“—triple our profits within three months,” Tom’s saying, motioning his hands like a preacher. “Coke, meth, girls. Theholy trinity of money making, boys. That, and our surcharges to the small businesses in town. We’ve got the connections, the territory, the muscle. We just need to get the ball rolling and make it happen.”
“Drugs, prostitutes, and bullying local shop owners again, Tom?” I interrupt from the doorway. “That the direction you’re going in?”
Everybody turns for a look at me. Tom’s smile doesn’t falter, but his eyes go cold.
“Jack, just in time. Was explaining to the boys how we’re gonna solve our financial problems. We’re back in business. It’s about time, I’d say!”
“You’re on parole. You trying to get sent back to prison? Take all of us with you this time?”
“I know what I’m doing. Besides, nothing a kickback or two can’t solve. Everybody knows Captain Vargas and Lieutenant Gillard are corrupt.”
“You mean like you knew what you were doing last time? That’s exactly how you got caught.DEA—not local PD—had you dead to rights because you got greedy. You got sloppy. That’s why we had to go underground, find more discreet revenue streams.”
Tom cackles like what I’ve said is ridiculous. “What revenue? Didn’t you say yourself the club’s struggling financially? And lemme tell you—othershave said the same.”
The other guys shift uncomfortably. Moses looks borderline guilty while Mudd won’t meet my eyes. Johnny simply watches on as if he’s attending a boxing match.
“This isn’t about morals, Jack,” Tom continues. “This is about me fixing problems. Like always. Most of them problems that happened on your watch, while you were playing it safe.”
My jaw clenches, the urge to stride up and knock him out stronger than it’s ever been. Every instinct pulsing through medemands I do a lot more than that. Put him through a wall. Break that already crooked nose of his. Teach him what happens when he mouths off like the delusional, scummy asshole he’s become.
But I resist, deciding to let him crash and burn like last time.
“You do whatever the fuck you want,” I snarl. “ButI’mnot interested. Your last scheme landed Ozzie with a bullet graze and Big Ed shot in the arm. You’re about to take even more guys down with you fucking with the Peñas. Going back to your old ways. I won’t be a part of it.”
I turn and walk out, leaving them to their world domination plotting.
Tom thinks he’s some genius that’ll rule the town with an iron fist while profiting like never before. Some guys like Johnny might fall for it, but the inevitable downfall will prove me right in the end.
I make it back onto the bar floor, still fuming, only to stop dead in my tracks.
Solana’sat the bar, laughing at something Tate’s saying. More than just a polite chuckle—it’s a real laugh, the kind where her whole face lights up. She’s wearing jeans and a simple t-shirt that both hug her curves a little too well.
A little too distractingly.
Tate’s leaning in close, that cocky grin on his face he uses on every woman who walks through these doors.
The muscles in my chest tighten and jealousy burns through my veins like acid.
She throws her head back as she laughs, and Tate’s eyes shift to the column of her throat. I know exactly what the fuck he’s thinking as he watches her laugh at whatever the hell he’s said.
His hand’s on the bar counter, resting inches from hers.
The bastard’s actually flirting with Eddie’s niece and Moses’s little sister, right here in the open like he doesn’t give a shit about rules.
Everybody knows female family members are supposed to be off-limits. It’s a matter of respect.
Mick’s behind the bar mixing up a drink. The concoction looks suspiciously like a rum and Coke.
Ozzie and Zoe are at a nearby table eating lunch together, but they’re watching the scene too, probably noticing the heavy flirting going on.
I’m moving before I realize it, my already bad mood magnifying by ten. The expression on my face darkens as I stride over and put a stop to the giggles and pickup lines.
“Sure hope there’s no alcohol in that drink you’re making her,” I snap at Mick first. “She’s twenty.”
Solana’s laughter dies once she notices me. There’s a flash of irritation in her eyes. Irritation mixed with defiance and some hurt.
“For two more weeks,” she says hotly.
