“Hey!” one of the girls from the bar shouts, stumbling over to us as she slurs her words. “Those are our husbands you're talking about.”
Nick looks her up and down with a sneer. “Yeah, you three look absolutely wrecked about losing them. All smiles and laughter.”
“We are. They were our husbands. Our everything!” the other lady, who’s still sitting at the bar, shouts.
“Sure, lady. Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Nick snorts.
“Don’t come in here and disrespect our fallen men,” Julia spits. “You two and your brother abandoned your family. You left like they meant nothing.”
“Because they didn’t,” Nick deadpans. “We don’t have respect for people who abuse kids and rape women. Who get off on being evil like it’s some sort of power trip.”
“You are a disgrace.” One of the women lifts her chin and huffs before turning around and stumbling toward the back of the clubhouse.
“Why are you here? If you hated your father so much, then why come back?” Julia asks, crossing her arms as she eyes us up and down. I hate how her eyes linger on me a little too long.
“Ghost asked us to come and check on everyone. He’s on his way down. Should be here by tomorrow,” Nick explains, and Julia’s face pales.
“He’s coming here?”
I give my brother a look.Why is she so afraid?
“Yes,” Nick answers her. “Why?”
“No reason,” she laughs nervously.
“What the fuck happened to this place?” Nick asks. “It wasn’t exactly the most aesthetically pleasing place before we left, but fucking hell, why are there kids running around looking feral?”
“They’re kids.” Julia scowls. “They get dirty and have fun.”
“Dirty?” I ask. “They look like no one is taking care of them.”
“We do the best we can.” Julia shoots her eyes over to me, but her glare softens.Don’t. Don’t do that. I don’t want you to look at me with any warmth.
“Where are their mothers?” I ask.
She sighs. “Most of them are sweet butts. They popped them out and took off. None of them wanted to stick around and the men wouldn’t let them take their kids. They are property of the Steel Devils.”
“Gee, I wonder why they wouldn’t want to stick around? This place has everything you could ever want. Who doesn’t love burning trash piles, drunken abusive men, and hepatitis C?” Nick growls. “This place is a fucking joke.”
“If you don’t like it, then leave!” Julia yells.
“No can do,” Nick says. “Our orders were to make sure everyone is okay. And clearly they are not. My guess is, Ghost will take over this MC and clean it up.”
Julia’s face pales again. “He can’t do that.”
“He can,” I correct. “Either he takes control and puts someone new in charge, or the club crumbles and everyone is left with nothing.”
“That can’t happen.” Julia shakes her head. “I’ll have nothing left.”
Good. You don’t deserve anything, you sick bitch.
“Welp, better get to sucking,” Nick replies with a chuckle. “I’m sure there’s a member left that will take you in.” Nick eyes her up and down. “You still have all your teeth and you stopped bleaching your hair. Someone will take pity on you.”
“Go fuck yourself!” Julia spits.
“I’d rather fuck myself than you,” Nick retorts. “Daddy isn’t around to keep you high on the ladder anymore, Julia. I’m sure your skills can be put to good use. I heard the strip club downtown is looking for new girls. It’s dark enough in there, they wouldn’t know right away that you're old and used up.”
I can’t help but snort a laugh, and Julia’s furious gaze swings my way. “I expect that kind of bullshit from him. But you?” She has the fucking nerve to look at me with disappointment.
