Diesel scowls at the idea of another person he cares for getting hurt before nodding.
“Stacks, deal with whatever insurance agent comes down here. Diesel’s going to have the cops sniffing around. Make sure they don’t find anything. Do this right. I don’t want any suspicion on it being our fault.” Judge squints at Warden and Hammer.
“I’m watching the girl.” Hammer frowns. “She’s… a handful. I don’t trust someone else to watch her.”
No one wants to point out that the redhead isn’t being forced to stay here. He’s keeping her close for his own strange reasons.
“We’re going to need a few to stay to defend the clubhouse.” Judge nods. “Warden, you’ll lead this ride. Pick someone to be at the back. Hammer, you stay.”
His eyes flicker over to me, his brows pushing together. “I should make you stay.”
Sitting back, my chair creaks in protest. “But what fun will that be?”
Judge sighs. “Once the heat is settled, we’ll ride. I’ll warn you, the Crimson Road isn’t some group that’ll roll over. Expect injury, possibly death. Enjoy these next few days. They might be the last peaceful ones left for some of you.”
Whistling at his tone, I shiver. Talk about being a pessimist.
Calling the meeting, some people drift out quicker than others. I want to join them, but Judge stops me.
He scoffs and sits back. Like a bad habit, he rubs his hand against his chest. “We made a promise not to return there. Why’d you have to go and break that?”
“For the same reason you’re about to.” Frowning at his hand, I can picture the scar he’s rubbing at. “It’ll be different this time.”
“Yeah?” He lets out a rare laugh, one sounding raspy. “Why’s that?”
The answer comes easily. “We both have something worth coming back to.”
Even if his feelings are unknown to the other party, I can’t leave Haven alone. Not anymore.
Judge sighs, not bothering to argue. He looks out toward the empty seat across from us. The one that’s been empty for too long. “We’re going to need Ghost.”
“You trust Haven to be near Eliza?” Genuinely curious, there’s a tightness in my chest. Even if my loyalty to him has been a bit rocky these last few days, he’s still my best friend.
I want him to like her. Not as much as I do, but close.
“She’s not a threat.” His mouth presses firmly. “Pen likes her.”
Penelope likes everyone, but I’ll take what I can get. I don’t think he’ll fully trust her until this matter is resolved.
“I’ll send word out for those two then.” Satisfied with his answer, I stand and stretch. My body aches, but I’m in a good mood, despite all the chaos happening around us.
He grunts, finally letting me go. There’s only one place I care to be. If I’m going to enjoy these next few days right, then I’m going to need to find my girl.
* * *
There she is, glowing and radiant. Next to her, Paulie.
“How’s Trouble?” Approaching them, I don’t miss the way her brother curls his lip at me. Guess he’s still not fond of the name I carefully picked out for him.
He’s still got swollen eyes, but now I can tell when he’s glaring at me. Without all the blood, he’s not ugly either. Little does he know that once he loses his bite, the women will flock to him.
Haven doesn’t seem to notice his anger, offering up the empty stool next to her. As inviting as it is, I don’t take it.Instead, I wrap my hand around hers, pulling her off the stool she’s claimed.
“I need to borrow you. He’ll be fine. Let him hang out with the other prospects.” I nod toward Jinx and Kansas, where they’re waiting for Diesel to return with the others.
“But Paulie…”
“He’s kept your attention long enough.” Unable to stop myself, jealousy drips from my lips. Looking at Jinx, I lead her, then slap his shoulder and turn him toward the bruised new member “Do me a favor. Take Trouble up the mountain. Give him some fresh air. While you’re at it, tell Ghost to pack up. He can return home. Oh, and tell him to make sure everything is exactly how I left it.”
