anyone so I purposely leave it out. "Thank you for the shot earlier."

"You're welcome." He replies, "Go ahead and break."

The sound of the cue hitting the ball, followed by the 'clack' of the balls breaking and scattering across the table is like music to my ears, punctuated by the 'thunk', 'thunk', 'thunk' of three balls being pocketed. Scanning the table, I grin, "Stripes."

"Dang. Nice break." He grins, "Let's see what you've got."

Taking a quick drink of water, I focus onto the game and sink two more stripes before I scratch. "Your turn."

I'm drinking my rum and Coke, watching him take his shot, when I get an idea. "Let's have a shot. I'm buying." I ask, looking at the four of them, waiting for their answer. When they nod in agreement, I ask, "Tequila?" They nod again and I turn toward the bar and wave the waitress over.

"What can I get for you?" She asks.

Turning back to the guys, I ask, "Will you guys do two shots with me or just one? I won't force you to drink any more than you want. You won't hurt my feelings." I grin.

Chuckling, Travis winks, "I think we can handle double shots of tequila. The question is, can you?" He grins.

"Oh, I'm pretty sure I can handle a couple. There's only one way to find out, right?" I laugh. They have no idea…

The waitress leaves to get our order and we continue to play our game. "So, where are you guys from?" I ask. I'm thinking they're from a frat house from some university. They just have that aura about them. Jocks.

"Boulder, Colorado." Jake answers. "Where are you from?"

Before answering I laugh. "Let me guess, you play football and live in a frat. Am I right?" I grin.

Looking at each other then back at me with raised eyebrows. "How'd you guess that?"

Shrugging, "Just a lucky guess. Not to stereotype anyone but you guys have the 'jock' vibe." I give my best smile and giggle at their reactions.

"So, where are you from?" Travis asks.

"Washington." I keep it vague. Nope, not giving more info than I need to. "How long are you guys here?"

"We're here through Tuesday. We just got in this morning." Jake answers. "We've been making our rounds to see what we can before we head out for the night."

We spend the next few minutes shooting pool, chatting about random things. I'm thankful they don't ask any personal questions. My phone goes off, reminding me that I haven't responded to any of the messages I got earlier. I close my eyes as I unlock my phone, opening one in a squint, afraid to see who the message is from.

Before I can look who it's from, I hear laughter from the guys. "Is the phone going to bite you?"

Shaking my head, I laugh. "No, but I'm pretty sure I have quite a few people upset with me right now. I haven't responded to any messages and I'm almost positive I'm never going to hear the end of it." Laughing harder, I add, "Hell, they might bite me when I see them. Although, they should know me well enough by now that if I'm having fun I'm not going to waste that time on my phone."

"Do you need to answer that?" Tim asks. "The game can wait."

Shaking my head, "No. We'll finish the game first. Whoever they are and whatever they want can wait a few more minutes."

With raised eyebrows, Tim replies, "OK…. If you're sure."

I hear behind me, "Don't you think you've made me wait enough already?" The baritone voice triggers something in me and I struggle to keep my mouth shut.

Fuck. "Obviously it wasn't long enough to work." I mutter without turning around. "Keep playing, Tim. It's still your turn."

He looks at me with uncertainty, "Are you sure?"

Nodding, I give him a smile, "Yes. We're playing pool. I don't walk away from a pool game until I'm done. The game isn't over." I wave my hand at the table, "Please, continue."

"OooK." He says slowly and leans over the table to take his next shot. He scratches and I can tell he's been thrown off by our interruption.

"Relax Tim. There's no need to stress. Take another shot." Winking at him, I add, "Pretend we were never interrupted."

The tension slowly eases as he realigns the cue ball and sets up his shot. While he's doing that, I can feel the stare of Alex behind me. I ignore him for a couple of reasons. One, I don't want to talk to him. Two, I'm in the middle of a game and I refuse to walk away from a game. Especially for someone who's trying to force an interaction or confrontation. Three, I'm not about to be involved in a scene that I can guarantee will happen. To avoid a scene, I'd have to be in close proximity to him and alone with him and I don't feel comfortable with either of those ideas.

Turning around, I look at him, holding his gaze. After a minute of silence, I say to him, "Alex. Please leave me alone. I don't want to talk to you."

His dark eyes flash briefly with anger before they soften to sadness and hurt. "Rhi…" He starts, but I cut him off.

"NO." I say firmly, keeping my cool. "I'm not doing this Alex. Please leave me alone."

