Severed Justice (Severed MC Book 3) by K. T. Fisher, Ava Manello Page A

where the others are dancing and singing along to the song that’s currently playing. I look back at Elle. “You sure you’re ok with this?”
     
    “I’m not gonna lie and say it’s easy, because it’s not, but I’m gonna try.” I respect her honesty.
     
    “Okay then.”  We smile at each other, making our way over to to the bar where the red head shoves a drink in front of both of us. “Drink up girls, and no fighting tonight, you hear me?” She commands.
     
    Elle laughs. “There’s going to be no fighting tonight, Diane.”
     
    “That’s what I like to hear.” Diane smiles at Elle before looking at me. “Let’s have some fun shall we?”
     
    For the rest of the night we drink and dance together. I get introduced to the Severed ladies. Some are old ladies, there are a few daughters and others are friends of the club. They’re all friendly and welcoming to Lucy and me, so much so that I am able to relax and enjoy myself.
     

Elle
    As the night continues, it becomes less awkward for me. It’s hard to be here with Emma; acting like everything’s hunky dory, but it’s something that I need to do.
     
    I’m ready for another drink, so head towards the bar. Whilst I’m waiting for Danni to come serve me, Eve joins me. She doesn’t say anything. We just watch while a guy tries to flirt with Danni who’s been serving him. “Get a drink for yourself, gorgeous.”
     
    I can see her blush from here.  She shakes her head at him. “No thank you.”
     
    I laugh; Danni is one of those women who you can’t help but love. No matter who you are. She’s one of those women who you’d describe as adorable, because that’s just how she is. I don’t think the girl ever does anything wrong, and if she did, you wouldn’t be able to stay angry with her.
     
    “How are you holding up?” Eve asks me, just as Danni notices us and starts to prepare our drinks. She knows us all well enough by now to know what we drink without being asked.
     
    I look back to where Emma’s dancing with the rest of our group. “I’m okay actually, it’s hard, but I can do this.”
     
    Eve nods her head, throwing her arm around me. “That’s my girl. I know you’re hurting, but Emma’s not to blame. She didn’t know Ink was taken. If she did it would be a whole different story, but here we are. You forgave Ink, and now it’s over.”
     
    Her words are true, but it still doesn’t mean it’s not hard to look at Emma.  When I see her I can’t help thinking about her with my man. I turn back to the bar as I feel the warning sting of tears in my eyes. Danni places my drink on the bar, smiling kindly at me.
     
    “Oh honey, it’s going to be ok.”
     
    “I know.” I whisper back.
     
    She pats my hand then goes off to continue working the bar.  Eve looks at me, a question in her eyes.
     
    “Just give me a minute okay?” I ask Eve, and with a reluctant look she plants a soft kiss on my forehead before leaving me alone.
     
    I take a deep, calming breath. Swallowing back my tears, I pull myself together. Eve is right. Emma knew nothing about Ink and me. She was just there for a tattoo and took advantage of what was offered. Ink was the one in the wrong, and I chose to forgive him. I love him. After telling me he loves me last night, I couldn’t be happier.
     
    I take my drink, walking back towards the girls, a genuine smile on my face. It’s about time I enjoyed this night with everyone, including Emma.
     
    ***
     
    A couple of hours later, we’re all way the wrong side of drunk. We’re happy, laughing loudly, and acting like we’re best friends. That includes Emma and me. Everyone keeps flashing me smiles, encouraging me to soldier on.
     
    Sue starts to complain that her feet are hurting, and I don’t blame her. My heels are starting to dig in as well. We walk over to a large table with enough seats for all of us. The conversation takes an interesting turn as Diane sits down, placing a tray of drinks on