She shivers. “The big guy asked how much one night with me would be.”
I clench my teeth. “I’m so sorry. They weren’t supposed to be here.”
Her face twists. “He’s disgusting. Can we go now?”
“I’ll meet you inside the truck,” I say as softly as my voice will carry.
She looks over to the MC men before looking back at me. “Okay.”
I wait until I hear the truck door close so she can’t hear us. I turn to the men. “They’ve seen Rose’s face!” I yank at my hair. “They know she’s important to me.” I made it very obvious. I’m an idiot.
“We won’t let anything happen to her,” Reaper says reassuringly.
Bomber shakes his head. His face is red, like he’s barely restraining himself. “I want to bury those smug bastards for showing up where all our families are. What if the kids had been out front?”
“I’m down,” I reply. He sounds serious, and so am I.
“I’ll mention it tonight at the fights. Anyone coming to our home is automatically disqualified,” says Reaper.
Viper leans over and messes up my hair. “I hope you flog him tonight,” he says, lightening the mood with a smirk.
I push my fist into my hand. The darkness in me rejoices. “You bet I will.”I’ll make him suffer... I’ll make him bleed.
“They have ties to shady people. I don’t want a war. Let’s just get through tonight and see what happens, but everyone needs to be on guard and more cautious.”
Reaper is always the voice of reason, but this time, I wish he wasn’t because I’m convinced that performance was a threat, and what happens if they lose?
“I don’t trust them,” says Bomber, his eyes still narrowed and directed at the path they left along.
Reaper sighs and rubs his temples. I can see he’s stressed. Hell, his partner and child live here too. He glances at me. “Where are you off to?”
“Rose wants to go get her things and bring them to the clubhouse,” I reply.
“Are you even in the right mind to do that now?” Bomber asks, looking down.
I follow his eyes to my clenched hands. I didn’t even know I was doing it, so I loosen them up and crack my neck from side to side in an effort to relax. “I’ll be fine. The ex shouldn’t be there.”
“I’m going too,” Viper chimes in, “so it’ll be all good.”
“We need you tonight for the fight,” Reaper says firmly. “I don’t want to be bailing you out of jail on an assault charge.”
My mouth slams shut. It’s quiet before I respond, “I’ll try my best.” I’m not making any promises.
Reaper just sighs again and shakes his head.
Viper puts an arm around my shoulders. “It’s all good, Pres. I’ll get him home without the fancy silver bracelets.”
He says it jokingly, but I’m revved up. I’m glad he’s more confident than I am.
Reaper, Bomber, and Twitch walk inside, their voices low as they talk.
“I’ve got your back, man,” says Viper.
“Thanks,” I reply, grateful I have a friend by my side. I’m close to Viper. We’ve always gotten along and enjoy the same things.
“I’ll just get my shirt, hold on.”
Once Viper leaves, I walk over to the truck. Anxiety shoots through me. I’m not sure what to expect. When I get in, I search Rose’s face. Before I can apologize, she says, “Do you see why I don’t want you to fight? Being around people like that.”
