“What happened?” I growl into her ear.
“This guy came by, and he was saying all of these things, and I didn’t say a word to him, I swear. But we need to figure out if what he threatened was true because I don’t want you to go to jail, and I don’t want this to end.”
I lean back and look down into her face. She looks anxious.
“Tell me everything.”
She nods. “This detective came to see me. He said that he believes we only married for my inheritance. He said that fraud is a crime, and they would come after us for it unless I planted recording devices for him. I refused and told him to leave, but can he do that?”
I press a kiss to her forehead. “I don’t know, but let’s go figure it out. Meet me at the clubhouse.”
She shakes her head. “I don’t want to be away from you. Can I ride with you?”
This will be the first time that she has ridden on the back of my bike since her dad’s funeral. I don’t hesitate, though.
“Of course. Come on.”
I lead her over to my bike, pulling out the helmet I stash inside for her. Then I give her my leather jacket with the back plate in it to protect her. After putting my own helmet on, I climb onto the bike and start it. She climbs on behind me like she’s done it a million times. Like the place was made just for her. It feels right.
When she wraps her arms around me, I take off. It doesn’t take us nearly long enough to get to the clubhouse. I wish Icould have taken my time to really enjoy this, but knowing she is feeling anxious about this fucking detective showing up at her work has me taking the most direct route instead.
After I park, I help her off the bike and take her helmet. Then I put her hand in mine as I stalk into the clubhouse.
The place is empty at this time of day, but Meek will be in his office. He always is.
I knock on the door and wait. When he answers, he looks like he was expecting us.
“This about the visit Rain got?” he asks.
“How did you know?” Rain asks.
“I have cameras everywhere. I watch all of our people. I was alerted the moment he walked into the lobby.” Meek’s monotone delivery is a little freaky even for me.
“Glad to know that you are always watching me,” Rain mutters, seemingly unnerved by it.
“It’s for your safety. I don’t monitor it daily. Only if there is something that I should know about,” Meek tells her.
“How do you even determine that?” she asks.
“Simple. Certain words trigger an alert. Things like kill, arrest, illegal. Anything that seems threatening. I also have facial recognition for any of our enemies, including any local law enforcement.”
Rain opens her mouth as if she is going to say something, but then she shuts it as if she thinks better of it.
“So you know about the conversation she had with Hampton?” I ask.
She never said his name directly, but I know it’s him. A man like him doesn’t go down quietly. He’s like a fucking fiberglass splinter. You can’t see it, but it’s annoying as fuck.
“I do. I can send you a copy to listen to later. I don’t think Rain needs to hear it again. As for his threats, he is correct. If he can make a case for fraud, then he might be able to get yourmarriage annulled and the inheritance turned over to the state for safekeeping. It’s a long shot, but it is possible. Rain did good, though. She held her own and stood up to him. I don’t think he will be quick to bother her again, especially with that parting shot about the viper. That was a good one,” Meek tells Rain.
I look over to see her cheeks redden, “Viper?”
“Well, it’s my nickname, is it not?” She crosses her arms.
“It is. I’m glad you are embracing it.” I turn back to Meek. “So what do we do now?”
“Live your life. I don’t know if you two are real or fake, but it’s none of my business, and it’s none of theirs either,” Meek tells us both.
“He said he knew I was sleeping in another room,” Rain says softly.
