I need to be really careful how I phrase this. If it sounds anything at all as if I believe she’s not capable, she’ll run off hot-headed to do this alone. Plus, I don’t think that at all, but she’ll never trust me again with inside knowledge of her club doings, and I want her to be able to come to me with whatever she needs.
“I just want to guard your six. You’re my ol’ lady, and you might not want to admit it, but I do love your impulsive ass, so please let me watch out for it.” She opens her mouth but then snaps it shut tight.
“Ok.” That’s it?
No argument? No two-hour lecture that a woman can do anything and more than men can do? I tilt my head and look at her closely.
“Are you planning something you aren’t telling me?” She smiles, and it does not warm my heart.
If anything, it scares the shit out of me.
“Sure am, but it’s got nothing to do with the plan Loki has, so relax.” Oh sure!
I’m going to have to sleep with one eye open and my gun under the pillow.
Note to self, do not eat anything she cooks, like ever.
“I’m going to shower. Can you get Twister on the phone and call in that favor? I’m scared that if I don’t move on this fast, Loki might take matters into her own hands. For this to work, we can’t lose track of her.” I nod and blow out a breath as I reach for my phone.
“Agreed. Can I join you? This shouldn’t take long.” I search for his number as I wait for her to answer.
“Um, yes. Duh,” She winks at me before disappearing into the bathroom.
“Yo Prez, what’s up?” He sounds happy, and I’m about to ask him to call his, I don’t even know what.
“I need a meeting with Helena.” Silence falls, followed by every curse in the English and Italian languages.
“Joel, I don’t know if I can do that.” My real name trips me up.
“This is personal for you. I get that, but I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t extremely important. So think hard when I ask youthis. Will you willingly put this club or the Harlots in danger?” I already know the answer, but I need to hear him say it.
How far gone for this woman is he?
“FUCK!” I hear something break on his end.
“Okay.” The phone goes dead, and I think about calling him back.
Instead, I switch to text.
Have her come to us. Tonight, 9 pm.
If she says no?
Fucking pursued her.
…
I watch the three little dots flash for a full minute before I put my phone down and go join Haven in the shower.
An hour later, after fucking her again up against the shower wall, I find the text he was typing and frown, expecting to see him cursing me out.
Heading to her building now.
Church after.
No response, and my stomach drops. Did I just send my VP into hell without any water? I dial Tank, and he answers on the second ring.
“What can I do for you, Prez?” I run my hand through my wet hair.
