“But he is. He won’t let this go. The Ghost doesn’t forgive and forget.”
The Ghost. “I thought he didn’t have a name.” Did I really expect her not to lie?
“That isn’t his name. No one knows his real name. It’s what the dealers and muscle who work for him call him. No one ever sees his face. And if you do, you’re as good as dead. Just give me some money so I can get out of here and leave him alone before he hurts Creed. If you don’t care about me or about your own life, do it for Creed. Do it for our child.”
“We don’t have a child. I do. You gave me your warning. Now go.”
“At least give me some money so that I have a chance.”
“A chance to buy more drugs. No. Get out and be glad I’m not dropping you where you stand.”
Her head drops, and all the fight goes out of her. “Just keep Creed safe, okay? I know I let all this make me into a horrible person, and I don’t have the right to call him my son, but I’m serious about this guy. He’s bad news.”
“I’ll protect him.” With my life. But I can’t allow drug dealers to kill any more kids in my town either.
She nods and leaves.
“What are you going to do about Greer?” Rogue watches with me as the car drives away.
“Other than getting her on the back of my bike as soon as possible? Maybe take her out on a date before I tell her I love her.”
“Good plan. But I’d lock that woman down before the other brothers meet her.”
No joke. “Thanks for the backup.”
“Always.” Rogue nods and walks off.
I’m going to have to get my ride from the clubhouse later. Now I need to go make sure Creed is all right and reassure Greer.
Instead of finding a crying woman, I find the two of them playing a video game and laughing.
Neither of them looks up as I take a seat next to Greer. They’re driving carts, throwing things at each other. This definitely isn’t Creed’s normal choice of a game.
But my son is laughing instead of stressing like I expected him to be. I have Greer to thank for that.
“You beat me?” Creed sets down his controller. “How did you beat me? You’re old.”
Greer laughs. “Experience. I’ve been playing games like this since you were born.”
“No way. But not many old women—”
“Creed.” That boy is going to get himself into trouble one of these days.
“She just hustled me.”
“Hustled you…you didn’t gamble away your allowance money. Which I’ve done. Never play against my friend Ottilie.”
“When is she coming to visit you?”
“Who knows. My friends seem to turn up when I need them.”
“Kind of the way Dad did today?”
“Exactly.” She smiles at Creed.
“Are we going to go get that ice cream you promised me?” he asks Greer, but looks at me.
“I think I have some sugar-free sorbet in the freezer.”
