“For help. Maybe a favor.” Fabio shrugged. “I want to be on good terms with you, should I need anything in the future. My brother is on his own.”
Interesting.
Remo and Fabio always seemed close when we conducted business with them. They had clear roles. Like the older brother, Remo, teaching and mentoring the younger brother, Fabio, about the ways of their family and organization. Not once had I ever questioned their relationship until now…
“Has something happened?” I asked Fabio. “You and Remo seem off.” I couldn’t help but wonder what had changed with them and my curiosity made me open my mouth and ask.
Fabio adjusted his tie. “We’re fine. Just a difference of opinion on something rather important.”
“Like what?” I knew I was pushing it, but Jefe didn’t seem to care.
“Arranged marriages. So can I count on the Kings of Anarchy,” he asked again.
“Yes. You can count on us,” Jefe told him, with a firm nod.
And with those final words, we made our way to our motorcycles.
“Is arranged marriages still a thing?” Corcoran asked.
I checked my messages and there was nothing from Steve yet.
“Yes, they’re still a thing in some cultures and my guess they exist in the Ferrari family. I’d fucking hate being forced to marry someone I didn’t love,” Jefe said. “All good at home, Slay?”
“I don’t know. I sent Steve a text and he hasn’t replied.” I picked up my pace. “We aren’t stopping until we get home.”
“Says, who? You or Prez?” Corcoran asked. He could be a cocky little fucker sometimes.
“Says me, prospect.” I turned on him and raised my fist. “I’m the enforcer and don’t you forget it!”
“Chill brother. Chill.” Jefe stood in front of me. “We’re heading straight home,” he shouted for everyone to hear.
“Appreciate it,” I said.
“Cool your jets. Can’t have you losing it withmycrew.”
“Yeah. My bad.” I blew out a breath and straddled my Harley, noting the fog had burned off and the sun was shining down on me. I hoped it was a sign that all was well at home…
And Cass would be there when I returned.
I appreciated Jefe knowing the urgency for me to get back and make sure Cass was safe. But I wasn’t sure how I would protect her without telling her about Alek being Bratva. She despised all criminal organizations, like KOAMC. Our club had some legal business, but we weren’t clean by any stretch of imagination.
I supposed I could tell her the truth, because she hated liars, and I didn’t want her to hate me more than she already did. Knowing Alek was Bratva, she wouldn’t want anything to do with him.
But none of that mattered if Alek kidnapped her.
Well, I’d have to get to her first…
7
Cassandra
“Steve, your phone pinged with a new message.” I held his phone in my hand, wishing he didn’t have it locked. I’d seen Slay’s name and was curious why he was texting my brother.
“Thanks. I’ll be down in a second,” he shouted from the attic. Since he seemed to be hanging around me a lot, I put him to work replacing air filters.
“Do you want me to see what Slay wanted? Just need your pin number.”
“Nope, I’m coming down right now.” He appeared and backed down onto the ladder. “It’s filthy up there. You should have someone come clean it out.”
