He snorted. “Nope. I don’t waste my time on fools, and that’s what you are, E. You could have had everything. Instead, you chose some ragtag MC and a sassy woman who should learn to keep her mouth shut.”
Seth whistled. “That was a mistake,” he murmured, pity in his eyes.
Iona patted Elias’ back twice in a silent signal to stand down. After a moment, he moved to let her have a clear view of his jerk of a cousin. Happiness bloomed inside at Elias’ trust. He could have insisted on handling it himself. He wanted to. But he stepped aside to give her the chance to take his cousin down a notch or two.
She smiled and signaled her teammates to be ready. “So you think I should be taught a lesson, Dutch?”
“Oh, yeah.”
His men chuckled.
Echo unit did not. Each operative was teetering on the edge of losing control.
“Think you’re man enough to teach me what I need to know?”
A broad smile curved Dutch’s mouth. “You bet.”
“Good. Let’s find out.”
His mouth gaped. “Now?”
“Why not?”
“I don’t think Elias would appreciate watching what I have planned.”
No kidding. “Do you think he would interfere?”
“Do you know him at all? Of course he would. He has a hero streak a mile wide. My cousin wouldn’t be able to help himself.”
Without taking her gaze from Dutch, she said, “Elias, do you trust me?”
“Absolutely.”
“Enough to let me handle this?”
A slight pause, then, “Yes. If he hurts you, I will retaliate.”
“He won’t have the chance to lay a hand on me.”
“Better not. I am very fond of your face like it is.”
“Thank you.” She smiled at Elias’ cousin. “There you are, Dutch. A promise from Elias to let us settle this between ourselves. Are you game?”
He glanced uneasily at his men and the operatives. “Well, there’s not enough room in here.”
“Outside and spread out,” Seth ordered.
“Wait a minute,” Dutch protested, but no one paid attention to him. He was the last one to walk outside.
“Where do you want us?” Violet murmured.
“Points of a compass. Stay alert.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The rest of Artemis positioned themselves in the circle as Iona directed.
The men of Echo unit stationed themselves beside their wives. Elias stood to her left, just inside the circle of watchers. Although he’d given his word not to intervene, Iona knew him well enough to understand that promise only extended so far. If he believed Iona’s life was in jeopardy, he would step in. She smiled. He wouldn’t have to step in. As long as Dutch’s cronies didn’t interfere, she could handle the MC leader.
Dutch scowled. “What are you smiling at? You’re going to get the beating of your life, and then we’ll see if you find this situation so funny.”
