Chapter 18
Baddy rode flankedbetween Hunter and Duke.The three of them cut through traffic with the efficiency of riding together for years.Going to the meeting spot to see if Sonny would show up had been a damn waste of time.Sonny hadn't shown.No message.No threat.No confrontation.
And that silence was worse than any ambush.
He wanted to know where the fuck the other Cusclan members were and what they planned.It was the only way he could guarantee Lydia's safety.
He rolled through the gate, engine rumbling to a stop.Baddy swung his leg off the Harley and pulled his helmet off, shaking out his hair.
Duke got off his bike and stretched his back."So, what now?"
Baddy turned so Hunter could see his face clearly.Hunter watched his lips.
"We wait."Baddy shrugged."Sonny's planning something.He wouldn't skip unless he had a reason.Cusclan isn't known to threaten and then back off."
Hunter nodded once."Agreed."
Duke blew out a breath."Hate waiting, considering we have a shipment going out next Friday and don't need the distraction."
"Yeah, I hear you, brother," Baddy muttered.
Inside the clubhouse, the clatter of dishes broke through the hum of conversations.The smell of Baker's cooking drifted from the kitchen, and the guys naturally gravitated that way.
Baker spotted them immediately."You three want plates?Got roast, potatoes, cornbread—"
"Later."Baddy lifted a hand, cutting him off."I need a shower.Then I gotta run an errand."
Baker frowned."You skipping dinner?"
"Just hold me a plate, brother."Baddy turned away."I'll eat later."
He didn't want dinner.
He wanted Lydia.
After Kodiak dropped the bomb on him yesterday, he'd barely had time to breathe, let alone stop by the diner before her shift started today.
He needed to see her.Needed to make sure she was okay.Needed to reassure her that everything would be fine.
He grabbed the first vacant room and dropped his duffel before stripping off his clothes.Using the attached bath, he knocked the road dust off.The hot water barely eased the tension.
Sonny not showing meant trouble.He couldn't let himself relax.
The road trip gave him time to think.Before he could do anything, he needed to know why Sonny brought Lydia with him to the meeting between the two clubs.Cusclan had to have a reason to compromise themselves by having a woman, an unpatched member, witness their illegal business.
He finished his shower, patted his hair dry with a towel, and changed into clean clothes from his bag.Once done, he stepped out, returned to the main room, and paused on his way to the door because Hannah strode inside, followed by Madison.Between the two girls was Lydia.
Her eyes found him instantly, wide and worried and relieved all at once.
