"The fuck’er they doing here?"one man called out, drawing his gun.
Marcus got out of the Bronco, leaving the door open, his movements fluid and menacing.Even in the dim light, his presence commanded attention.The man stood tall, muscles rippling beneath his crisp dress shirt, his face a mask of calm authority.Ghost and Jack flanked him, three predators ready to strike.
"We have business with Rocky," Marcus announced, his voice carrying across the lot without shouting.
Ghost pulled off his helmet, revealing silver-streaked hair and eyes that burned with barely contained fury.Those eyes found me, then moved to Wren standing behind me.His jaw clenched so tight I thought his teeth might shatter.
The Copperhead guard stepped forward, emboldened by the two others moving to flank him.I should have known Vex would leave men on me."This ain’t a social call kinda place.Turn around and fuck off."
"Look again," Marcus said calmly, rolling up his shirt sleeve to reveal what I knew to be a Luca family insignia tattooed on his forearm."Rocky’s coming with me.Don’t like it?Take it up with the Luca family."
The guard hesitated, eyes darting between Marcus and me."Bullshit," he spat, but I heard the uncertainty creeping into his voice.
"Call Acid," I suggested, keeping my tone casual despite my pounding heart."Ask him if he wants to start a war with the Luca family tonight."
Marcus took another step forward."Rocky infiltrated your club on our orders.He reports directly to Vittorio Luca."He turned to Ghost, giving him a small nod."The Bound in Blood Prez and VP can vouch for our connection to the Luca family."
Ghost looked like he wanted to rip my throat out, but he gave a curt nod."The Luca family and Bound in Blood have an understanding," he confirmed, voice cold enough to freeze fire."And if Vittorio says this man belongs to him, then that truth stands."
The Pole — fuckin’ stupid ass name — pulled out his phone, stepping back to make a call.The man was a suck ass.No wonder Vex had left him watching me.I could hear him hiss the words "Luca family" carrying to where we stood.I kept Wren behind me, wrapping my arm back around her to hold her against my body.
Jack remained silent, his massive presence saying more than words ever could.
The guard returned, face tight with frustration."Acid says to let them go."He pointed at me, finger stabbing the air."But this ain’t over, Rocky.Not by a long fucking shot."
Ghost moved then, striding purposefully toward us.I instinctively stepped more firmly in front of Wren, a move that didn't go unnoticed by her father.He stopped inches from me, close enough that I smelled coffee and cigarettes on his breath.
"Move," he growled.
I stepped aside, allowing him to reach Wren.I saw the relief in Ghost's face when Wren stepped into his arms.
"Time to go," Marcus announced, glancing at his watch."Acid's tolerance has a short expiration date."
Ghost turned to Wren."You ride with me."Not a request.
Wren opened her mouth as if to argue, then caught herself.But her gaze darted to me before she replied."Fine."
"My bike?"I asked, nodding toward where I'd parked.
"Jack’s got it," Marcus replied."You ride with me."
I didn't argue, tossing Jack my keys.Moving to the Bronco, I climbed in the front seat.It felt like I’d shed a skin, leaving behind the identity I'd worn for months.Ghost helped Wren onto his motorcycle, his movements gentle despite the fury etched into every line of his face.When he looked back at me, the message in his eyes came through loud and clear.We’d be having a come-to-Jesus meeting directly.
Jack climbed on my bike and started it with a roar that seemed to shake the very ground.As we prepared to move out, one of the Copperhead guards made a slicing motion across his throat, eyes locked on mine.
Jack caught the gesture and responded with a smirk."Try it, motherfucker," he called out, voice carrying easily over the engine noise."Please give me a reason."
We pulled away with Hotwire in the lead, me and Marcus, Ghost and Wren with Bloody Jack bringing up the rear.I glanced back looking for Wren.I didn’t like not having her with me.Not after this.We’d avoided a bad situation, but my protective instincts fired like mad.I knew with absolute certainty that if I ever returned to this place, I'd leave in a body bag.
As we accelerated into the night, one thought dominated my mind.Protecting Wren had blown my cover, but I couldn't give a good Goddamn.Not when the alternative meant losing her.
After we’d put several miles between us and the Copperheads, the convoy slowed somewhat.We still blew through red lights and stop signs, but it no longer felt like we were flying with our hair on fire.
When we finally stopped at a deserted intersection, Ghost pulled his bike to a stop.His boots scraped against asphalt as he balanced the machine with Wren still clinging to his back as he brought the bike next to the Bronco.
I turned my head, finding Wren's gaze just a few feet away from mine.Even in the harsh red glow of the traffic light, I saw the conflict and uncertainty swimming in those green depths.Anger, confusion, hurt, but also a longing so strong my heart pounded harder and I realized I might be able to salvage something with her.She didn't look away immediately, and in that moment of connection, I tried to pour every unspoken apology and promise into my gaze.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, lips pressing into a thin line before she finally broke the stare, turning her face against Ghost's shoulder.The rejection stung, but I deserved worse.
