Deep Redemption (Hades Hangmen 4)

He hissed in pain. “Aquaplaned.”

I frowned at Smiler, because the rider I knew him to be wouldn’t have fucking aquaplaned.

“You need to fix him. You need to fix him quick so we can get you the fuck out,” Bull said. Bella stood at the doorway, always close by.

Bull stepped closer to me. I knew he would make me move if I didn’t myself. I rushed to my medical bag, which was still on Smiler’s dresser. I set to work, relying on fucking autopilot, years of experience taking control. As I fixed up Smiler’s cuts and stitched up his split skin, something inside of me began to click.

I used to love doing this shit. I was good at this.

I felt like it was me.

Someone entered the room. I looked up and saw Styx blocking the doorway. I hadn’t seen him in two weeks. I froze when he met my eyes.

He wore the same murderous glare on his face as he always did when he looked at me. “You’re here ‘cause there was no one else,” he signed. His teeth ground together and the muscles in his neck strained. It was killing him to have me here in this club.

I understood.

“This don’t mean nothin’. After today the same rules apply. You get the fuck back to your cabin and don’t return. You’ll only survive about two minutes in this clubhouse if you even fuckin’ think of weaseling your way back in. You gettin’ me? You fix him then fuck off.”

I nodded and resumed my work on Smiler. Styx disappeared a few minutes later. Bella stood just outside the door. But she still hovered close.

Thirty minutes later, I’d patched Smiler up as much as I could. Everyone else was in the bar. “There,” I said, putting the medical bag back on the dresser. “That should do for now.”

“Thanks,” Smiler said.

“You might wanna get someone to re-dress them for you tomorrow.”

Smiler shook his head. “Nah, you can just come back.”

“Smiler. That ain’t gonna happen. Don’t push it,” I warned, but he closed his eyes, blocking me out.

“Need to sleep. I’m fuckin’ beaten and bruised from that fall.” I narrowed my eyes, still questioning how the fuck someone of his skill had aquaplaned. Just as I turned to go out the door, I looked back and saw Smiler watching me. He smirked and winked.

Then I knew . . . the fucker took a dive. I shook my head, not believing it was true, that he’d pull a stupid stunt like that just to get me involved again. But when Smiler’s smirk turned into a grin, I saw the confirmation on his face.

He had.

I cleared my throat as I tried to deal with what he’d just revealed. But Smiler’s pain meds looked like they were kicking in. The brother was snoring within seconds.

I made my way to the bar in a fucking daze, a nervous Bella by my side. Bella waved at her sisters, who were in the corner. Some of the brothers got up from their seats, as if they wanted to come at me. Bella tensed.

I turned to leave, but someone blocked my path. My pulse raced with dread when I realized it was Ky. Out of everyone, he hated me most, and that was a fucking feat in itself. I could see it in his face as I approached, hell, every fucking time he looked at me.

“Bella, go speak with your sisters,” he ordered in a no-shit tone.

Bella clutched me tighter. Ky’s eyes flared with rage. Turning to Bella, I said, “Go on, baby. I’ll be okay.” Bella hesitated, but I nodded my head, and she did as I asked.

Ky watched me like he was one step from ripping out my throat, then looking around the bar to make sure no one was listening, said, “The Klan douches you worked with in Cult Cunt. I need information on the contracts that you made. You’re gonna tell me what they sold.”

I didn’t reply straight away. Ky stepped closer still, his face daring me to say no. “Okay,” I said.

Ky reached into this cut and pulled out a notepad and pen. He slammed them against my chest. “Gonna need that shit now.”

I leaned on the table beside me and tried to remember everything that was agreed, all the deals we’d done and the names of those in charge. Ky never left me alone, fucking lording over me.

I felt others close in around me. When I looked up, Viking, Flame and AK were next to Ky. They looked as if they wanted to murder me just as much as the VP did.

“What the fuck does this pissant want?” Viking growled.

“He’s gettin’ me some intel. Then he’s gettin’ the fuck outta my sight before I scalp the fucker.”

“Intel ‘bout what?” AK asked coldly.

Ky sighed. “Ain’t talked to Styx yet—you know, upcomin’ weddin’ and all that shit occupyin’ his time. But I’m gonna go get Phebe. It’s gotta be done. After all that bitch has done for us, I ain’t leaving her with those skinhead pricks to suffer.”