HORSE
Ishut my office door behind me with my boot, Buddy trotting ahead like he owns the damn place. He’s still wearing his Santa suit, and the bells on the collar are jingling with every step. The stupid sound actually … calms me. Hell, what’s become of me?
My black walnut table sits in the center of the office, scarred, worn, and solid as ever. It’s the old kitchen table from Mom’s place—the one Dee insisted was “outdated trash” and replaced with some modern monstrosity that looked like it belonged on a reality show. I put this table and the chairs in storage when she moved in, but maybe I always knew things weren’t going to last with Dee. The marriage … it was doomed long before we ever said, “I do.”
My keeping Mom’s house was the only nonnegotiable in the divorce. Dee hated the place anyway—too small, too old, too “low class” for her tastes. I bought her a fancy duplex so she could get her precious rental income. That, along with child support, means she’s living the way she thinks she’s owed. But she doesn’t spend a dime of that money on Caleb. So, I’m not sure why I’m even paying child support. I cover everything, because if I didn’t, my boy would suffer. And that’snevergoing to happen.
I run a hand along the walnut edge of the table. Mom’s table. My table. Sacred memories. If Gwen and I ever get serious—hell,whenwe get serious—I’ll have to bring her by Mom’s place. Make sure she isn’t one of those women who see dollar signs in every corner. Gwen doesn’t strike me as that … but I’ve been wrong before.
The door opens, and my men start filing in. Storm enters first, he’s our Road Captain, smelling faintly of motor oil and sweat—evidence that he’s been working in the garage today. Pie slips in behind him—our security guy, resident hacker, and bookkeeper. The man can do anything involving computers. He also has one strong addiction. He got his road name based solely on his fetish for going down on a woman. I don’t even think he cares how old the woman is—if they give him an opening—he’s there. Rocky follows, our Enforcer. He’s big as a grizzly with a resting glare that could break concrete. Knife is right beside him. Those two are super tight—a lot like me and Animal. I snort when I see Knife is still buttoning his jeans, hair mussed like he’s just rolled out of bed. He probably has. The man is addicted to club pussy. I figure it’s because his old lady Rebbie is too damn hateful to open her legs for him. I think he keeps her around only because of their kids. I shake my head. Of course, maybe she wouldn’t be the bitch she is if he’d lay off the easy pussy. Knife has never met a zipper he didn’t want to test-drive. Animal brings up the rear. He’s more than a VP—he’s my rock. I watch as he shuts the door behind him, arms crossed, waiting for the show. They all take their seats around Mom’s table, chairs creaking under the weight of leather, denim, and fuck-loads of attitude.
Maybe sensing the tension in the air, Buddy immediately starts whining at my feet. Without thinking, I scoop him up and settle him on my lap. The little bastard curls right in, tail wagging like he’s chairman of the board. I rest my arms on thetable again—only for Buddy to hop up onto the tabletop, plant himself by my elbow, and stare out at my officers like he’s helping me run church.
Yeah, I’m really getting attached to this little asshole. I like him a lot. In fact, I think I’m going to order him the damn club cut. Seems he likes church and being here with me. It makes sense that he does it looking official. I’m stealing my old lady’s dog. If Gwen gets mad, she’ll just have to agree to be my old lady so she can stay close to Buddy. I catch flickers of interest—and something close to respect—on my men’s faces. They’re amused, but they’re watching Buddy like he’s a new recruit they’re evaluating.
I clear my throat. “Church called to order.” Silence stretches. Too long. My nerves prick, and I let out a growl before I begin.
“I know church is sacred and is supposed to stay within these doors, but I’m not stupid. I know shit gets out. That needs to end,” I snap, eyeing Knife and Rocky more than anyone else. I see both of them swallow nervously. They know what I’m saying. “What I’m about to tell you is so fucking important I’m telling you assholes right now that if one of your women tells Dee, heads will fucking roll. Do you hear me?”
Buddy growls—a deep, weirdly menacing rumble for such a tiny puffball. I fight back my grin—but barely.
I stroke the curly top of his head. “Easy, Buddy,” I croon.
Yeah, Buddy is going to be his new name. He doesn’t seem to mind it. I actually think he likes it.
“Damn, Prez,” Animal says, eyebrows rising. “Have you trained that damn dog?”
I huff out a laugh but don’t answer.
Rocky leans forward. “So, what’s this about?”
I take a breath. Fuck it. “I found the woman I want to be my old lady this morning. Buddy here? He’s her dog.”
Storm snorts. “You met a woman this morning, and she’s already got you babysitting her damn dog? Fuck, Prez, has she already got your balls in her purse? I didn’t think you were the type to be henpecked.”
I flip him off. Buddy, however, responds like a demon on a leash—he snarls, tiny teeth bared, eyes fixed on Storm.
“Shut your trap,” I warn Storm, “or I’ll let Buddy biteyourballs off.”
Buddy snarls again, louder this time, slobber running down the sides of his mouth.
He might be a little dog, but he acts like he’s got the biggest dick on the cellblock and has been serving life at the animal shelter for being rabid. I think I’m in love with him.
Storm’s hands shoot out in surrender. “Alright, damn! Dude’s vicious.” The rest of the men are laughing. I see acceptance in their eyes. They all have taken a liking to Buddy, too.
Buddy slowly settles back down, resting his head on my arm, but gives one last warning bark.
I chuckle and blow out a breath. Yeah, this mutt is going to become my sidekick permanently. “Now, there’s more you need to know. There’s a chance we have an enemy making moves on us.”
“What does that mean?” Animal asks, instantly on guard.
“Someone took a potshot at me this morning.”
Chairs scrape against the wood flooring as suddenly, every man here is laser focused and alert. They’re sitting upright—even Knife. All eyes lock on me.
“What the fuck?” Animal rumbles, his voice sounding like thunder.
“The bullet grazed my stomach. No serious damage. But I was talking to Gwen at the time. She could’ve been killed.”
