Xavier laughs. “Why do we call her Crash?”
A mischievous grin plays across my face, and I see her cringe as he waits for an answer.
“Well, that is a funny story, actually.” I chuckle, thinking over the story of how we met. I turn my attention toward Xavier. “Do you remember how I just recently got into an accident with a car that came out of nowhere?”
He nods and takes a swig of his beer.
I point toward Blake. “She was the driver of said vehicle. And the worst part is, that wasn’t even the only time she almost crashed into me. She did it again the day after too. It’s like she has it out for me or something.”
Xavier gasps and turns his attention toward Blake, who is beet red. She starts to shake her head violently. “You hitme.” She stomps her foot like a child, and Sam swoops in to save her.
She grabs her by the arm. “Come. Let’s get to know one another and get away from these gross men.” Sam pulls her away from me toward the fire.
Once she is out of earshot, Xavier leans in closer to me and says, “So why did you bring her here if she is the reason you wrecked your bike?”
I shrug, running a hand down my face.Like I fucking know.
I shrug. “Honestly, man, I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with me." I exhale sharply, shaking my head. "But something about her keeps pulling me in, and I can't figure out why I don't want to walk away.” I let out a breath. “Not to mention, she just left her abusive husband and had nowhere else to go.”
He raises his brow. “You didn’t bring trouble to our doorstep, did you?”
I shake my head. “No, and even if I did, I’m capable of handling it.”
He claps my back. “That's good because you know we have a run coming up, and I can’t have anything jeopardizing that.”
I take another swig of my beer. “I’m aware. I will be joining you.”
“Since when? You were taking this week off due to… well you know, your daughter's anniversary.”
“Yeah, I know. But this year is different. Something is off with the upcoming ride-I can feel it in my bones, and I have a bad feeling. I can’t explain it. Something just doesn’t feel right.”
He shakes his head. “We do this ride every year. What is so different about this one?”
I set my bottle down with a little more force than necessary. “This year, we’ve been at war with the other clubs around the area. Who’s to say they won’t attack us while we’re in transit?”
His face turns serious. “I would love to see them try.”
I let out a dry chuckle. “You mean like theytriedlast month when they slashed our tires before the coke run? Or when they torched our shipment two weeks ago?”
His jaw tightens. He knows I’m right.
“Not to mention the last deal came up short. Ten grand missing, and no one can figure out where the hell it went.” I lean forward, lowering my voice. “I don’t believe in coincidences, X. The Blue Devils have been fucking with us for months, and now we’re about to ride right into the open? You really think they won’t take their shot?”
Xavier exhales through his nose, his expression darkening. “We’ll be ready.”
Chapter 28
Blake
“My name is Sam.” The woman who pulled me from the men says.
“It’s nice to meet you.” I hold out my hand to shake hers, but she embraces me instead.
She leans back and glances at the children who run past us. She points to Charlie. “Is that your daughter?”
I smile and nod proudly. “She sure is.”
“What’s her name?”
