Gunz is Deacon’s best friend and has been around my family for years, so he knows what he’s talking about. Deacon’s dad and mine are brothers who let it be known that they fell in love with their wives at first sight. That’s probably the only trait Deacon and I would willingly agree to. Gunz’s close proximity to my family is why we occasionally bump heads, but there’s no love lost on either side. Gunz is the cousin I didn’t ask for.
“That’s why both of y’all asses are single. You won’t expand your minds to?—”
My statement is cut off by a loud commotion toward the front of the clubhouse. When the first few guys push their way into the building, my feet instantly move toward the bar. The menacein Knight’s eyes as he scopes out everyone in the room lets me know this isn’t a friendly visit. If I had to guess, I imagine it’s a result of our retaliation against them a couple of days ago. I pull Jariyah to my side and grip her waist as the music is cut.
“I guess you have a death wish, huh?” Shadow says, void of humor as he leads the pack of Baxtown Iron members.
Knight and a few members of Midnight Eagles stop in the middle of the room where our logo covers the floor. The fact that Knight and his crew are able to gain entry is not only a violation for them but for whoever is at the door. Never should our enemies be able to infiltrate our territory.
“Feeling is mutual, sunshine.” Knight smirks before he gazes around the room and stops when he gets to Jariyah and me. “Well, ain’t this cozy. I spy with my little eye something that can make a grown man cry.”
The members of Midnight Eagles laugh along with their leader, and the action turns my blood to lava. I release Jariyah and step in front of her to block the keen stares of our adversaries.
“I suggest you tuck tail and run like you did the other night. It seems to me that more than your eyes are small,” I say.
“That’s cute. But I came here to let y’all know that me and my crew ain’t like them other niggas,” Knight states.
“You know, I always find it funny when a man has to verbally express his lack of bitch qualities. In this house, we’re more of the show me types.” Shadow interjects.
Someone whistles, and the guns of various Baxtown Iron members point toward Knight and the men with him. The subtle flinch from Knight pulls his card without anyone saying a word.
“It’s been our extreme displeasure to have this little interruption. Now I suggest you use the sense your mama gave you and bounce while you still have a chance to do so,” Gunz says in a tone sharp enough to cut steel.
Knight smirks toward me as he raises his hand and makes a motion for his guys to leave the room. But not without one last piece of information aimed at me.
“Payback is something that crosses the track when you least expect it. So be careful playing in traffic.” The nod and sinister smirk Knight directs as he looks slightly to my left let me know he just issued a threat about Jariyah.
Fuck! Shit just got real.
Twenty minutes later, I’m breathless, and my hands are bloody from the constant punches I have yet to stop giving the dude who was at the door of our clubhouse. I wish I had time to go home so Diva could get active, but there wasn’t time. This ass whupping would have to be given with my hands.
“Hold. You need to hydrate, bro,” Boston says before he pulls me off the same probie from earlier who thought to question me about my woman.
The probie falls to the ground with a thud as my chest falls heavily and my nostrils flare.
“I swear these niggas don’t understand the roulette they play with their lives by trying to join our brotherhood. I ain’t got a woman to massage my knuckles after this shit. Go get Wild Thang for me, Shadow,” Diesel grumbles.
I rub my hands together at the knowledge of what’s to come as I work to regulate my breathing. This is why I love being a member of this club. The savagery of my brothers fuels me.
“Damn. Why did your dumb ass have to petition hell tonight, nigga?” Shadow asks with his eyes on the probie before he walks off to do Diesel’s bidding.
“Go shut down the party, Smoke. Then gather everyone for church,” Gunz says when he steps outside with a travel carrier, already knowing what time it is.
“See, this is why you’re the vice president, my nigga.” Diesel claps.
“Hold up! Hold up! I need to see this shit.” Shadow runs outside with a cheesy grin like he’s about to miss a heavyweight boxing match.
“Damn. Y’all done corrupted this nigga. He went from protesting to dang near nutting on himself to watch.” Boston laughs from beside me as my adrenaline decreases.
“See, this is why we wanted you to be sure about your old lady before you took it there. It’s clear we’re now at war with the Midnight Eagles, which means Jariyah has a target on her back. Are you sure you want this shit? You really need to make a choice: the club or the woman.” Gunz rants as he paces back and forth.
“Man, this is some bullshit. None of you niggas gave a single pushback when Deacon was in a similar situation not long ago. As my mothafucking brothers, y’all asses are supposed to have my back regardless. Nigga, you have known me longer than anybody else here, so you of all people should stand with me,” I say with my heavy gaze on Gunz.
“Again, I want to ask, is she worth it?” Diesel asks.
“Without a doubt,” I say deadpan.
“Then fuck it. We’re going to war. Keep y’all heads on a swivel and be ready to cut the head off another punk ass president.” Shadow interjects.
