Axel fixes him with a glare, and he mutters an apology. “I knew Ragnor from inside,” he says, his eyes glancing to Grizz, who smiles.
“Shit, you never said he was out.”
“Yeah, well, he’s been fighting demons. Anyway, he and his blood brother, Hex, have started their own MC. It’s not far from here, and before you get all unsettled, he asked permission.”
“It’s unusual,” says Duke. “I don’t know of any other MC that sets up, side by side, with another.”
“You know I like to do shit differently these days, old man.” Duke laughs, shaking his head.
“Are they running any businesses?” asks Atlas.
“Yeah, they’re taking over a cleaning company, a bar, and they’ll take over the drugs from us.”
The men shift uncomfortably, but Axel cuts in. “We never wanted to run that shit, but we had no choice. Every time some scumbags come in and run it, crime is up and all eyes are on us. Ragnor is gonna continue running it the way we have—clean and with our suppliers. We still have some control, but we’re not getting our hands dirty.”
“And we’re making profit?” asks Cash.
“It’ll be a tidy sum without the outlay,” Axel reasons.
“And you’re sure you trust this guy?” I ask. “He won’t screw us over down the line?”
Axel looks me in the eye. “I trust him, brother. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here telling you this.” I nod. It’s good enough for me.
“Let’s vote,” says Grizz.
Axel goes around the table, and everyone says, “Aye.” With one hundred percent yes, he slams the gavel to signify the end of church and a new partnership with the Hell’s Avengers.
Remi
I glance at the door that all the bikers disappeared through, leaving me alone with the two prospects, Smoke and Shooter. When it finally opens, I relax. Even though Shadow weirds me out with his eyes constantly on me, I find it mildly comforting.
The second he steps out, he looks for me. I watch as he scans the room, and when his gaze finally lands on me, his shoulders relax. But he doesn’t smile or even acknowledge me. He just stares . . . again. I laugh to myself and grab a few empty glasses, taking them back behind the bar.
Minutes later, the door opens and more bikers pour in. These men aren’t in the same leathers as the Chaos Demons. Theirs have a different logo on the back, with the words ‘Hell’s Avengers’ sewn on the patch.
Axel greets the first guy like an old friend, calling him Ragnor. Ragnor proceeds to introduce his friends, then Axel does the same. I watch with interest, which captures Ragnor’s attention. He grins, showing dimples and a cheeky glint.
“When you’ve finished drooling, I’ll take a water.”
I startle at Shadow’s gravelly voice, instantly dragging my eyes from Ragnor. I force a smile and grab a bottle of water from the fridge, placing it on the bar. “I wasn’t drooling.”
“You’re just the barmaid, so don’t get any ideas.”
I frown slightly. He’s always so dismissive. “Thanks for the reminder.”
“You’re not here as entertainment. We have women for that.”
“What is your problem?” I snap, and he almost grins as he takes a sip of water without breaking eye contact. “I sat on your bike. It’s hardly a crime.”
“If he doesn’t want you to sit on his bike, I sure would like to see you on mine.” I glance up as Ragnor leans against the bar with a smirk. “Ragnor,” he introduces, holding out a hand.
“Remi,” I reply, placing my hand in his. He gently raises it to his mouth and presses a kiss there, smirking. A low growl can be heard coming from Shadow’s direction.
It gets Ragnor’s attention, and he holds out a hand to him next. “Shadow, right?”
“Enforcer,” Shadow tells him, making no move to shake his hand.
Ragnor laughs, retracting it. “Good to meet you, brother. I’m the President.”
