“Me too. It was last minute though. We’re all a bit nomadic that way. We can never resist a chance for a ride on the bike.”
“All of you have them?”
“It’s pretty much a birth right.”
“Huh. That’s unique.”
I snicker. “That’s a good word to describe my family.”
“They aren’t like your father?”
“No. Every family has its broken branch, my old man happened to be a particularly gnarled and twisted one.”
I see the concern in her gaze. “I’m good. You go kick ass at work, and I’ll clear my mind with the ride to my uncles.”
As far as she knows I’m spending my day with family, which isn’t a total lie. I wish it was for pleasure. The ruling on the presidency is coming down the pipeline, and it’s all hands on deck. Big Mike has never been the type of guy to accept defeat. A great quality to have when you’re leading. A dangerous one when you’re being ousted from a position of power. He has a few loyal, hot-headed brothers we anticipate will pop off as well.
“Give me something sweet before you leave.”
She smirks. “You want me to get some of the candy we have left over from Sweet Hollywood?”
“Shut it.”
She leans closer, and I devour her lips. She tastes like coffee and sweetness. I can’t get enough. I tilt my head, deepening the kiss as I circle her tongue with my own. Pulling back, I kiss her forehead. “If we keep it up, you’ll be late.”
“You’re right.”
I walk her to the door, marveling at the lessons she’s taught me without knowing it.
***
The club is deserted when I pull into the parking lot. No one gets up here earlier than they have to, and the clock is just hitting eight. Working a nine-to-five, torture for night owls. After parking, I knock on the door, and a groggy looking prospect answers. He steps back, blinking his bloodshot eyes, and I walk in and see Knuckles at the bar with a bottle of whiskey.
“You know it’s bad when you’re awake and drinking before noon,” I say as I approach.
“I appreciate you coming in.”
“I do what the powers that be tell me to. You know how it is.”
He laughs. “Yeah, I’m about to be up close and personal with it.”
“Stone here already?” I ask.
He nods. “He got in last night. I caught him taking a cup of coffee into his dorm room a little bit ago.” Sighing, he hangs his head. “I never imagined it would come to this. Mike taught me everything I know. He was a good, solid leader for a long time.”
“We know better than anyone, nothing lasts forever,” I say.
“Ain’t that the truth.” The gravelly bass gets me on my feet. I turn and see Stone walking toward me. He’s still larger than life despite the silver streaks starting to thread through his hair. Barrel chested, muscular, and cunning, he’s always held my respect.
He pulls me into a hug and pats my back. “It’s good to see you, brother. Take a walk with me.” I follow him toward the office.
“I figured now would be a good time to get an update since I’m in town.”
“I didn’t realize you planned to be here when you first told me.”
“Last minute decision. I want to make sure this is handled properly. We’ve been gathering intel for some time. I think we got a handle on the ones who can’t get with the new program. I know it’s a change from the founding fathers’ concepts, but this is a new world, and we have to adapt or die.”
“I think the newer generation understands and respects that. I know I do.”