"I want to talk to you, Rhi." I maintains his steady look at me before adding, "Please."

"I'm playing pool to relax, Alex. I'm busy. I don't want to talk to you. Not now." I sigh, "Please leave."

After a minute of silence, he says, "I'll find you later, then." He shoots me a look that I can't decipher and walks away.

Fuck. Why can't he just let me be? Watching him walk away, I feel some relief because he's out of my personal space. Turning back to the guys, I shrug and apologize. "Sorry guys. Shall we continue? I'll understand if you don't want to."

"Is everything OK?" Tim asks, concern heavy in his voice.

"Yeah, I'm OK. Nothing I can't handle. Thank you." I smile, "So, do you want to continue playing?"

"Uh, sure. If you're sure you want to." He smiles. "We can at least finish this game. We need to get going afterward though."

I'm almost positive they're uncomfortable, and I can't say I blame them. "Guys, you don't have to stay. I'm sorry that happened and ruined the mood. We don't have to finish. I can tell you already feel uncomfortable. How about this, let's stop and finish off with another shot. My treat as an apology for what just happened. You guys can go kick off your vacation on a good note."

"Yeah, sorry. That was a bit odd and we don't want to get involved. If you're OK with it, we'll just get going now. Thank you for the short game and the shots." Steve says for all of them. "I hope you have a good rest of your day and that you're safe."

"No hard feelings. Enjoy your vacation." I smile and turn to rack the balls again. I don't even wait for them to walk away. I know they're uncomfortable. I'm not going to add to it by keeping them any longer than they want to be.

Waving the waitress over, I order two more shots, another bottle of water and start shooting pool once again by myself; like I was in the beginning. After the waitress brings my shots, I down them and pay the tab.

I'm practicing some trick shots when I feel the air shift and a presence behind me. "I told you to leave me alone, Alex. I don't want to talk to you." I don't need to hear his voice or see him to know he's there.

"Baby, I just want to talk." He says quietly.

I cringe at the nickname he gave me. "Don't call me that." I growl. "I'm not your 'baby'."

After a pause, he growls, "You used to be."

I choose to ignore it and hold my tongue, which is a struggle for me. I said I didn't want to talk and I mean it. If I respond it will just open the door for him to think I've changed my mind.

When I don't respond, it seems to anger him. "Where is everyone? The girls?" He asks, curiously. At least I think it's curiosity. I'm proven wrong when he sneers, "Or the guy you've been seen with the past two days?"

"That's none of your business." I growl. "I don't want to talk to you. I want you to go away and leave me alone." Fuck being polite.

Dropping his voice lower, he snarls, "Well, sometimes we don't get what we want. You told me you 'didn't have time' earlier. What about now? You're not with anyone right now. You have plenty of time."

His condescending tone irritates me enough that I turn around and see he's a lot closer than I originally thought. The pool table is right behind me, preventing me from being able to step back and put some distance between us. It seems to anger him when I don't respond.

He rumbles as he steps closer to me. "You know, it's rude to ignore someone. It's also rude to tell someone you're going to do something then do the complete opposite, with no explanation."

Stepping to the side, so I can try to get away from him, I use my pool cue to push my way past him. He doesn't move so I'm forced to be polite. "Excuse me, I'd like to continue my game." Glaring up at him, I notice he has an impassive look and the way he remains silent causes a trickle of unease run through my veins.

"What game? I don't see anyone else around." He sounds curious but there's a look in his eyes that makes the unease start to curdle into fear. His words may indicate that I'm not playing pool with anyone else but I can see the message in his eyes. I'm alone with no one to protect me.

"I don't need another person to be with me in order to be playing a game." I point out. "I told you before, I don't want to talk. I'd like you to leave me alone. I expect you to respect my wishes and leave." Trying to remain cordial and polite, I add, "Please." Fuck. I wish Lurch was here.

"Weren't you supposed to leave today? That was what you told me, anyway. Since you're still here, alone, you certainly have time to talk now. So tell me, why are you still here? Alone?" His voice is deadly and his eyes full of something a wild animal would have before it pounces on its prey.

It doesn't escape me that he's emphasized the word 'alone' a couple of times. "That's none of your business." Swallowing hard, I force another step to the side but don't make it very far because he just moves with me. I feel like I'm trapped with no way out. "I said I don't want to talk to you. Which also means I don't want to see you. Please leave." Don't show fear.

He's getting ready to say something when he's interrupted by a deep voice. "Princess?"

