That gave Baddy pause.Six times.That wasn't only profit—that was a gold rush.
Kodiak watched him, waiting for the numbers to settle in."So, the question is...does Royalla accept the deal?"
Baddy paced once.His bootsthunkedagainst the concrete floor."I don't like fucking dealing with Cusclan.Nothing good ever comes from them.They're sloppy.Greedy.And it looks like they've started to drag kids around like accessories."His jaw tightened at the memory of the girl's helmet snapping sideways under that man's ring."But money like that?Hard to walk away from."
Kodiak nodded slowly."The last thing I want is another club making that much off one of our deals.But I can't turn it away.Not with the kind of cash this could bring in.Our club is getting bigger.Only so many of the members can work in the garage.Only those with seniority and trust can work on the shipments.But men are standing behind each one of us, putting their lives on the line to make Royalla succeed.Their protection comes with a cost, and we could pay every one of them more money than they've seen in years if we take the deal."
Baddy stopped pacing."What's the catch?"
Kodiak leaned back in his chair."We put a cap on the agreement.One year.That's it.Next June, Cusclan is done.They don't get another damn dollar from us."
Baddy considered it.A year was long enough to make a fortune and short enough to keep Cusclan from getting too comfortable."You think they'll go for it?"
"They already did."Kodiak's mouth twisted."They're desperate.And desperate men agree to anything."
Baddy grunted."Then what do you need from me?"
Kodiak stood, grabbing his vest from the back of the chair."I want you riding with me.Cruz, Hunter, Duke.We're heading out to finalize things."
"When?"
"An hour."
Baddy blinked."An hour?You planning on giving me time to breathe, or is that optional now?"
Kodiak's eyes narrowed with amusement."You'll live."
Baddy didn't argue.He turned toward the door, but Kodiak's voice stopped him.
"And Baddy?"
He looked back.
"Keep your head straight.Cusclan's unpredictable.Expect them to try to pull something over on us.I don't want any surprises."
Baddy nodded once."I'll be ready."
He stepped out of the office and let the door click shut behind him.This wasn't a new direction for Royalla.They'd been stealing car parts for years while holding down the legal custom detailing business in the garage on the compound.But involving others rubbed him wrong.He wasn't one to trust anyone who didn't wear a Royalla patch.
The higher the risk, the more likely he'd end up in prison, again.
Twenty percent.Fucking hell.
He headed to the bar inside the clubhouse, needing some caffeine before they rode out.The clubhouse was buzzing.Those staying behind had no idea the rules had changed.
Once a month from here on out, he'd be riding out with the others to meet the Cusclan members.
He couldn't shake the image of that girl shrinking under the blow.
Royalla had a reputation, too, but none of the men were allowed to hit a woman.Years back, they had one member, a young kid, really.He got rough with his girlfriend and bragged about it.They ripped off his patch and shot the fucker in the forehead.
Kodiak, and before him, Kodiak's dad, didn't tolerate women beaters or men who hurt children.
Cusclan was trouble.Everyone knew it.But now Royalla was tied to them for a year.
A year was a long damn time for trouble to grow.
Baddy picked up the coffee pot.Shit.It was empty.He grabbed a can of Coke from the fridge and opened it, taking a long drink.The cold hit his chest.
