"I have regrets, Ace. But weirdly, I wanted to spend some time with my little brother."
I frown. "Why? You worried about me?"
He laughs as they bring out the first mare, price tag of five hundred thousand flashing on the board.
"Not worried. No. You seem good since Harper came back."
I smile. "I am. That's why."
He nods, but he’s quiet for a beat. "And what happens if it doesn't work out again? What happens to you then, Ace? That's my concern." He still doesn't look at me. "You jumped on the back of a bull that could have killed you, and that was when your mind was sound."
The words sit between us, heavier than they should be.
"If it goes wrong again, I ain't going to do anything stupid, Colt. It'll hurt. But it ain't happening."
He claps me on the shoulder. Squeezes once. "You've always got us, Ace. Remember that."
I swallow. Are they seeing something I'm not?
"Ace." Hunter's voice from behind me. I turn. He's walking in with most of the guys from the ranch. Not a casual amount either. Hunter looks like he’s turning up to a fight.
I glance at Colt. He shrugs, all he cares about is bidding on this damn horse.
Paulie and Xander take positions by the doors as Hunter approaches.
"What's up?" I ask.
Hunter runs his thumb along his lip. "Ranch 42 are here. With the Greeks. This is just a precaution. Colt needs this fuckin’ horse."
"What the fuck do they need with horses? They wouldn't know how to ride one, let alone show one. Even Carson is shit at that."
Ranch 42 ain’t known for being good at what they do.
Hunter laughs. "Exactly my point."
He looks past me. I follow his gaze, and sure as shit, there they are. The usual suspects from Ranch 42. The same ones we beat bloody at the bar on my birthday. Except this time they've got company. Greek bodyguards by the look of it, big men in expensive jackets that don't belong at a horse auction.
I clench my fists. The pieces fit together. There’s only one reason why two mafia families would be here over a horse.
"Colt." I turn to my brother. "What is so special about this horse?"
He doesn't blink. "The price ain't for the animal. It's for the coke I get with her when she's delivered." He pauses and tips his hat back. "She is a fucking great horse, though. She'll make us the money back on her own."
"Incredible," I laugh.
Won’t be so funny when I have to help haul the supply to Mikhail Volkov in Vegas, though.
"Well, that figures out that riddle," Hunter mutters.
"Any news on Carson's whereabouts?" I ask him.
He shakes his head. "Not yet. Enzo and Romeo are on it. Just gotta sit tight. They heard chatter about him being in LA, but I doubt it."
I arch a brow. "Would make sense, though. If we can't step foot there, and neither can Enzo, then in a fucked-up way, he's kind of protected. So long as Gianna doesn't find out."
A shiver runs down my spine. Every day, the web gets deeper, and all I can think about is Harper sitting right in the middle of it. Which reminds me.
"Hunter, I need you to read this and approve it. Gianna wants a meeting with you and details about us. Me and Harper stayed up last night writing something I think should keep her happy. Get her out of Harper's hair for a while."