Alex turns to look in the direction the voice came from and I take this opportunity to slip past him and get out of arms reach of him. However, that doesn't last long because I feel a hand on my arm and I'm jerked to the side so fast that I stumble and collide with a solid mass. Don't panic. Don't panic. Don't panic. Squeezing my eyes shut and holding my breath, I prepare for whatever is going to happen next.

"Sorry about that." I tense up when I feel fingers under my chin start to lift my face up. "Open your eyes, Princess. You're OK."

It takes a minute for me to realize that I recognize that voice. Oh thank god. Slowly I open my eyes and when they finally focus, I exhale a breath of relief and collapse in Slade's arms, relieved.

"Excuse me. Care to take your hands off my girl? We were talking." Alex growls, clearly upset that I'm out of his reach.

"You were talking, huh?" Ice's deep voice laced with… ice. Yeah, I know. I guess that's why they call him Ice.

"Yes, we were. It's a private conversation that you don't need to be involved in." Alex snaps. Oh that's a big mistake.

"Didn't look like talking to me." Bear growls out. "As a matter of fact, it looked like you were trying to intimidate her. So, care to try that again?"

I don't even want to watch what's happening so I bury my face in Slade's shirt and inhale. It's a good thing he calms me too because after what Alex just did? I'm freaked the fuck out. I wish Lurch was here. It's more appropriate to sniff him than Slade, but he'll work in a pinch. Besides, the scent of fuel, oil, smoke, rubber and steel trumps even Lurch. God I miss him.

Slade chuckles, "Sniffing me again, I see. You know, you're lucky I like you because if it were anyone else I'd have to knock them out."

My response is to inhale deeper and cling to him to hold myself up. I feel Slade pulling me a few steps to my left and hear him rumble, "Here. Sit down." He starts to pull me away from him but I cling onto him tighter. He sighs. "Princess, you're killing me here. You're safe. I promise."

"Baby, let the man go and tell them everything is fine and we were just talking." I hear Alex's voice, which has dropped to a deceitfully soothing tone.

Something in his words triggers me and I snap. Letting go of Slade, I whirl around and glare at him. "We were NOT just talking. YOU were forcing me into a corner so I couldn't get away from you. I told you I didn't want to talk to you. I told you that I didn't want to see you and asked you to leave, but you didn't listen." Taking a deep breath to calm down, I snarl, "And DON'T call me baby! I'm not your fucking 'baby.' I never was and never will be."

Alex's eyes open wide briefly and then they narrow, his jaw clenched and his hands ball up into fists. "You are and always will be. You'll come around."

Ruger steps closer to him, followed by Brick. "You might want to watch what you say and who you say it to." He growls. Bear falls back closer to Slade and me and Ice remains where he is.

Alex chuckles darkly. "Or what? You guys are going to teach me a lesson? I hardly see you getting away with that."

"Oh, I'm not so sure about that." Brick grins. "I hear there are some amazing vultures and coyotes out in the desert." He chuckles darkly then turns and winks at me. "Especially at night." I can't keep the laugh that bubbles up contained and let out a snort when I cover my mouth.

"You find this funny, RHI?" Alex snarls.

"Actually, yeah, I do. It's an inside joke, one your not privy to, and I find it quite amusing." I smirk. I want to prevent as much bullshit as I can so I pull out of Slade's arms and turn to face him, give him a warning. "Now, this is the last time I'm going to say this, LEAVE ME ALONE. I DON'T WANT TO TALK TO OR SEE YOU."

The look Alex gives me is cold and unemotional and when Bear sees this, he steps in front of me so I'm out of his sight. "You might want to listen to her. Stay away from her, don't call her, don't text her, don't send your little buddies to follow or try to talk to her." He growls lowly, "As a matter of fact, forget about her, like she never existed."

After a few minutes of silence, I hear footsteps retreating. "Are you a magnet for psychos?" Bear asks, turning to me.

I shrug. "I guess I'm just so awesome that no one can resist me." I grin but it falls from my face when he glares at me.

"This isn't funny. Something could have happened and no one would have known until it was too late." He growls. "Do you have no concern for your own safety?"

Ignoring his words, I ask, "What are you guys doing here?"

"You didn't respond to our calls or texts. We got concerned." Brick replies.

"How did you find me? No one knew I was here. Well, one person did but he's back home. The others won't find out until they land." I'm confused about the whole thing.

"You're on social media. Again. We recognized the place from last night. It didn't take long to figure it out." Ice explains.

