Shit. I sigh, then pick up. “What?”
“Where’re you at?” He’s gruff, as always.
“Almost home, why?”
“Got a lead.”
“Coming.” I end the call, push the cell back in my pocket and start the engine.
Luckily it’s only a fifteen minute drive to the compound from Layne’s new place. After I park my bike, I walk into the bar. There are some nods from members, but I don’t see Pax. He’s probably at my apartment. I take the stairs and open the door. The TV’s on, and my little bro is sprawled in the armchair. A puff of smoke rises.
“Smoke outside, asshole,” I grumble and put my keys in the bowl.
“About time. Almost left, but that hostess got some nice tits.” He points at the TV after he puts out the smoke in the ashtray he’s got in his hands. I shrug out of my jacket and step out of my boots. I stroll across my open-plan kitchen into the living room.
“At least you’ve taken your shoes off.”
Paxton lazily turns his head toward me. “If I don’t, you’ll have my head, sicko.” His gaze wanders to my sock-clad feet. “Skulls? You can take it too far, you know?” His gaze wanders back to the TV to look at the lady with the so-called huge tits.
“Well, it’s better than those boring black ones you’re wearing.” I nod to his feet and check the show. Indeed, there are two huge knockers that almost pop out of her shirt. You could almost say it’s porn. “Okay, you should definitely put your dick intosomething. Could be an apple pie, for all I care. Spill the lead, man.” I push him and flop onto my couch, putting my feet up.
Paxton turns the television off. “Sorry, got a bit distracted by that.” He turns to face me. “Knights of Mayhem, bro.”
I frown. “What?”
“The Knights are somehow linked.” His face blank. As if he’s completely unaffected — which he probably is.
“Dirty bastards. I need to know who…” I don’t finish my sentence. Instead, I get up, walk past him, back to the front door of my apartment.
Just before I pass him, Pax grabs my black leather cut. “Nah, not happening, buddy. We need more info first.”
With a growl, I turn back and sit down. Rubbing my hands over my face, I let out a deep sigh. “Think she knows more?”
“Who? Layne?” Questioningly, he scrunches his nose. “Doubt it.” His brown eyes meet mine. “You’re about to do what I think you are, aren’t ya?”
“Depends on what you think I’m going to do. Right now, I’m going to shower and get into my bed, so I’m kicking you out.” I get up.
“Man, you’re going to see her, aren’t ya?” Removing the hair tie, he gathers his hair and styles it into a high bun at the back of his head. “Fuck, this is going to end badly.” He pushes off the armrests and rises.
“Who says I’m going to see her? And what fucker says that’s going to end badly?” I give him a shove toward the door.
“Me. You’re not deaf, are ya?”
I roll my eyes. “Fuck off, Pax. Before I take off my clothes and you get a glimpse of my perfect junk.”
My little brother quickly shrugs. “Consider me gone.”
When the door slams, I finally have peace. Well, not in my mind. That’s working on overdrive. Who hired the fucking Knights of Mayhem?
Pax’s right. I’m going to see Layne, ‘cause I need to know if she knows anything about this. If she knows why Connor got murdered, and if she’s in danger. The latter is all I care about. If she’s not at risk, I’ll leave her alone, but I can’t let her be a target.
Over my dead fucking body.
I rub my eyelids and walk to the bedroom. There, I grab a clean pair of boxer briefs from my closet, throw them on the bed, then turn on the faucet in the bathroom. As the water heats, I take off my clothes. Hands on the sink, I check the mirror. I look exhausted, even to myself. It’s showing deep in my gray eyes. Since the whole Connor thing went down, I’ve barely slept. First, I brush my teeth, then I hop in the shower and close my eyes. The warmth penetrates my muscles and forces me to relax.
Tomorrow night is going to be better. Then I’ll go see Layne. I need to speak with her alone to get her side of the story. My visits to the clubs tomorrow will take up my entire day, leaving me distracted and without time for anything else. It’ll have to wait until the evening. I take a deep breath, soap up, and try to clear my mind.
Tomorrow night.
