Shades (Reckless Souls MC 3)

Chapter Ten

Shades

Yeah, Ace definitely stuck me with the shit job as punishment for showing up late to Church. Protecting Destiny of Life Church is the last fucking thing I need.

On the other hand, protecting the church means spending time with Letty. Time that’s not in my dreams where I order her down on her knees, and she goes willingly, stroking my cock a little rough the way I like it before she wraps her rosebud lips around me. I prefer dream Letty sucking me bone dry to the real-life thing, who makes me feel shit that doesn’t make sense, shit that can never come to be.

“Fuck.”

I need to get her out of my head while I’m on the road. Riding distracted is never a good idea, not to mention it’s stupid as fuck because the last I came to this church two fuckwits jumped me. But Ace put me on church detail—as punishment—so I make my way there. Again.

I wear my kutte just as Ace instructed because the Reckless Souls aren’t making a secret of our presence here. We want anyone watching, especially the Iron Kings, to know this place is ours, and we protect our turf. Fuck with this place at your own peril.

Inside, the church is eerily quiet, like a funeral is about to take place. The pews are empty save for a few stray bibles and books. The communion table is bare save for a purple and gold runner down the center. There are no sounds, no weeping or singing or praying. Not one fucking sign of the holy ghost. Nothing.

Doesn’t matter.My job today is to talk to Braden and let him know what’s going on. I walk down the long hall where official church business is done, skipping Letty’s office in favor of the larger, more homey office of the pastor.

Figures he gives himself the best room in the joint.

I shove that thought down because no matter my feelings for the pastor or any organized religion, right now, we’re allies. We need each other to exist.

“Come in,” his deep voice says from the other side of the closed door.

I push open the door and step inside. “We need to talk.”

To his credit, Braden doesn’t freak out or play the damsel in distress role. He nods and sits back in his chair, tossing his pen on the desk before folding his arms. “What’s going on?”

I take another step inside and push the door closed for privacy before I tell Braden about the parking lot incident yesterday.

“It’s safe to assume that this place is going to be a target from the Iron Kings since they know you associate with us.”

Braden says nothing. For a long time, his gaze takes on that faraway look that tells me he’s thinking, probably about all the reasons he’s regretting—again—the decision to do business with us.

“I don’t want any violence to come to the church or my parishioners, Shades.”

His head shakes, and fear darkens his eyes.

“Violence and destruction aren’t part of our agreement.”

“I won’t let that happen,” I rush to assure him. “And we don’t want that either. We have it covered.”

“What does that mean? Exactly.”

“It means that I will provide security for the church at all times along with two of my brothers. Your parishioners will be safe going in and out of the buildings, your employees too. Everyone will be safe on my watch, Frank.”

It’s a promise that I have no intention of breaking.

“Good. Which of your men should I expect?”

“Preacher and Jordi will rotate, and I’ll be here as much as possible. You’ll have protection, Frank, and it will be as unobtrusive as possible. You have my word.”

He stares at me for an extended moment and then nods.

“I know you’re a man of your word, Shades.”

I ignore the fact that his words mean nothing to me and nod instead.

“Good. If you have any problems or see anything that seems off, come to one of us right away. Tell your employees the same. No need to worry the churchgoers.”