"It's not that I'm not grateful you're here, I am, I was just curious." I give him a small smile. "Thank you. I don't know what would have happened if you didn't show up with you did." I shiver at the thought and wrap my arms around myself.

"Yeah. It's a good thing." Ruger comments. "From what we could tell, he didn't have good intentions."

His words send chills down my spine and I start to shake. "What the fuck is wrong with people? Why me?"

Slade steps closer and turns me around, pulling me in. "Here. Sniff away."

His words make me laugh. "Thanks. Mr. Softie." I grin up at him and inhale.

"I'm not soft." He growls. "I just don't like you scared, that's all." I hear a snicker and he growls, "Not a word about this to ANYONE."

Stepping back, I smile, "It's our little secret."

"I wasn't talking about you. I was talking to the guys." He shoots glares at them and they laugh. "I smell good." He points his finger at Bear, "He's snuggly."

Jumping out of the way before Bear's fist hits him, I laugh. "It's true, Bear. Embrace it and own it." Glancing at Slade, "Every girl wants something to snuggle up to."

Rolling his eyes, he chuckles. "If you say so. However, bikers aren't supposed to be snuggly." After a minute, he asks, "Who was he?"

I might as well tell them. I'm sure they've already figured it out anyway. There's no point in lying. "He was bullshit #2, but not the one from last night, though. He was there after bullshit #1. Bullshit #1 was the one that made me leave the club."

He bristles. "He didn't…"

He starts but I cut him off. "No, he didn't do anything, physically, but he did fuck with my head. He tried to change me into something I'm not. He wanted me to be someone who depended on him. I can take care of myself. I'm not a doll who will break under stress. I don't need to depend on anyone to take care of me."

His answer is to growl at me. "You needed help just now. You're not invincible, Princess. Stop acting like you are."

Silently, we stare at each other. He's intimidating but not in the sense that he's scary. Well, he was last night. They all were. Right now? He's intimidating the same way my friends are back home. They're always making a point of reminding me it's OK to ask for help. I know they're right but I don't like feeling like I need someone to take care of me or protect me. I don't like feeling helpless and depending on people.

I also know I should watch what and how I say things. Despite knowing all this I can't seem to stop myself. Something snaps I let everything out like water from a burst dam. "I know I'm not invincible!" I snap. Gritting my teeth, I hiss, "If I was I would have survived the bullshit before #1 and #2 unscathed. I wouldn't have a medical file the size of the fucking encyclopedia, A to Z. I wouldn't light up like a Christmas tree on x-rays. I wouldn't be afraid of my own shadow sometimes. I wouldn't have the anxiety that I have and I wouldn't need a fucking psychiatrist to fix the fucked up things in my head."

I know I shouldn't have said that the way I did, but I'm tired of everything. I'm tired of pretending I'm OK all the time. I'm tired of hiding things. I'm tired of dealing with this. I guess this was part of the reason I was going to talk to Lurch and Retro about things. I'm ready to quit hiding the darkness that smolders inside just waiting for that little bit of oxygen so it can burst into flames. At this point, I don't really care what they do to me. I welcome the vultures and coyotes. Yeah, I'll miss everyone but at least I won't have to deal with this bullshit anymore. You win, Jace. You win.

Turning away from them, I walk around the pool table, pulling the balls that were in the pockets out and setting them in the rack. I came here to play pool and that's what I'm going to do. None of them say anything as I wave the waitress over and order a round for the six of us, whether they want it or not. If not, then I've got six shots coming to me.

Setting the balls up on the table, I pick up my cue and line up my shot with the cue ball. Just before I can hit the ball, a large paw-like hand covers it, effectively stopping me. "Princess." When I don't respond, he says it again. "Princess. Look at me." Sighing, I look up but remain silent. "I didn't mean to upset you. I didn't know." Looking back at the others, he continues, "None of us did."

I don't say anything. I'm afraid I'll say something I'll regret. We just look at each other, him standing and leaning down toward me and me leaning over the pool table looking up at him. We're interrupted by the waitress with the drinks. Setting the cue down on the table, I pay for the drinks and she leaves.

Picking up my glass, I indicate to the guys to take one. "Have a drink." Downing mine I walk back to the pool table, pick up my cue and watch them slowly walk over to the table and get their shots. "Forget I said anything. Let it go." I punctuate that sentence by hitting the ball and wait to hear the 'thunk' thunk' 'thunk' of balls dropping into the pockets.

