“That’s by design.” Dawson killed the engine. “Cade pretends it’s his only source of income, but it’s actually used to launder funds gained from illegal sources. The only people who visitSidewinders are members of the Iron Serpents, their families, and a few old, loyal friends of Larry’s.”
“Larry?”
“He ran the biker gang until his death a year and a half ago. That’s when Cade took over. He was Larry’s top lieutenant. Learned everything the old man knew and proved he had the brains and the ruthlessness to keep the operation running.”
Peyton hummed, flipping down the visor to apply a fresh coat of gloss to her lips. “Surprising. The Cade I knew was headed nowhere fast. Not that being in charge of a criminal enterprise is a step in the right direction, but you get my drift.”
“These guys believe they have a brotherhood, and will do whatever is necessary to protect their leader. Cade is careful to promote the most loyal members among his crew, and so far, it’s paid off. We’ve tried over and over again to get someone to turn on him. Last year, one of his top guys was charged with murder. A robbery that went wrong. We offered manslaughter if he’d inform on Cade. He flat-out refused. Was convicted of first-degree murder and went away for life without parole.” Dawson turned to face Peyton. “Don’t underestimate the snake pit you’re about to enter. These guys could shoot us, and all of them would lie about what happened. They’ll say whatever they’re told.”
She fluffed her hair before offering him a hard smile and flipping closed the visor mirror. “I’ll do my best not to irritate them then.”
Before he could say anything else, she exited the SUV, her long legs eating up the distance to the bar. Dawson scrambled after her. She’d forgone her thick winter coat for a pair of hip-hugging jeans and a maroon sweater. Boots kept her feet warm and hid her ankle holster. With her hair long and loose down her back, she cut quite an image. If Dawson’s adrenaline hadn’t already started pumping, Peyton would’ve sent his heart intohigh gear. As it was, he wanted to toss her over his shoulder and haul her out of here.
Especially when the biker guarding the front door gave her an appreciative once-over.
“Looks like you’re lost, sweetheart.”
“Nope.” Peyton drew to a stop in front of him. “I’m here to see Cade Maddox.”
He crossed his arms over a meaty chest. “Then you wasted your time because he’s not here.”
The hair on Dawson’s arms rose as he clocked movement along the side of the building. They’d attracted attention from the group smoking outside. Some of them stamped out their cigarettes and moved closer, as if anticipating a fight. Several were visibly armed.
“Tell him Peyton Hughes is here to see him.” Her tone was full of confidence, and her smile bordered on smug. “Trust me, he’s gonna want to speak to me.” Peyton tossed a lazy wave toward the group closing in. “Hey, boys. No need to get your boxer shorts in a knot. We’re not here to cause trouble.”
The guard at the door jerked his thumb toward one of the guys. “Ricky, get in there and tell Cade this woman is here to see him.”
Ricky broke away from the crowd. He was bald with a tattoo snaking up the right side of his neck, and the confident swagger of a man in his element. Nothing about him stood out, and yet he pinged Dawson’s internal warning system. Before he could place why, Ricky disappeared inside the bar. He emerged a moment later to give Peyton an assessing look. “Boss says she can come in.”
“Told ya.” Peyton lifted her chin as Ricky let her pass.
When Dawson attempted to follow, he was met with two walls of flesh as the guard at the door and Ricky blocked his entrance. Momentary panic hit him. He couldn’t let Peyton goin there alone, but fighting would likely get him killed. He started running through possible strategies when static erupted from the guard’s walkie-talkie, and a voice filtered out. “Let the husband in too.”
The guard and Ricky stepped aside without a word.
Dawson followed Peyton inside.
The bar stank of cigarette smoke, beer, and body odor. A long bar took up most of one wall. Mismatched tables and chairs were scattered across a scratched plank floor covered in peanut shells. Country music spilled from a dented jukebox. The crowd was mostly bikers playing pool and darts. An assortment of women draped over bar stools or the man of their choice.
And along the back wall, just past the dance floor, sitting on an elevated stage with a full view of the room was Cade.
His dark eyes locked onto her. Like a predator that had just found its prey. Peyton swallowed the urge to run and let her hips sway a little as she crossed to him. Dawson followed close behind. His steady presence gave her the confidence to keep her attention on Cade.
Dawson had her back. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt her.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Princess Peyton.” Cade’s gaze swept over her body from the top of her head down to her feet and then back up, lingering a bit on her chest before drifting back to her face. “I never thought you looked much like Lilia, but after all this time, I can see the family resemblance.”
The nickname gave her a jolt. It was the same one Sandra always used. A coincidence? Could be. Cade had dated Lilia years ago, and her aunt had called Peyton that for as long as she could remember.
Surrounding Cade like a group of courtiers were bikers sporting enough ink and piercings to keep the only tattoo parlor in Knoxville busy for years. Peyton reached for a chair one of the men was leaning on and flipped it around before straddling it. She’d interrupted their poker game. Picking up the cards on the table, she frowned. “Ouch. Pair of twos. Someone should thank me for distracting you, Cade.”
A low laugh escaped him, and his expression softened, even if his gaze didn’t lose that predatory look. Peyton understood it. What her cousin had seen in him. Chiseled features, jet-black hair, and muscles for days. Unlike his comrades, he only had a few visible tats. Coupled with his arrogance and a charm he could turn on and off at will, he had bad-boy written all over him. For a woman desperate for male attention, Lilia wouldn’t have stood a chance.
Peyton dropped the cards. Time to get to the point. “I suppose you’ve heard. Lilia’s missing.”
“I did.” Cade's attention flickered toward Dawson before focusing back on Peyton. It was the first time, other than allowing him into the bar, that Cade had paid her ex-husband any mind. “I figured you’re here cuz you think I had something to do with it. For efficiency’s sake, it’s better to clear the air. I haven’t seen Lilia in over a year.”
“But you were dating her?”
