They noticed.They just didn’t move.The brothers with me had their backs to the situation, but as soon as I moved, they paid attention.It was the others that kill me.The ones closer to her didn’t step in.I hate this shit.Hate the bystander silence.Hate the way fear turns a room useless.The whole damn world is every man for himself these days.I’ve seen it in too many places, in too many languages, in too many ugly corners of the world.
Travel teaches you a lot.Mostly that men like that piece of shit are the same everywhere when they think nobody stronger is watching.
“You riding back to the clubhouse?”Grit asks knowing that I’m definitely done for the night.
“In a minute.”
Looney glances at me sideways.“You want me to find and tail that little sedan of hers a mile or two?Make sure she’s good?”
The offer is casual.Real.Brotherhood wrapped up in a smart-ass tone.
I consider it for half a second.Then shake my head.“No.”
Because if anyone is making sure Lucy gets home, it ought to be me.And because that thought alone is enough reason not to do it.I don’t do entanglements.Finding her would mean connection.That doesn’t work in my world.For some, they can have the old lady and family.I’m not them.That shit is reserved for men like Chux and Riot.Not me.Had a woman once, my lifestyle drove her crazy, literally.I won’t put another person through that.
Looney studies me, but he lets it drop.“Suit yourself.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket.I pull it out and glance at the screen.Prez.
Of course.I answer.“Yeah.”
“You break Crystal’s table?”Straight to it.
I lean back on the stool and stare at the stained ceiling.“News travels fast.”
“You in a small town too close to home and wearin’ a patch.News travels before the dust settles.”
That earns another grin from Looney, who can somehow know both sides of a conversation without actually hearing a damn thing.
“There was a problem,” I state.
“There usually is when you’re involved.”
“A man got handsy.”
A beat of silence.Chux’s tone changes.Hardens.“Woman okay?”
“Yeah.”
“You?”
I huff a laugh.“I’m not the one that went through furniture.”
“Pity.”Another beat from Chux.“You coming back tonight?”
“Soon.”
“Try not to wreck any more property on the way.”He hangs up.I slide the phone back into my pocket.
Looney raises his brows.“Chux mad?”
“No.”
He studies me, “disappointed?”
“No.”
“Proud?”
