Renegade: The Alliance Chronicles, Book Six

Chapter 7

Mark

"You've been my brother—the one I share secrets with. But I can't tell you my biggest secret."

—from "It Happens: When Friendship Turns to Love," by Dr. E. Rich

Liam and I make it to his vehicle, a sleek black muscle car. Where did the expensive set of wheels come from?

It's a fleeting thought. I'm too blitzed to voice my question. That's what happens when I try to live off alcohol instead of food. Naturally, my self-appointed guardian shows up in time to witness my inebriation. Lucky me.

Even in the dark, I notice the pinched expression on Asher's face. The chilly night air rustles his blond hair, and my hand tingle with a need to run my fingers through it. I push aside the urge to reach out and touch him.

"Where you off to, Mark?" Asher barks out and folds his arms across his chest like he's a parent ready to discipline a child.

"I need to get some food in me, man. I haven't eaten in..." I stumble over the words. When was my last meal? "Damn, I don't remember the last time I ate."

His voice softens, and his posture relaxes a little. "Kitchen's, like, still open in the main house. Maria—"

"We're going out," I tell him. Liam shuffles his feet beside me.

Asher's lips flatten. His eyes drift over to my new friend as he continues speaking to me. "I don't think you're in any condition to drive. Besides, you don't know—"

"I'm driving," Liam blurts out. "He's good with me."

"Like, not the point," Asher sneers. "Mark doesn't hold his temper very well when he's drunk. He doesn't need to do anything that might jeopardize his employment."

Talking about me like I'm not even here is more than insulting. For the first time, I want to punch the shit out of Asher. He has no right to butt in. His life is waiting for him in a nice cozy house. What I do, and who I do it with, doesn't concern him. It can't...not anymore.

"Not your call, Ash," I slur. "Go spend some time with your wife."

Liam doesn't say a word. He just stands there, his eyes bouncing between the two of us. A hint of a smile slides along the edges of his lips.

Asher's brow furrows as his fists clench.

Does he plan on striking one of us? I'm drunk, not helpless.

"Mark, I'm warning you," he says sharply. "I can't keep coming to your rescue."

"Then stop!" I turn toward Liam. "Man, I'm starving. Can we get the fuck out of here?"

"Yes. We'll be sure to check in with you later, Lieutenant," Liam smirks.

Asher pivots on his heel and storms back to the house.

I'll pay for that remark later.

§

Liam pulls his car into a parking lot off a street named Trinity Drive. He says something about the storefront bar having a reputation for great burgers. In an age of synthetic meat, I don't think the claim can still be true. Every single one I've had all had the same bland taste—like chewing plastic.

Heavy smoke and overlapping conversations greet us as we cross the threshold. The place is fairly packed for a weeknight. Sketchy customers perch on wooden stools at a high counter. Nobody even glances our way as we grab a seat at a corner table.