Encore (The Black Eagles Series Book 2) by Kat Green Read Free Book Online Page B

to Beth, who had been busy organising things. Beth’s frown soon turned to a smile and she threw her arms around Melissa. ‘I love you.’ Her embrace was full of love, and excitement. ‘But you know that. Enjoy your party, babe.’
                  ‘It’s perfect. Thank you. I love you more.’
                  Luke left them to chat about babies and things. He had a beer with Dale at the bar and chatted to various guests.
                  ‘Dude, outside, smoke now,’ Dale ordered with a slight slur, and Luke knew it was going to be one of those nights. He followed Dale outside where it was quiet, apart from Tom and Jo-Jo who were sat a few feet away, deep in conversation. They were making the most of each other before she left the next day. It could be eight weeks before he saw her again, and the recent events had made all of them appreciate each other much more.
                  Dale blew smoke rings while looking thoughtful. After a minute he looked Luke in the eye, sighed, and put his hand on his shoulder. ‘I know we never do soppy shit…’ he trailed off looking embarrassed before continuing, ‘But I love you, even though you are one annoying little shit.’
                  Luke laughed and patted Dale on the back. ‘Right back at ya.’ He thought for a moment as he watched Dale sway a little while taking another puff of his cigarette. He wondered how they had all felt during his abduction so asked Dale the question.
                  Dale seemed to freeze, and looked around before answering. ‘We thought you were dead. Honestly, I have never been so scared in my life. I tried to keep Melissa strong for you. It took everything not to lose it in front of her. Seeing her in that hospital after what that nutter did…’ He paused again and Luke sensed he needed to get this off his chest. ‘Then there was Beth and our news: the day after you went missing I was suddenly going to be a dad. I needed to talk to you about it but I couldn’t and thinking I might never speak to you again...’ He took another puff on his cigarette. ‘It killed me.’
                  This was the most emotional Dale had ever been about anything in his life. Luke thought the lump in his throat might choke him, but he swallowed it down. He suspected this had been building over time. The drink and the relief it was over had finally caught up with his friend. Luke had a lot to thank him, Beth, Toby and Tom for. ‘Thank you for looking after Liss. It couldn’t have been easy but she told me how supportive you all were. I love her so much, and if he had…’ Luke still had trouble saying the words.
                  ‘I’m sorry I didn’t protect—’ Dale started to say, but Luke cut him off with a firm no.
    Nobody was to blame but Amber and Jay-Den. Luke wouldn’t allow anyone to feel guilt over it but them. ‘You don’t apologise for what they did!’ he snapped.
                  ‘I did my best,’ Dale said.
                  ‘You did more than your best. Thanks, man. I don’t know how I can ever repay you.’
                  ‘I don’t need rewarding for it. Anyway, we would have been in so much shit otherwise,’ Dale joked, the moment passed, and they went onto band talk.
                  Mid joke with Dale Luke’s phone shrilled in his pocket. He lifted it to his ear without looking at the screen. The conversation was not a good one, and his face went pale as he uttered some hushed profanities at the caller. ‘Fuck!’ Luke yelled as he threw his phone to the floor.
                  ‘What?’ Dale asked, now concerned as Luke was hyperventilating. A full-blown panic attack was about to grip him. Tom came running, hearing the shout. He had seen them having their heart to heart and decided to leave them to it. This was different. He knew that kind of yelling from