One of the other bikers joins in. “Oh? What sort of trouble? We like solving trouble, don’t we, Saul? If it involves cracking a few skulls, we like it even more.”
The man addressing cigarette guy, who I now know is called Saul, sports a wispy beard, and when he grins at me, it’s to show off a set of crooked teeth.
The last two men to enter are standing back a little, and I realize why when Vani changes the subject by asking her father. “New recruits?”
“Nah.” He shakes his head. “That’s why I wanted to see you. I’m moving this way for a while, to help another club with some issues they’re having. We might look at creating a new chapter up here at Verona Falls, or at least blend the existing club with a new one.”
“For real?” Her eyes brighten and she claps in delight.
Wow, I wish I had that kind of relationship with my dad. It seems like Vani has the only paternal relationship that hasn’t turned toxic.
“Yes, for a while, at least. This is Ace, and this is Ghost.” He points to each man in turn.
The one he referred to as Ace tips an imaginary hat at Vani, and she smiles in return. He drops a devastating grin and nods to me, and Camile, too.
The other, Ghost, merely nods once to the room in general. He’s super tall and unusual looking, with his dark hair and pale skin. His eyes are light hazel, too, which only adds to the uniqueness of his looks. He’s not classically handsome, but he’s a striking man.
“I guess I ought to be going.” I stand and walk over to Vani, giving her a big hug. “Thanks so much for your help.”
“I didn’t do anything,” she points out.
“You listened, and that’s more than enough.”
She walks me to the door. “Do you mind if I talk to my dad and give him the rough breakdown of what’s happened? He might be able to help. They do this kind of thing sometimes, like Saul says.”
“What kind of thing?” I ask. “Exactly?”
“Deal with very bad people in their own way.” She frowns a little. “You have money, right? Or at least your men do?”
“Yes, I think so.” I imagine Cain will inherit, but I’m not sure how long that will take. “Why?”
“Well, the club, they do charge a fee, but damn, they do a good job. It would mean you guys wouldn’t have to be involved this time.” Her eyes soften. “You’ve been through so much, Vani. All of you.”
I nod and swallow. “I guess I could talk to the guys.”
“Yeah, and I’ll talk to my dad. I mean, it’s not guaranteed or anything, but they might help.”
I give her a quick hug. “Okay, thanks.”
As I leave, I glance back to wave at Camile, but she’s lost deep in thought, staring at Vani’s dad.
CHAPTER 37
Roman
Ophelia burststhrough the door like a gust of wind. She’s all flushed, and I can tell from one glance that she’s stressed. I’ve just returned from a walk, and I realize I haven’t even checked my cell to see if she’s tried to contact me.
“Ophelia, what’s wrong?” I rush over and take hold of her hands. “Are you okay?”
“Where are the others?” she asks, craning her neck.
“Mal is upstairs, writing some songs. Cain is out for a run. Why?”
“Roman.” She hitches a breath. “Oh, God, I don’t know how to tell you this.”
She doesn’t have to tell me. The minute she says those words,I know. The fucking bastards at the institute, whoever the fuck is behind it, aren’t going to drop things and are going to come for us.For me.
“It’s okay.” I lead her to the couch and we sit. “I know.”
