Page 47 of Double the Redemption

“Naomi,” Savage said, drawing her gaze. “I wanted to apologize. What’s happened in the last twenty-four hours has been unacceptable. I know you probably don’t believe it, but we’re going to make sure it doesn’t happen again. The club girls and anyone else who shouldn’t be on the grounds will not be allowed to enter. The Devil’s Predators will be helping to ensure that.”

There was a slight tightness to his tone, which told her he wasn’t happy about it, but he didn’t have a choice. “I want to reiterate that you and Asher are safe here. If anyone from the cartel or any other organization tries to get to either of you, they will be unsuccessful. I hope that in a few weeks you’ll forgive us.”

“And?” Taz prompted, a smirk forming across his handsome face. He winked at her when her brow furrowed.

Savage muttered something under his breath she didn’t catch, but he reached behind his back and yanked out the same gun she had used the night before. “And despite my rule about women not having weapons on the grounds, we’re going to make an exception for you so you have the ability to defend yourself if the need arises.” The words were stiff, like they physically hurt him to say them.

She gripped the gun and gave a small nod. Some of her anxiety about the entire situation eased, but not much.

“He wants to add that you can’t shoot at him with it again, but it seems to be common around here,” Glitch offered, with a soft snicker. Savage glared at her, but she just gave him a sweet smile.

“At least Naomi has a better shot at reaching that giant head of his,” Karissa agreed, with a smirk of her own. “You’re so fucking small you’d be more at risk of getting him in the dick.”

Savage glared at her as the others chuckled. Glitch flipped Karissa off.

Was this their way of trying to lighten the mood? She’d picked up on the fact that the women around here had a humorous streak and kept their men from getting too serious. Any other time, maybe she’d find it amusing, but right now, she didn’t give a damn.

“Thank you for the apology,” she stated.

Savage nodded, but she could tell he didn’t believe it for a second.

“Good,” Rogue said. “Now that that’s all taken care of, I have some paperwork I need you to handle for the garage.”

She whipped her head toward him. “You expect me to still help you after all this?” she demanded.

Rogue held her gaze, unbending. “You want to be pissed at us, fine, but you agreed to help, and I expect you to keep your word. Esme’s not in any position to come back, and Fury will castrate any of us for suggesting it. Ink’s shop will need help as well, and you’ve already committed to that. Leaving him in the lurch isn’t in your nature.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You have a lot of nerve.”

“I have a lot of people who rely on us making sure we run these businesses properly. You have the weekend to get over it.”

“Fuck you, Rogue,” she hissed, infuriated that he would dare act like he could order her around.

“Do you want to sit up here bored out of your mind again?” His voice didn’t rise, but his words were sharp and pointed. “You don’t have to deal with us, but this will keep you from getting bored or from trying to murder Taz when he eventually pisses you off. I’ve reserved that right.”

“Like hell—he’s ours!” Glitch barked. “If anyone gets to kill him, it’s Karissa and me for all the shit he’s put us through over the years.”

“Excuse me, but I take exception to all of you wanting me dead,” Taz cried, offended. “Darlin’, don’t listen to them. I’m going to be wonderful to have around.”

“You’ll want to gag him and throw him in the closet by the second day,” Karissa predicted.

She really needed to figure out how this group was always changing the subject so quickly. It threw her off, and a part of her thought they were doing it on purpose.

Rogue’s stare was direct and unyielding, but with a flash of understanding. “Be pissed, but you’re too honorable to back out on your promises,” he said before turning and walking out the door.

Naomi stared after him. Did he really try to appeal to her sense of honor? What kind of twisted mind games were these guys playing?

“Alright, I think that’s enough for now,” Simba declared. “We have some things to go over with Naomi, and then we’ll be heading out. We have another job to work on.”

“I’m almost tempted to ask you to take me with you,” Savage muttered, but he nodded at her and walked out without looking back. No one else moved.

“Ink?” Simba asked, gaze pointed.

Ink said nothing, watching them all and then looking at her. His gaze was unreadable but intense. She didn’t know what to make of it, but she refused to play whatever game he was trying to draw her into. “I’ll be back in an hour.” Then he left as well.

She wanted to yell after him not to bother, but he wouldn’t listen anyway. The twins were right; the men around here were stubborn as hell.

“Alright, let’s get a few things sorted around here,” Simba ordered. “Glitch, I want cameras throughout the entire apartment. I had Tiger set up one at the gate and at the prospects’ station when we arrived. Those idiots didn’t question it or call Savage.” The disgust was clear.