Page 17 of Diamond

“About all the ways you’re going to kill him?”

“You must be my child.” I laugh. “It’s like you can read my thoughts.”

“Mom, don’t be weird, okay? I just wanted to give you the heads-up,” she says earnestly. “I know you have a life envisioned for me that may not involve dating a diesel mechanic⁠—”

“A Hellion,” I interject.

“—but we’re dating, and it felt weird not telling you.”

She spends the next five minutes telling me about him as I walk toward the house. When we hang up, I don’t have the mental capacity to call Bane. That can wait.

All I’ve ever wanted is for Annalise to be happy, but I didn’t ever imagine she’d be with a biker. Have I done this to her? She’s been working in Jackson for a year now, and I was fully supportive of the move. Heck, I may have even asked Bane to keep an eye on her from time to time, but I’m annoyed he didn’t call me to clue me in.

“D?” Ruby asks as I enter my office. There’s concern in her eyes that instantly makes me try to shake off my impending bad mood. It isn’t their fault I’m about to kill Bane Adler and this fucking Choker dude.

Ruby, not only my VP but also my right-hand woman, has been waiting for me, along with the other committee members. Ruby runs her own salon in town named Spurs and Sparkle. Sapphire, a trained mechanic who has her own business, Saddle Up, is also the Enforcer. Sapphire looks after the prospects and any newbies we might be housing. Pearl is our Secretary, she ensures the books are up-to-date and keeps an eye on the club’s coffers. She also runs the local cafe, Saddle Hop. Onyx is our Road Captain. She organizes every ride we go on, including charity events. She also runs the clubs’ bar, Rusty Spur.

Then there’s our newest recruit; Jade, also known as Tilly—Star from the NOLA Rebels’ sister. Jade was one of the casualties from the cartel bust we took down a few years ago. She had amnesia for months with no idea her sister, a PI, was looking for her. They reunited, but after a few months, Jade wanted to come back to Saddle, and we welcomed her with open arms.

There are also other members who have a vote, but they aren’t committee members: Emerald, Topaz, and Garnet who work in the various club businesses across town. It was Ruby’s idea that every club member took a gemstone name, which I think is kinda perfect.

“Why are you all still here?” I ask, moving behind my desk.

“We were worried,” Ruby goes on. “When I saw Sheriff Calloway leaving, I assumed the worst.”

Jesus. Have I lost my mind? They were all here when we were out in the barn… At least Dustin made himself scarce. I hide my unease.

“I’m fine. I don’t need a damn babysitter.”

“We need to talk about what happened, and what these assholes might do next,” Pearl—always the most reasonable of the MC—points out. “We’ve all heard the rumors about what happens when you say no to the Lanzetti family. Things might get messy.”

“I’m not scared of them,” I say, sitting back in my chair. “And before any of you ask: no, I’m not selling the ranch. You’ll have to drag me out of here in a body bag before I ever sell my soul. This is my home. Our home.”

“We figured,” Jade says gently. “But we need to put some plans in place for what’s next. You know this won’t be the end of things. They’re a bunch of leeches.”

That, I can’t argue with.

“I vote we protect the ranch at all costs,” Sapphire says. “I’ll make sure the fences are properly secured at first light with Dustin and Topaz. She likes to ride, and it’ll stretch Gizmo’s legs.”

I nod. “Fine.”

“This is fucking crazy.” Onyx sighs, looking anxious. “A resort in Saddle? Are they okay? This will kill small business in town.”

“It wouldn’t surprise me if it isn’t a coverup for something more sinister,” Ruby declares. “Either way, they can’t go ahead and do shit if Diamond isn’t selling, so we need to expect retaliation. They need her to cave.”

“This is just the kind of thing the Devilhead Warriors would love to be involved in,” Sapphire says. “Any excuse to get back at us.”

The Devilheads are a rival MC a few hours from here. We’ve had run-ins from time to time. Their female Prez runs guns and drugs along the border. We’ve had more than one fist fight, both times I came out on top because she runs her mouth better than she can throw a punch.

Then there’s the Dirty Crows MC, West Texas, who ride through town every now and again just to cause trouble, but we haven’t seen them in years.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I retort. There’s no need to get crazy. “I’m not so sure Sheriff Calloway is the stick-in-the-mud I thought he was. He could be an ally, but it’s too soon to say. I’m unsure where his allegiance lies.”

They look hopeful. Having the law on our side can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.

“So, we secure the property as Sapphire suggested, and sit tight?” Ruby repeats.

“Exactly,” I say looking at each one of them. “If these assholes think they can push me and this club around, they can think again. I won’t be run out of my hometown, not for money, greed, a fucking resort, not for anything.”