I was beginning to think that I could change things. Escape my mother’s habits.
But that was never gonna happen.
Free will exists, and I decided to return to the clubhouse a second time when I could’ve said no. I didn’t have to sleep with them again.
But I did.
Because I prioritized fun over my own family.
I glance up at Carter. “I need you to look after Otis.”
“You’re not going anywhere.”
“Tell him I died. It’s better than him knowing I’ve been kidnapped by the same man who took him.”
“You’re not fucking going anywhere.” Carter lifts me up like I’m a rag doll and manipulates my limbs accordingly, sitting me onto a chair. “I’m offended by your lack of faith in us. The Venom Vultures MC has been running for generations. This isn’t the first time a woman like you has been put under threat. It happens a lot. And guess what?”
Vex answers the question meant for me. “We win. Every single fucking time.”
Is it possible to have it all? The men, the son, the balance of family and fun? Vex, Skipper, and Carter have already proven themselves to be talented in bed. Do their talents extend out into other areas of their lives?
I think about Conrad O’Neill. He is at a huge physical disadvantage. Compared to the bikers, he’s tiny. If we can capitalize on that at the right time, there might be a way to come out victorious.
“Let me come with you.”
“And let you become collateral?” Vex says. “I don’t think so, sweetheart.”
“Think about it. We let Conrad think he’s winning. I go in there alone, unarmed, just like he told me on the phone. When he has me right where he wants me, you enter.”
They eye each other, telepathically deciding if this is going to be a good idea.
But I don’t have time for their indecisiveness. While they’re here worrying about my life, Otis is being held hostage somewhere, starved, dehydrated and confused.
I wanted to give Otis the perfect childhood, and now he has to go to sleep at night, scarred with images of the bogeyman—an entity I told him was fictional.
The bikers are still in deep thought, so I shoot up from the chair and head toward the exit.
If I want something done, I have to do it myself.
19
VEX
I admiredher fierceness at first.
But now I despise it.
Because it’s gonna be what gets her killed.
“Carmen,” I holler, speeding after her. She flies out the door, ignoring my call, so I follow her out into the twilight and grab her wrist. “The Harley is out of bounds.”
“The Harley can speak for itself, as can you, instead of going mute and wasting my time.” She tips her chin. “Are you gonna accept the plan so we can get out of here, or are you gonna keep making weird eye contact with your friends?”
Carter and Skipper join us outside, tumbling down the veranda.
“Let’s do it,” Skipper announces, weirdly out of breath. “It’s a risk, but it’s the best shot we have. Carter, prepare the bikes. And go get the others.”
“The others?” Carmen questions.