"Thank you for the shots." Ice says, watching me cautiously.

"You're welcome." I answer. As I'm walking past Slade, I stop as his scent fills my nose. No matter how hard I try, I can't stop my feet from moving toward him. Stopping in front of him, I lean in and inhale deeply. "I miss my Dad." I mutter before turning away to the pool table again.

It's an odd silence that surrounds me, nothing but the sound of pool balls clacking together and the 'thunk' of pool balls dropping into pockets. I make quick work of clearing the table and before I can shoot the 8-ball, Slade says, "Far side-pocket, 3 rails."

Readjusting my shot, I complete his request and look up to see him smiling. "There she is, Princess JAWS."

Shaking my head, I smile back. "I'm not a Princess."

"You'll always be Princess to us." He grins. "We need to find you a crown."

"Only if it's a crown of shark teeth with a Megalodon tooth in the center." I chuckle. "No feathers or glittery bullshit."

"I can't guarantee anything." He laughs. "Every girl needs a little something sparkly."

I squint at him. "Why do I get the feeling you're up to something?"

Placing his hand on his chest in mock offense. "Who me? I'm never up to anything." He grins, "Trust me."

"Yeah, OK." I look at the five of them. "Whatever you're planning, no sparkly stuff."

"Too late." I hear Bear mutter. I think I heard it but I'm not sure.

"What?" I ask, looking at him.

"What, what? I didn't say anything." His face doesn't give anything away so maybe he didn't say anything.

"How did you miss your flight?" Ice asks.

I knew it was only a matter of time before they asked. Sighing, I tell them about the shoe incident and Brick laughs. "Let me get this straight, you actually forgot your shoes at security? That's hilarious!" The more he laughs, the funnier it seems. Though I'm not quite sure they all believe me.

"Hey, they were my new shoes! See?" I defend myself, pointing down to my feet to show them. "Aren't they cute?"

"I'm going to pretend you did not just ask a bunch of bikers if your shoes are cute." Slade rolls his eyes. "We're not exactly the fashion police. We'll take your word for it."

"Well, they're cute and I wasn't about to leave them behind." I explain.

"A pair of shoes are more important than a flight home?" Ruger asks, shaking his head.

"Yes. I can always take another flight home. I can't just buy a new pair of these shoes. They're hard to find." I grin. "Plane tickets are a dime a dozen."

"Whatever you say, Princess." He shakes his head.

"What are your plans today? What time does your flight leave?" Bear asks.

"Uh…" I try to think of something but before I can answer Bear beats me to it.

"You haven't even bought a ticket yet, have you?" He narrows his eyes at me.

"Busted." Slade laughs.

Sighing, I answer honestly. "No. I haven't. I was going to stay another night and worry about going home sometime tomorrow." Glancing around, I can see they don't like that answer, so I continue my explanation. "There are things that I want to do here still and I don't know when I'll be done."

"You're going to get yourself into trouble, you know that, right?" Ice breaks in.

"It wouldn't be the first time and I'm pretty sure it won't be the last." I grin. "As a matter of fact, I'm anticipating my phone to start blowing up within the hour by a lot of angry people." A thought hits me and I realize I haven't responded to anyone. Pulling out my phone, I look at the messages and focus on the ones from Gio, Amber and Elliot. "Speaking of which, I need to check my messages. I need to respond to a few to make arrangements."

Opening my phone, I find Gio's and text him.

R: I missed my flight. I'll be staying another night so I'll come to the club tonight. I need to go shopping first though. I need a new dress. I can't wear the same one as last night and none of my other clothes are appropriate for your club. I'll let you know what time as soon as I'm done. It'll be later, though.

I text Amber next.

R: I'm still in town. I have something I need to finish up but I'd like to meet up with you in a little while. That is, if you want to.

I better respond to Elliot too.

R: Yeah, I'm going to be in trouble no matter what I do. I've got a couple of things I want to do in a little while. I'm OK. I'll make sure to keep you guys updated.

Right after I send the message to Elliot, Amber replies.

AM: I'd love to meet up with you! You're so sweet and a lot of fun. I need to thank you for today.

R: Where are you guys at right now?

AM: We're at Madame Tussauds right now.

R: I'm not too far from there. Text me when you're done and I'll meet you there.

AM: OK!

"Fuck you're popular." Brick mutters.

