“I know what being a judgmental cunt is about. I’ve seen enough of those in my lifetime.”
Pez studies me for a minute and then nods his head. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was agreeing with me. The look on his face, however, tells that is the furthest thing from the truth.
“Fine. Tell you what, C. I’m going to make a deal with you.”
“What kind of deal?” I ask, watching him closely. I can’t shake the feeling that I’m walking into a trap.
“I like Griff. All of us do. We also know he needs Beau’s help to turn your club around. So, I’m not going to report this shit. Besides, Izzy would hate it if I did that.”
“I bet she would. She probably doesn’t want Daddy and big brother to know how she really feels about the club.”
“Oh, they’re aware and agree with her, by the way,” Pez deadpans.
I roll my eyes. “Sure they do.”
“You’re starting to make me change my mind. Do you want to save these contracts with Beau, or not?”
I sigh, knowing he has me over a barrel. “I do.”
“Then, I’ll keep it a secret under one condition. You come back with Griff every fucking time?—”
“I’m not coming back. I don’t think?—”
“You have to come back, but you keep your distance from Izzy—even if you change your mind about her. If you break that vow, so help me God, I’ll make you regret it and that’s a promise you can bank on, asshole.”
“I’m not going to change my mind about her at all,” I sneer.
“Good,” he laughs. “See you next time, C.”
“I doubt it. I think I’ll avoid you as much as I will her. The temptation to slap that look off your face is too strong.”
The bastard throws his head back in laughter, barely getting it under control before he looks at me, dead in the eye, and delivers a message that just might haunt me.
“Oh, I’ll be here every fucking time you step foot on our property. I’ll definitely be here whenever Izzy is around. I want to see the exact moment you realize how fucking wrong you were. It helps to know that by the time that moment rolls around, you would have lost every chance you had at making Izzy claim you as hers.”
With that, he slaps me on the back and walks away. I watch him for a minute, not liking anything he just said. A sense of foreboding moves over me, but I shake it off. The bastard is just trying to get in my head. I start my bike and ride back to the hotel to meet up with Griff. We’re heading back after Griff speaks with King tonight. I was hoping to get more time with Izzy. That’s not happening now.
It's for the best. I mostly believe that, but for some fucking reason I just can’t shake the smug look on Pez’s face.
Did I make a mistake?
3
PIZZA, POOL, AND POOR LIFE CHOICES
IZZY
“You okay, Izzy?”
My head jerks up to see Pez come into Beau’s garage. Ty is already working on sanding down the fender. He’s doing a great job. Cal is watching him, and I can tell even he’s impressed.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Did the guy from the Kings leave?” I ask, not even wanting to say his name.
“He just left. I warned him to stay away from you. He shouldn’t be an issue from here out,” Pez replies, surprising me.
“I can take care of myself, Pez. You know that.”
“I do. Still, I don’t like seeing you upset. Are you still coming by the club tonight?”
