For the last three years, Rain’s drug had been in pre-clinical trials. Now he was waiting for the answer to move to clinical trials. If that happened, it was a massive step for Rain. Even as he monitored the data, Rain had also been working on a new idea.
Shotgun knew that Rain was smart, way smarter than him, and he was damn proud of him. If Rain got the next stage approved, it would take approximately seven years before moving to the FDA for final approval.
Last night, Shotgun had been forced to talk Rain down, who’d worked himself up. Shotgun understood why. This drug would save millions of lives; this step for Rain was so important.
On edge for him, Shotgun straddled his Hog before heading out to the clubhouse.
After the cult had bombed them, Chance had bought a huge plot of land and rebuilt there.
The old clubhouse was now a car wash and a parking lot. The garages and design shops had also moved there. Behind them was the new clubhouse, and beyond that were the member’s private homes. They were going up steadily, although his hadn’tbeen designed yet. Being a single brother meant Shotgun was not a concern, and he didn’t mind.
Plus, living on club property would make meeting Rain even more difficult. His sisters were nosy bitches.
As he rode, Shotgun tried to figure out their next step. Shotgun wasn’t ashamed of being bisexual; why the hell should he be? But he was wary. After learning what happened to the former prospect, he became incredibly cautious. In no way, shape, or form did Shotgun think his brothers would react like Zeus’s old lot, but there was still a sliver of uncertainty.
And to make matters worse? Rain was Chance and Bear’s brother-in-law. No doubt the club would be shocked if Rain admitted being bi alongside him. And they’d be on their backs to realise that he and Rain were in a relationship, but Shotgun had grown weary of the secrecy. He loved Rain; that wasn’t going to change. However, would they understand his and Rain’s need for a third—a woman to complete them?
Shotgun needed to be out in the open. He was tired. He’d speak to Rain and then make his move. The time for hiding was over.
Rain
I walked out of the lab with a huge grin on my face. We’d got approval for clinical trials, which was a massive step forward. The data had been perfect and bang on target, so that we could proceed to testing. Several colleagues hovered around as they all congratulated each other. Dr Mathews came and clapped me on the back.
“Well done! Well done! That was a great outcome. You must be feeling proud of yourself,” he beamed.
“It’s going to help a lot of people; this was a good result,” I replied.
“Indeed, it was. We’ve booked a restaurant to celebrate on Friday. We’ll be expecting you and a girlfriend, perhaps?” Dr Mathews suggested slyly.
“Ah, sorry, I’ve plans for Friday,” I said with a smile.
Dr Matthews’ joviality faded, and his eyes narrowed. “As a lead scientist on this, we expect you to attend. This is non-negotiable.”
“I was having a family—”
“We insist on rewarding you for your hard work.” Shit. Matthews wasn’t kidding.
He might give off the bumbling researcher appearance, but he was an asshole. While he typically avoided messing with me, Matthews was also misogynistic, homophobic, temperamental, and somewhat racist. It bewildered me that the man still worked for the institute, but his legendary genius couldn’t halt the bullshit he spewed. Matthews was a hateful little shit. Yet his breakthroughs in medicine protected him.
I hated that. How the hell could someone of Matthews’ type still be employed with that attitude? I didn’t know, but he was. Piggy eyes watched me, and I knew the asshole was trying to feel me out.
“Send me the time and address; I’ll attend, but can’t stay late,” I replied.
Mathews offered a half-smile. I’d pushed back, and he didn’t like that. “And you’re bringing a girlfriend?”
Yeah, this motherfucker was feeling me out.
“No. Rowena and I recently broke up. I’ll be attending alone.”
“Rain, I’m sure my wife can find you a date,” Matthews offered, and I shook my head.
“As I said, sir, no thank you. I’ll eat, but must leave at a decent hour. I’ve a family weekend planned.”
Matthews didn’t like the fact that I was refusing to bow. That became obvious in his next words. Fuckin’ asshole.
“Well, there’s always the satellite lab near Spearfish if you’re that eager to be there. A transfer could be arranged. At least you’ll be in close distance to those degenerates your sisters married.”
That was an out-and-out threat. The satellite lab was nowhere near the size of this one. Being sent there was basically being put out to pasture. The degenerates he spoke so unkindly of were Hellfire MC. But Matthews had picked the wrong victim. I wasn’t going to let Matthews threaten me; hell, I had no idea how it had come to this.
