None of us look at him—not with the beady-eyed VERO assassin sitting across the table.
“I’ve got lasagna in the oven,” Lo says, trying to defuse the stifling atmosphere, “but you’re early, so it’s not ready yet.”
Diesel smiles at her in a way I’m familiar with. Dude definitely has a hard-on for our girl, but I don’t think he’s stupid enough to try anything.
Not because of us.
Because of Lo.
She’s made her feelings pretty clear, and if he overstepped, he’d risk losing her forever.
“That was thoughtful, and you know how much I love your lasagna,” Diesel says, his lips twitching as Saint stiffens. I kick Lennox under the table. He’s so fucking obvious when it comes to Lo. It’s hysterical because any other time Saint is an unreadable wall. But come after his girl, and it all rushes to the surface. “But something has come up, and I can’t stay long.”
“Get to the point then,” Saint says in a clipped tone.
“I gather Lo has told you she’s wearing a tracker and audio recording device around her neck,” he says, shooting her a look of displeasure. “I listened to the initiation meeting, and it’s obvious Lo is in a precarious situation. She can’t take out Commissioner Leydon, and if your psycho father lays a finger on her again, I will slaughter him and the entire board in cold blood.”
“We’d be right by your side,” I admit, because that’s exactly how we feel too.
“Then, you agree that disappearing for a few months makes the most sense.”
I snort out a laugh. “Fuck, no. We’re The Sainthood.”
“We don’t hide from our problems,” Saint adds. “We run straight at them.”
Diesel exhales heavily. “This is a fucking waste of my time. It’s like negotiating with a bunch of kindergarteners.”
“Diesel, I know you’re scared for me, and I’m appreciative of your concern, but running away is not an option. We already discussed this, and there’s no point going over old ground,” Lo says. “Please drop it so we can discuss more pressing problems.”
“There is so much you don’t know, Lo.” Diesel reaches for her hand, but she whips it off the table before he can touch her, shooting him an apologetic look.
“Then tell us,” Theo says.
“I wish I could, but I can’t.”
Silence engulfs us, and tension slithers into the air like thick, black smoke.
“Whatcanyou tell us?” Lo asks. “Did you find out how Ruben got his hands on the video of me killing Luke McKenzie?”
“I’m narrowing it down,” he cryptically says, looking cagey.
“I’m calling bullshit.” Saint drums his fingers on the table.
Diesel ignores him, concentrating on Lo. “I’m sorry to hit and run, but I’ve somewhere to be. Just hold tight for another couple days. I’ll have intel then and a way for you to end The Bulls.”
“How?” Theo sits up straighter.
Diesel stands. “All in good time, Theo.”
“You expect us to trust you when you’re obviously hiding stuff? Intel that could keep Lo safe?” Saint says.
“Listen, punk.” Diesel lunges across the table at Saint, but Lo pulls him back.
“Quit that shit, Diesel. Why can’t you tell us now?”
He rubs his temples. “I know a lot of this doesn’t make sense, but I’m keeping stuff back for a reason. Please trust me. I have your best interests at heart, and I’m putting myself on the line to do that. I’m working on an angle, and I promise I’ll tell you everything when it’s fully lined up.” His gaze bounces around the room. “Until then, lay low. Keep Harlow away from your father and those perverted bastards.” His teeth grind as he eyeballs Saint.
We all look to our leader. Even Lo. And I silently beseech Saint to do the right thing because she’s looking to him to do that. Not that she can’t or won’t make that call. She needs to see him do it.
