“I’ll keep that in mind.” As he started to the door, he said, “I’ll see you tonight at the club.”
“Okay.”
“Yep, I definitely like it.”
Once he was gone, I got up, grabbed a few things from my bags in the kitchen, and took a shower. My mind was racing with doubt as I dried off and put on my clothes and makeup. I wanted to believe Menace and his brothers could help me, but the thought of them going up against Rossi and his family was terrifying. I didn’t want him or anyone else to get hurt. There was only one way I could make sure that didn’t happen. I had to get the hell out of there and never look back, so I put my things back into my bag and started for the front door. I was just about to bring everything out to my car when there was a knock at the door. I thought it was Menace coming back, but when I opened it, I found Country and Locke standing on my doorstep.
I quickly stepped in front of my bags. “Hey, what are you guys doing here?”
“Menace asked us to swing by and pick you up on our way to the club.”
“Oh, you didn’t have to do that. I can drive over on my own.”
“I said the same thing, but he was adamant about it.”
“Seriously, I’m good. I don’t need a ride.”
He motioned his head towards the two motorcycles in the driveway, then said, “You ready or do you need a few minutes?”
“Ummm.” It was clear he wasn’t going to let it go, so I feigned a smile and said, “Yeah, I’m ready. I just need to get my stuff.”
I grabbed the bag with my uniform and the rest of my things, then followed them out to Country’s bike. After he placed my things in his saddlebag, he gave me his spare helmet and waited as I got on behind him. I’d just gotten settled when Country glanced over his shoulder with a smirk plastered across his handsome face. “I’m gonna have to thank Menace for sending me over to get ya.”
“Oh?” I knew a coy comment was going to follow when I asked, “And why’s that?”
“You kidding me? Hot chick on the back of my bike. Don’t get any better than that.” He shook his head. “He’s gonna be all kinds of pissed when he finds out I didn’t take the truck.”
“What difference does that make?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
Before I had a chance to respond, he started his bike and eased out of the driveway. I’d only ridden a motorcycle a couple times, so I had to focus on holding on without giving Country any ideas. Sadly, it wasn’t enough to distract me from the onslaught of mixed emotions I was feeling. Menace must’ve figured out I was having doubts and sent Country over to get me. It was a sweet gesture, but at the same time, infuriating as hell. It seemed the man was always one step ahead of me. Maybe that was a good thing.
Maybe it wasn’t. I guess only time would tell.
Menace
“Does Lynch know?”
“No, I came here to talk to you first.” I shook my head at Viper. “Not sure what to say to him. Thinking his grandparents were killed in a robbery was tough enough. I’m afraid this is going to be an even harder pill to swallow.”
“Peter was a stand-up guy. He knew the risk when he took in that girl, and he did it anyway. That says a lot about him.”
“I hope Lynch’ll feel the same way.”
“I’ll talk to him. Considering the situation, it would be better if he heard it from me.”
“Whatever you think is best.”
Axel glanced over at me and asked, “You said she was thinking about leaving?”
“Yeah, she doesn’t want anyone else getting hurt.”
“Maybe she’s right,” Viper replied. “Maybe you should just let her go.”
“Can’t do that, Prez.” I had no good explanation for why I couldn’t simply cut ties with her, at least not one that made any fucking sense. “She needs someone to help her.”
“What are you wanting to do here?” Viper pushed. “This chick is up against the fucking Italian mafia, and they’re no goddamn joke. We don’t have the means nor the desire to go toe to toe with these motherfuckers for some chick who just so happens to work at the bar.”
“It’s not like that, Prez.” I knew I was opening a door I wasn’t ready for, but I didn’t have a choice. “She’s more than just some chick from the bar.
“Oh, really?” His brow furrowed with discontent. “You claiming her or something?”
“Not like that either.”
“Then what the hell is it?” he pushed.
“That’s just it. I don’t know.” I knew I sounded like I’d fucking lost it, but I couldn’t explain what I didn’t understand myself. “I’m still trying to figure it out, but I can’t do that if she’s gone. Or worse... if she’s dead.”