“Let’s go outside. I need a smoke,” Shades growled.
They all headed out to the terrace and kicked back in the chairs.
Shades and Ghost, both dipped their heads, cupping their hands around their lighters as they lit up. Then they both tipped their heads back, exhaling long plumes of smoke in the air.
Ghost tossed his lighter on a glass side table with a clatter. “So, what’s up?”
“Butcher called a meeting,” Shades said, pulling his phone out and glancing at the time. “We got about half an hour before we need to head out.”
“And?”
“He wants us to bring your girl with us.”
“What the fuck for?” Ghost frowned.
“Wants her kept under lock and key until we get this meet set with the DKs.”
“Why?”
Shades shrugged. “Just coverin’ our bases, bro. You know we got a lot ridin’ on this deal.”
“She’s not goin’ anywhere, Shades,” Ghost growled. This was bullshit.
Shades nodded. “I know she’s not. That’s why he wants her in lockdown at the clubhouse.”
“Are you shittin’ me?”
“Nope.”
“What the hell for? Does he think I can’t keep her safe?”
“Ain’t about you keepin’ her safe. It’s about you controlling her.”
“Say what?”
“The woman’s headstrong. We’ve all seen it. Hell, I gotta remind you she slapped fucking Blood, of all people? Not a lot of chicks I know would dare to slap Blood.”
Ghost ran a frustrated hand down his face. “That doesn’t mean shit.”
“Look, Butcher’s afraid she’ll decide she doesn’t need you watchin’ out for her now that she’s back in her hometown.” Shades shrugged. “Just playin’ it safe. Makin’ sure she doesn’t— run off.”
“Are you fuckin’ serious?”
“As a heart attack, bro.”
Ghost surged to his feet and walked a few feet away, violently flinging his cigarette in the distance.
Shades moved to stand with him.
“I want to serve my club, Shades. But using her to do it—” he broke off shaking his head.”
“You gonna be able to keep your head on straight about this girl? You gonna be able to use her for the benefit of your club? You good with that?”
“Club first, right?”
“Right. You made that decision the day you put that cut on your back.”
Ghost nodded.