That night, we hada planning session at the local pub, just me, Glory, and Rocket with V. Harley and Caroline were supposed to come, but opted for dinner with her mother instead, and kept Nixie the pup with them.
“So, we’re helping you with ‘Project Escape Prospect Phase’ because you’re too good to be a prospect?”
V laughed. “I’d probably go for a shorter name. ‘Project Petulant Prospect?’ All the alliteration.”
I flipped them both off, and turned to see how Glory was doing. She was doing better than I’d expected for finally being out in public after Sean was removed from the equation. She still seemed shy and nervous around people, but this was how we’d draw her out of her shell, or at least that was the hope.
“If you two have finished with your double act, we can get on with this.”
“Buy me another beer and I’m all yours,” Rocket said with a smirk, so another round later, he finally knuckled down.
“You said you have a venue in mind, right?”
I nodded. “Great place, it’s just on the outskirts of town, but I know the owner and he’ll be up for it. He’s cool, you’ll love him.”
“It’s not some pretentious posh place, right? A lot of our guys are more down to earth than that.”
“I’m not posh, and I’m not planning something fancy, dammit. It’s a place with great music, and atmosphere, and you’ll all love it. Now, look. Where I need your help is getting people to want to go. Micro wasn’t wrong, I’ve kind of been isolating myself and limiting my interactions to you, Harley, Stag, Grease, and the prospects. That’s not making me a well-rounded brother.”
Rocket leaned to the side and stared at me.
“What?”
“You’re getting pretty well rounded, brother. You might wanna start working out again.”
“Prick!”
V moved her chair closer to Glory’s. “They’re going to be like this all night, you know. Men can’t just have a normal conversation. It’s all baiting each other and acting like dicks.”
My girl smiled back at her. “It’s fun. I’ve missed people just acting like themselves, instead of how they think they’re supposed to.”
“Focus, man. Look, I can bring people, I’m sure of it. A few at least. How many did you say you need?”
I leaned back in my seat and groaned. “At least ten, and apparently that doesn’t count you and Harley. Or more accurately ‘not just the ones I like’.”
“Awwww you like me.”
“I’m serious…”
I trailed off as I saw not one, or two, but three leather clad guys moving past us toward the bar. Not Phoenix bikers. No. They were from another club, and not a good one.
I nudged Rocket, but he was already watching them too.
“Jesus. Those bellends. Chances of them not starting shit?”
I sighed heavily. “About one in a million. Shall we just cut our losses?”
He glanced at me incredulously. “You’re shitting me, right?”
My grin was one of pure fucking anticipation of a damn good release coming up. Under the table, I cracked my fists, knowing this wasn’t ever going down quietly. I’d probably be disappointed if it did. I wasn’t prone to violence, but I was up for a fight to defend our honour against assholes like them. Especially if it kept our women safe.
“It’s like you don’t know me at all.”
I turned to the women. “Head outside, no scratch that. Go to the ladies room. Stay back no matter what.”
They exchanged an incredulous look, and turned to look at Rocket who nodded grimly. This was definitely turning into a beef, and outside wouldn’t be safe in case there were more of their crew showing up.
“V, get on to Micro and let him know we’re about to have a beef here. Mention the double Ds. He’ll know who you mean. He’ll want to send guys. Go now. Please.”
