“Alone?” he asks.
“Club business?”
Again, his gaze darts to my girl. No, this ain’t about club business, that’s clear. He’s gonna try stickin’ his nose inmybusiness, again.
This shit is gonna end now.
He meets my eyes with a challenging stare. “No.”
“Then you can say it in front ofmy girl.”
To the best of my knowledge, the kid ain’t dumb. He knows damn well what that means.
He straightens up and looks at me. “Why is she here again?”
Behind the bar, Luck whistles low. Karina twitches against me and I hug her tighter.
Luck snaps his fingers in front of Hemi’s face. “You might want to rethink this, brother.”
Hemi acts like he didn’t hear or see a thing. Karina’s arm snakes around my waist, holding on to me tight. As if I’d kick her out on Hemi’s say-so.
“I already know about your past relationship. That’s it—past. You don’t want to start this war with me.”
Hemi’s eyes widen in shock. “Since when are you with a bitch for more than a fuckin’ day?”
Karina flinches. Now, maybe inmyhead I think of her affectionately as my little bitch. But Hemi callin’ her that?
No. Hell fucking no.
Nudging Karina upright, I lift my chin at Luck. “Will you watch her?”
He glances at Hemi and shakes his head. “Yeah, no problem.”
“Let’s step outside, brother.” I say to Hemi.
Motherfuckerstilldoesn’t have the sense to back the fuck down. It makes me wonder if I’m losing my edge or if the kid has lost his fuckin’ mind.
Clamping my hand down on the back of his neck, I lead him out the door.
It’s almost dark, but there’s still enough daylight for what I need to do. Two prospects milling around outside glance over and I jerk my head toward the clubhouse. “Go inside.”
I’ll give Hemi credit he stands and faces me like a man. No begging or pleading.
“You know I’m within my rights to beat the shit out of you, right?”
He doesn’t give an inch. “She shouldn’t be here, man.”
My fist flies, hitting him square in the jaw. I don’t put my full force behind the blow, but he still rocks back on his feet. “She’s with me,” I growl.
He staggers back, rubbing his hand over his jaw. “Her dad know she’s hanging with you?”
“Ain’t none of your fuckin’ business, you little shit, but she’s all moved in with me. Don’t give a fuck what herfather thinks. She’s eight-fucking-teen and can make up her own damn mind.”
Hemi sucks in a breath, his nostrils flare, and his fists flex at his sides. “That why you sent me on the Mexi-run?”
“No. It’s about fuckin’ time you start pullin’ your weight ’round here.”
He grinds his teeth. “I almost didn’t make it back over the border.”