"I don't know about that. I want to hang out with a girl who just turned sixteen today. Birthdays are important and need to be celebrated. I also need to go to the club again tonight to meet with the owner. I owe him for letting me hijack his club last night." Shrugging, I add, "It's things that got put off because everyone was still here. They were focused on leaving. I'm focused on doing things that are fun. I like surprises so I'm always planning something."

I see Bear and Slade share a look but don't ask about it.

"So, what are your plans right now?" Ice asks.

"I'm going to start walking toward Madame Tussaud's. That's where the girl and her parents are. I told her I'd meet her there." An idea hits me and I smirk, "You're welcome to join me. I'm planning on surprising her with a little clothes shopping and dinner." I laugh, "You guys can hold the shopping bags."

"Abso-fucking-lutely not, Princess." Bear growls.

I giggle, "Oh come on. I'll even go into a Harley store to look at leather jackets just for you. I mean, should a Princess really carry her own bags?"

The look on their faces makes me crack up to the point that I have tears in my eyes. I'm laughing so hard that I miss the looks they share with each other.

"You're twisted to even think we'd agree with that." Ruger says. "Though I'd pay money to see Bear carrying a shopping bag for you." He laughs and ducks out of the path of the fist Bear just threw toward him.

Walking over to Bear, I touch his arm. "Stop. I'm just joking with you. I would never expect you guys to go shopping with me. Not to mention I'd never expect someone to carry my bags. I can do that myself. Besides, I want to do this myself. I don't need an escort."

"What about that guy? Aren't you worried he'll show up again?" Brick asks, concerned.

"No, actually I'm not." I grin, "Something tells me someone will be keeping an eye on him until I leave to go home. Whenever that is."

"True. How'd you guess that?" Slade asks. "We never said anything about it."

Laughing, I remind them. "I hang out with bikers back home. They're the same way. It wouldn't surprise me if they had someone here watching things already." As an afterthought, I add, "Yeah, they're going to be pretty pissed at me when I get home."

"We'll walk out with you, if that's OK?" Ice says. It's not an order, just a statement. "We need to keep this guy away from you until you leave."

I look around at all of them silently. Walking over to them, I give each one a hug. Stopping in front of Bear, I look up at him. He's looking down at me, uncertainty in his eyes like he doesn't know what to expect from me. "I'm sorry Bear. I didn't mean to offend you or make you feel uncomfortable. It's just…"

"Who you are." He finishes for me. "It's OK. I like you so I'll let it slide. Just don't tell anyone. It'll ruin my rep." He smiles and I wrap my arms around him, as much as I can, and give him a hug.

"Thank you guys. For everything you've done for me. I really appreciate you. I owe you big time. Especially after today. I'm really going to be in a lot of trouble for this." I shake my head. "Dad always said I learn things the hard way."

"Come on. Let's get you over to Madame Tussaud's to meet your friend." He steps aside so I can pass in front of him and we make our way to the exit.

"What are you guys going to do today?" I ask, wondering if they'll tell me anything.

"You want the truth?" Slade asks, and I nod. "We're going to keep an eye on this guy who's been following you."

I'm not surprised at that answer, I already assumed it would happen. What surprises me is when Bear says, "We're going to keep an eye on you too. Just in case something happens." The look he's giving me leaves me no room for fighting them on it.

"OK. I won't fight you on it. I would feel better if someone did." I look up at him again, "I hate to admit it but he really freaked me out."

"We'll make sure you're safe. I promise." He actually gives me a smile. "Can't have our Princess getting hurt, can we?"

Rolling my eyes, I mutter, "Whatever. Let me send a message to everyone so they know where I'm at."

Pulling out my phone, I send a message to Lurch. He's not going to be very happy with me, but at least I'll be safe.

R: Hey. I'm done playing pool. I'm on my way to meet Amber and her parents. I want to take her shopping and then to dinner as a surprise. I'll let you know what the plans are when we're done. I'll be safe. Wish you were still here :(

Quickly, I send a message to Kate, Retro and Elliot telling them the same thing, for the most part.

R: Hey, I'm going to meet Amber and take her shopping and to dinner. She doesn't know it yet. I'll text you guys when I'm done with that.

"OK. I'm ready." Smiling at them, I add, "I want to minimize as much anger as I can keeping them informed. I'm afraid of what their reaction is going to be to this."

"I bet you are. We're not super thrilled about this little stunt you pulled either but you're an adult and can make your own decisions. We're here to make sure you stay safe." Ruger replies. "Come on, let's get going."

Exiting onto the Strip, we head toward the Venetian so I can find Amber and her parents.