You motherfucker.
“But what happens if I lose?”
Was she seriously considering this?Over my fucking dead body. And Rogue’s.
“You lose his money, you owe him,” Ace said. “And Rogue loves when people owe him because that means heownsyou.” Ace spread his arms, seemingly calm. “But we got no say in whatyou do, Cleo. You want to work for him, take what he’s offering.”
Wraith would never allow it, but for outward appearances, he wouldn’t dispute his president in front of outsiders. She glanced around at the brothers with her gaze landing on Wraith. She forced a smile and turned to Rogue.
“Thanks for the offer. But I already have a job here.”
The tension in the room was so thick, anything could’ve set him or the brothers off. Trey, the more sensible of the two, seemed to gauge the temperature. He stepped closer, in line with Rogue.
“Then we’re done here,” Trey said and nodded at the brothers. Wraith had no doubt Trey hadn’t cosigned this plan. He was more about fair resolution than revenge when it came to the MC.
They started to walk out, and Rogue stopped directly in front of Cleo. “Offer’s on the table if you change your mind.” Rogue glanced over at Wraith, then Ace. “They know how to get in touch with me.”
I’m gonna fucking kill you.
When Rogue started to pass, she rushed toward him, and on instinct, Wraith moved in. He was a foot behind her when she flipped open the envelope, pulling out cash. “I need to give back your money.”
“Keep it,” Rogue said, glancing over at the brothers, mainly Ace. “Consider it a bonus if you change your mind.”
“Okay, thanks.” Cleo said. “Can you tell Quinn I said hi?”
Rogue stilled, seemingly caught off guard. He stared back at Cleo with suspicion. It was warranted. After all, Rogue’s woman had unknowingly played a part in Knox’s death. Considering the circumstances, mentioning Quinn could’ve been deemed as a threat. If Rogue was looking for one from Cleo, he wouldn’t find it. She was just being herself, genuinely sweet.
Trey tapped Rogue on the arm and nodded to Cleo. “We’ll pass along the message.”
They walked out the door, and the room was drowned in silence. Cleo stared down at the floor but slyly inched backtoward the stairs. If she thought this was over, she was wrong. For her? It was just beginning.
“Cleo.” Ace pointed to the chair directly across from him and Cross.
She slowly moved to the table, sliding into the chair.
“Have fun tonight?” Ace asked, showing no signs of anger. It was the best approach to take with her.
“I’m sorry, I…”
Ace held up his hand. “I asked if you had fun.”
“Yeah,” she mumbled.
“It never crossed your mind to tell one of us where you were going?”
“Well…” She sighed.
He could see the wheels churning in her mind, desperate to come up with any excuse.
“You guys weren’t here.”
“Valid point,” Ghost said, resting back in his chair with his hands clasped over his stomach.
She had one ally. Wraith was sure Ghost didn’t approve of her behavior, but he wouldn’t let her go down in flames. They had a relationship, and the closest thing Cleo would find to a friendship in the club. While they’d all rally to protect her, most didn’t interact with her often. Cleo was a symbol of something they’d lost. A daily reminder of Knox.
“Alright, I’ll give you that.” Ace paused. “But the prospects were here.”
Cleo shifted in her chair, peeking up at Wraith. “But I don’t answer to the prospects, just the members. Right?”
