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Zodiac’s icy gaze chilled. “I pay snitches to feed me information on Little Memphis. I have them in Rawlins, too. Your clubs are my allies, so I keep my ears open.”
When Boone glanced at me, I crossed my arms and sighed. He wanted me to prove who mattered more—my president or my woman’s brother?
“Zodiac is afraid for Elle,” I explained, earning an eye roll from my president. “He doesn’t want these guys getting cut loose by the Jokers and coming home bitter.”
Nodding, Zodiac added, “Do I need to remind you that those fucks would return to Baton Rouge, where your sister will be?”
Boone sighed. “I don’t like Baton Rouge,” he said, and Zodiac muttered under his breath. “It’s hot and sticky. But this city is where Nova lives part time. It’s where my sister plans to move. I don’t want it to turn to shit, so I’ll tell you what I know. And if things change, I’ll encourage Clint to keep you informed.”
Nodding, Exile replied, “Fair enough.”
“Tricky is still heavily sedated, so anything he says should be taken with a grain of salt,” Boone said while glancing at Nova. “But he’s been saying he doesn’t want to run the club. He feels guilty over what happened. That doesn’t mean he’ll feel the same way once he’s on the mend.”
Zodiac asked, “If he bails on the Jokers, will Jagger take over?”
“Doubtful. Jagger would rather ride with the Crimson Guard than run a small crew.”
Frowning, Zodiac said, “So it’s likely those Baton Rouge Jokers will return here.”
“Yes, but why worry until Tricky is healthy enough to make a real decision? That’s the reason Clint hasn’t spoken to you about it. He isn’t sure where Tricky will land once he’s gotten healthier and is thinking straight.”
Zodiac frowned as if Boone’s answer wasn’t good enough. In the past, my president was ready to throw down with anyone at any time. Now, he had a wife and two boys to protect. I doubted Zodiac had ever felt as vulnerable.
Despite his worries, I felt oddly calm. Goldie had nearly died weeks ago. I should be more paranoid than either man. Instead, I was optimistic.
Right now, the woman I loved was cuddled with her mom in my bed. Her family was relaxed at the house. Junior was fast friends with Goldie and Mochi.
With everything falling into place, I wasn’t a man looking for reasons to be unhappy.
GOLDIE
I awoke from my short nap to find the party still going on outside. Feeling antisocial, I kept my ass inside the family room. Yarrow lingered until I said I wouldn’t mind if she left me alone.
Resting with my foot on the couch, I lifted Mochi to my lap and pet her. Soon, Junior appeared next to me, seeking affection.
“Want to play checkers?” York asked me.
Startled by his rumbling voice, I glanced back at him. “Don’t you want to hang with your bros?”
“I already did, but I’ve barely spent time alone with you today.”
Grinning, I adjusted on the couch to allow me to reach the table where he set up the checkerboard.
“What do you think?” York asked after we began playing.
“About you? I’m a fan of your hot body, beautiful face, and obedient nature.”
His lips tightened before breaking into a grin. “I don’t feel obedient.”
“You bow to my demands on most things. Very obedient. When you know I’m wrong, you put your foot down. Like, when I tried to backtrack at the hospital. That was very disobedient but necessary.”
York smirked and stole my checker. “I won’t let you win, if that’s what you’re hoping.”
“Feel free to beat me. My parents raised me not to be a sore loser.”
“Good,” he said and swiped two more of my checkers. “I like having you here.”
“When will I meet your mom?” I asked to mess with York after he took more of my checkers.
