“Can’t he just lay down the law?” Marcus asks. “He’s the President.”
“He could, but he risks losing the club if too many of the members don’t agree with him. We’re a democracy. Someone could challenge him for the role.”
Marcus nods. “Well, Dad is talking to Chrome tonight. We’ll keep our ears open in case these bastards start recruiting for their war.”
“Thanks, man,” I say, fist-bumping Marcus when he stands to leave.
I glance at Zara and see her lost in thought.
“What are you thinking?” I ask her.
She glances at me and gives me a soft smile. “Just thinking what a mess this is. If I hadn’t come running to you, none of this would be happening.”
I reach across the table and cup her chin. “Don’t. This isn’t your fault. None of it is. I’m glad you found me. I wouldn’t want you to face these guys alone. Besides, I’m pretty happy that you’re back in my life.”
She gives me a brilliant smile that stops my heart for a moment. “You want me in your life?”
“I do.”
We skip dessert and head back to the clubhouse. I’m not surprised to see the black limo parked out front. I should probably have been here to meet with Anthony Beraldi, but I wanted to spend time with Zara. Plus, I figured Chrome and Beraldi would prefer talking without me there, since I’m a big part of why the Bushrangers want a war.
I spot Tony sitting with Izzy, Viper, and Hunter. “Why don’t you go sit with them, and I’ll bring you over something to drink? What do you want?”
“A glass of white wine,” Zara says, shifting to her toes to plant a kiss on my cheek. “Thank you.”
I kiss her forehead and grin before watching her walk across the common room.
“You’re smitten,” says Sammy from behind the bar.
I turn and grin at him.
“I am. I’ll have a beer and a glass of white,” I tell him. Sammy has been a prospect with us ever since Chrome found him beaten and bleeding. The congregation of his church attacked him after he stopped a priest from assaulting his younger sister. Even though it turned out the man wasn’t a priest, the congregation, which includes his parents, hasn’t forgiven him. He’s staying with us until after the fake priest's trial, then he’s heading to the clubhouse in New Orleans. They need more people, and Billy wants to be closer to his sister, who is living with their aunt in Baton Rouge.
“Here you go,” Sammy says, sliding my order over the bar.
“We’re going to miss you when you leave,” I tell him.
“Yeah, I’ll miss being here, but I’m excited to be closer to Jessica. Plus, New Orleans sounds interesting.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, that city has a rep.”
I place the glass in front of Zara, but before I can take the seat next to hers, Piston catches my attention.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell her, kissing the top of her head.
“What’s up?” I ask Piston.
“When do you want to deal with Crystal?”
I groan. “I’d forgotten about her,” I admit.
“I can deal with her if you don’t want to do it,” he offers.
I shake my head. “No, she’s my problem. I’ll take care of her. You can come with if you want.”
After telling Zara that I need to take care of some club business, Piston and I exit through the back door and make our way to one of the few buildings still standing from when the furniture factory was in operation. It’s the former home of the on-site security guard. Now it serves as a front for where we hold prisoners and question them. We call it the Shed. Piston follows me through the junk we’ve piled up inside until we reach the far wall. Bookcases appear to line up against the wall, but that’s justfor show. In reality, they hide the door to the reason why we kept the building standing, the basement.
As soon as I open the door, I can hear Crystal crying and begging someone to let her out. I don’t bother to quiet my steps as I descend the concrete stairs. I’m not surprised to find Pipes sitting against the wall. He’s not alone. Chill sits next to him.
