“Your club has caused us significant problems,” Reyes says, settling into a chair across from me. “And significant losses.”
“Your people kidnapped my woman and beat her face in. They’re lucky they only lost Caruso.”
“An unfortunate miscalculation.” His expression doesn’t change. “One that cost us dearly. Ivan was... overzealous.”
“Ivan is dead. So is his boss. And the FBI has enough evidence to dismantle every operation you’ve run through this state for the past five years.”
That gets a reaction—a slight tightening around his eyes. “Which is why we’re here. To ensure this situation doesn’t escalate further.”
“Here are my terms.” I lean forward. “Your organization stays out of Stoneheart, and away from any Stoneheart MC territory. Not just the town—the entire country. No drugs, no trafficking, no intimidation. If I see so much as a suspicious vehicle crossing our borders, I’ll personally deliver the rest of the footage we have to every federal agency in the country.”
“That’s a significant demand.”
“Take it or leave it.”
Reyes is quiet for a long moment. I watch him calculate—the costs, the benefits, the risks of continuing a war he can’t win.
Finally, slowly, he nods.
“Agreed. The Stoneheart MC is off-limits.” He stands, straightening his jacket. “You’ve made a powerful enemy, Mr.Armstrong. But you’ve also earned a measure of respect. We won’t forget either.”
“Just remember our agreement.” I don’t stand, don’t offer my hand. “And don’t come back.”
He leaves without another word.
When he’s gone, Hawk lets out a breath. “Holy shit. That actually worked.”
“For now.” I stand, stretching muscles tight with tension. “We’ll need to stay vigilant. Cartels don’t stay gone forever.”
“But for now?”
“For now, it’s over.” I pull out my phone, text Josie
Stone
Coming home. It’s done.
Her response comes immediately.
Josie
Good. Hurry, I miss you.
Smiling, I tuck my cell in my pocket, climb on my bike and ride home to her.
25
JOSIE
The nightmares come in fragments.
Headlights. The smell of chemicals. Ivan’s soft voice asking questions while his fists delivered consequences. The cold press of metal against my temple and Caruso’s reptilian eyes watching me like I was already dead.
I jerk awake with a gasp, heart slamming against my ribs. For one terrifying moment I don’t know where I am.
“Hey. Hey, I’ve got you.”
Stone’s voice cuts through the panic. His arms are already around me, pulling me against his chest, one hand stroking my hair while the other presses flat against my back like he’s trying to hold me together.
