“And you got your limp. And Tyler got punched,” I said.
“Yes. We thought everything was done with them until there was another break-in at one of our shops,” Tanner said.
“But it was a diversion,” Adam said. “While we were tending to the break-in at Jacob’s shop, the core group of the Devil Hogs were taking you.”
“You were right,” I said.
“About what?” Nick asked.
“Sounds like a big ass mess,” I said. “Where do you guys stand now?”
“We’re on high-alert. Everyone in our club is. But we hope the message we sent them tonight puts all this shit to bed,” Adam said.
“And again. Not going to ask,” I said.
“And again, best if you don’t,” Nick said.
“I should’ve known about all of this beforehand, you know,” I said. “I should’ve known about all of this bullshit before I was taken.”
“We know,” Tyler said.
“I was in danger, and you guys knew that. And you didn’t fill me in,” I said.
“We know,” Jacob said.
“I could’ve watched out for myself. Taken precautions to protect myself. Fuck, if they wanted to take me down for some reason, that would’ve made Lindy a target. It made my mother one!”
“We know,” Tanner said in a whisper.
It was the shake in his voice that silenced mine. That desperate plea someone tries to cover up when they can’t contain their emotions any longer. I felt my jaw quivering as more tears spilled down my cheeks.
“Here’s how this goes going forward,” I said, as someone wiped my tears.
“We’re all ears,” Nick said.
“You will tell me everything. And if that’s not on the table, then we’re done. You can take me to Lindy’s and get out. But if we’re going to do this, then I need to know what the hell’s going on with you guys,” I said.
“Sounds fair enough,” Adam said.
“If there’s a threat, I need to know about it. If something’s happening with the crew, I need to know about it. I can keep myself safe, but not from shadows I don’t know are lurking,” I said.
“Okay,” Tyler said.
“Should we start now?” Jacob asked.
“Fuck yes, you should start now,” I said.
“Then I’ll start with this,” Jacob said.
I felt a pair of lips lovingly connect with mine.
“I love you,” Jacob said.
“What?” I asked.
Then, another pair of lips descended onto my neck.
“I love you,” Adam said.