Keola
I’msorrydidIfucking hear that right?
She wants to trade herself for the kids?
She’s playing with the wrong type of fire.
“I don’t fucking think so. You’re not putting yourself as bait.” I slam my hands on the table.
“She’s crazier than Tessa.”
“Brother’s about to pop a gasket.”
“I got $20 on Lottie,” That last comment is from Tessa.
There’s no way we’re going to plan this. There’s a simpler plan. Strike the business in a weaker spot. Stop their chain, take over their businesses, shit we’ll even take out their dealers if we have to, but using her as bait won’t be an option.
She grips my chin and shakes my jaw and mockingly gives a pout, “It’s cute you think you have a say in this.”
Fire burns in my chest. I won’t lose her to this, I will chain her ass to my bed here if that means she’s safe and forgets this idiotic plan. She might be willing to place her life on the line for kids that she thinks she’s protecting.
“Push me further, Charlotte and you won’t like what I do,” I growl, meaning it as a threat and a promise.
She starts to stand, pushing away from the table. “And you all have a quick, simple plan?”
She waits for an answer, either they’re too afraid of shit or we actually don’t have a plan. She shakes her head, “I’m sorry, for weeks while we were looking for Cedric, y’all weren’t thinking ahead to the next part?” She scoffs. She chuckles, sort of like a mental breakdown.
“And here I thought you all were a bunch of ruthless bikers that may do some shady shit. But really, it seems like I’m the one ready to move in and take some heads with me.” She raises her voice. The brothers look around waiting for someone to speak up. But it’s Rawlings that breaks it first before me, which is a blessing.
“Little one, I’ll remind you this one time because you’re fairly new to this lifestyle.” He leans back in the chair, not taking his eyes off of her. “That symbol on your collarbone, that means you think of the club first. The club is a family. While we told you that we’d treat this kid as family, your plan will get you killed and start another war. So when Keola tells us we're not using you as bait, then you are not bait.” He leans forward now, “Do I make myself clear?” he hisses.
She places her hands on the table, matching Rawlings’ energy and stance, “I’m grateful for what has helped my family and Cedric, but I will not sit back and hide in a mountain top compound where those kids are still in fucking danger. I haven’t heard any other smart plans. Prove to me that you have a smarter, faster plan and then I will respect everything.”
I yank her ass back down into the chair, leaning towards her ear, “I will handcuff you to my bed and redden that ass if you don’t open your mind and fucking listen. Your temper is going to be the death of you in more ways than one.” I placed a chastised kiss on her cheek, and was rewarded with her stare of death, like her green eyes became darker.
It was like my partner all over again. Impulsive acts leading to an early death. But if anything else happened to her during this stupid act, it would be more than her physical body gone from this earth, but half of my soul ripped out of me.
I love her.
I love her too fiercely to see her walk into a battle she’s not suited for.
“You don’t bark out orders, little girl. I’ve allowed you to mouth off too much. You’ll remember that at the end of the day, you’re his ‘ol lady. We’re honoring your request, what are you honoring?” Now Rawlings stands up.
She goes to speak, but I clamp my hand over her mouth, she’s not going to cause anymore trouble.
Memphis is first to speak, “What about a compromise, Pres?”
What compromise, does he really think I would let her go if we didn’t have an alternative. I feel something wet on my hand, I look to the side, the damn vixen is trying to lick my hand breaking free. I just clamp harder, she’ll have an impression of my hand, but it will serve as a reminder.
“Compromise on what?” Jackson asks.
“Can we blame her for wanting action?” Memphis gestures towards Charlotte. “We’ve been sitting here, just going about our business. She may have a point.”
Charlotte goes still.
“The fuck you mean?” Rawlings growls out.
“All I’m saying is we didn’t have a plan after we got the kid, maybe we should have had some ideas or something.” Memphis raises his hands in defense. Always trying to think of the greater good.
