"Hell, at least you didn't bust a nut the way Mav would have," Burger said as he joined them, with Nine in tow. Both men settled down on the sofa next to Dragon.
"Mav?" Enzo asked, one eyebrow arched.
"Maverick. The other enforcer," Nine said. "My cousin. He's a real freak and one of the reasons your people were able to handle business faster in New York."
"Ahh, I see," Enzo said. "I've got to say, your biker club has impressed me. I thought you were all just some—"
"Thugs," Burger supplied.
Enzo's smile was slow but accurate. "I was wrong."
"I just want all of this to be over so my baby can come back home to me," Burger said.
"That's right. You and Akari. How in the hell did that happen?" Enzo asked with genuine curiosity.
Burger laughed. "It was just meant to be. The moment I saw his fine ass, I wanted him, but he didn't make it easy. Kept pushing me away and shit. But a Lord never backs down. I was determined to get him, and I've got him, and he'll never get away."
Enzo snorted. "Sounds like a threat."
"A threat of my love," Burger said.
Dragon laughed and punched Burger in the arm. "Idiot."
"Man, I'm just happy to have you back with us, brother. Missed you so much when you were in the fucking hellhole," Burger said.
"Me too," Nine added.
Dragon nodded. "Five years, shit—almost six. I missed you too, but at least it wasn't all bad. That's where I met Richie."
Enzo nodded. "Speaking of Richie, you do know that his best friend is the husband of Da Han's youngest son, Ren. Doesn't that put those two at odds?"
Dragon shrugged. "I don't know if anything will put those two at odds. I've never met the man myself. Shit, he wasn't going to waste his visit to see me. I've only heard about their relationship through Richie. Those two have been like brothers from another mother since they were kids."
"What if Richie betrays the club for him?" Enzo asked.
"He wouldn't do that," Dragon said, and his tone let Enzo know he found the question insulting.
"Can you say that with certainty?" Enzo asked, not backing down.
"Are you asking me if my man can be trusted?"
All eyes were on Enzo now. "I'd be remiss if I didn't. In my business, anyone can betray you. Your club wants to work with us... we're the big fish in this ocean, and if there is a chance that things can go wrong because of misguided loyalties, I want to know."
"Go fuck yourself," Dragon snapped.
"Let's cool our heads," Cenzo interjected.
"No, he can go fuck himself," Dragon reiterated.
"We'll leave it at that. Just something to think about, and even if you think your man is above reproach, I'm sure your father has had the thought," Enzo said. "If he asked, are you going to tell him to go 'fuck himself' too?"
"He's my father and president. He can ask me that question. You can't," Dragon said.
"I'm your business partner," Enzo said.
"And if you want a part of Richie's drug business, I suggest you find your fucking manners," Dragon said as his muscles tensed.
"Do you think you can keep us out of it?" Enzo asked as he leaned forward, his eyes boring into Dragon's as a challenge.
