Riding the Line (Devil's Knights 2nd Generation 2)

“Because you were the disrespectful prick whose first words to me were to fuck off,” Marco smirked. “Your tune did change pretty fucking quick when your two brain cells put two and two together and figured out who I was.” Marco nodded to King. “That respect you gave to me better be given to everyone at this table, or I’ll make sure you never make it back to Florida.”

And I instantly liked Marco even more than I already had. I sat down in my chair even though I still wanted to drag Grit across the table and beat the shit out of him.

“I’m the one who told Indy she needed to talk to the club for help.” He sat back in his seat and folded his arms over his chest. “Though I didn’t realize the club wouldn’t be able to help, and they would have to call in the mafia.”

“Are you really this much of an asshole?” Rigid asked. “I gotta ask if this trait runs in the family because if your sister is like this, I’m not too sure I’m willing to stick my neck out for her.”

Marco guffawed. “He’s got you there, kid.”

“Do I really gotta sit here and deal with this shit?” Grit growled.

“If you want our help, yeah,” King shrugged. “Don’t know you from Adam, kid, and then you walk into my clubhouse like you think I owe you something.” King leaned toward Grit. “I will make this crystal clear for you. My club and I are finding your sister for Indiana, not for you. Frost was right about you. You have no respect for anyone but expect everyone to do something for you.”

Grit glared at me. “Look, that’s how I was. Back when Indy and I dated.”

“Pretty sure you’re acting like a fucktard now, though,” Zag muttered.

Grit closed his eyes and laid his hands on the table. “I need your help, and I’m willing to do whatever you want me to do. It’s been years since Indy and I saw each other. I’m not the same guy I was back then. I got my shit together, and I’m trying to toe the line. That’s why I don’t have any connections to help me find Royal. Living on the straight and narrow doesn’t help when the bad guys come.”

Marco patted Grit on the back. “There. Was that really so hard to do? You catch a whole hell of a lot more bears with honey.”

“Bees,” Zig called. “Isn’t it bees?”

Marco smirked. “I see the Knights humor has been passed down to the second generation.”

“All right,” King called. “Let’s get down to it. Marco is going to have the information we need, but we’re the ones who are going to be heading down there. With Leo out of the country, half of his men are, too.” King nodded to Marco. “Listen up.”

Marco leaned forward. “I was able to get confirmation Royal is alive.”

“Is she hurt? Have they done anything to her?” Grit rambled.

Grit going from raging asshole to concerned brother was giving me whiplash.

“She’s alive. That’s all they would tell me,” Marco replied.

Grit sneered. “So, what the hell are we going to do now?”

Marco turned his head toward Grit. “Can I say you don’t really deal with pressure well. Cool your fucking jets, kid.”

“Last I checked, it wasn’t your sister who was kidnapped. I think I have the right to be a little on edge,” Grit bit off.

“I’m gonna talk again, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t interrupt me until I’m done. Got me?” Marco asked.

Grit held up his hands.

Marco sat back in his chair and sighed. “As of right now, nothing is going to happen to Royal. She’s as safe as she can be with the Meeks. I asked them what they wanted in exchange for her. I think they were a little surprised that the Banachis were contacting them, and they weren’t sure what their demands were. I honestly think they didn’t believe anyone was going to come looking for Royal.”

“I went to look for her,” Grit insisted. “No one answered the door, and then, right after, someone started following me. If I would have stayed in Destin, I would have been dead by now.”

“That’s still an option,” I growled. Grit may swear up and down that he was a changed man, but I still wasn’t ready to buy it.

“How long are we going to have to wait to figure out what they want?” King asked.

“I told them they had seventy-two hours before I started to grow impatient.” Marco splayed his hands out in front of him. “I figure they gave me their word that the girl was safe, so I didn’t need to go in being a complete asshole right away.”

“You know Leo would have if he was here,” Rigid laughed.

Marco smiled. “I’ve been in touch with Leo. He’s already pissed I didn’t throw my weight around more. The Meeks have some power behind their name, but nothing like Banachi. The only reason I’m willing to treat them like they are on my level is because they have something I wanted. As soon as we get the girl, you can bet your ass, my uncle will send them a message they won’t enjoy.”