Live Free (Lords of Mayhem 3)

“I called it how I saw it. You act like a bitch. I’m going to call you out on it,” he said with a shrug.

She huffed, the nostrils of her button nose flaring.

Rocky ignored the urge to smirk.

“It’s too much at once.” She closed her eyes and covered her face with a hand.

“No one’s asking you to figure it all out right now, doll face. Breathe. Coast the crazy waves crashing around us and let us do what we do best.”

“What’s that?”

“Keep the people important to us safe. You’re family to the librarian and Joey. We ain’t about to let anything happen to you.”

“Protected by association,” Evonne said.

There was an odd quality to her tone he couldn’t place and he shook his head at her.

“Rock, man, hurry the fuck on,” said t

he Prez. “Prospects are waiting and I want this shit taken care of. The longer we wait, the better chance there is of something popping off.”

“Duty calls,” said Rocky.

“Yeah.” She nodded, turning to walk in front of him.

The meeting had stolen some of her newly gained fire. She’d been around long enough for him to gauge her. Quiet, polite and aloof, she even bordered on cold. But he’d seen the flame she was capable of wielding. “Come on, Firecracker, I’m sure the girls will be showing up here soon to keep you company.”

“Wait. I don’t get to go pick out what you’re bringing back?” Evonne asked.

“Nope. Best get to the bar and make me a list.” They left the room and the nervous energy filling the space damn near bowled Rocky over. “Fast.”

“I can’t possibly,” she stuttered.

“Firecracker,” he called to her.

She paused to focus on him.

“Do I look like I care?” Rocky asked.

“God, you’re being an asshole.” She scowled.

“No, baby, I’m a man with a mission… There’s a difference. Think essentials only. Not things we can get somewhere else or you won’t actually use. You feel me?”

She nodded. “What about my clients? I’m their sole accountant.”

“I think we both know you need to call them up and let them know there’s been a family emergency that’s leading to a sabbatical.”

“Oh my God.” She covered her mouth. “My family.”

“Not my area of expertise.” He shook his head.

“Rocky,” a voice said.

He turned to meet Shooter’s gaze.

Shooter jerked his head toward the entrance.

Juliette and Joey were walking in.