Diamond in the Dust (Lost Kings MC 18)

“You should be a motivational speaker for young, struggling artists.”

“I don’t know about that. But I do know that it’s a hell of a lot easier to tear someone down than it is to appreciate what they offer. Especially if they’re hateful and blinded by jealousy in the first place.”

“Ooo, blinded by jealousy. I like that.” I slip my notepad out of my back pocket and scribble those few words.

Rooster rumbles with laughter. “That’s my girl.”

He touches my chin, tilting my head so we’re staring at each other. “You’re going to murder the haters with your success—Dawson says the song is already killing it on the charts.” He strokes his knuckles over my cheek. “When we’re alone together, you can tell me anything. But out there,” he points toward the window, “on your social media, and when you’re on stage, you’re going to bury those haters with your dazzling smile. Show them that you give zero fucks about their worthless opinions.”

I point to the Zero Flocks Given tank top I’m wearing today. “My coded message.”

He grins. “Perfect.”

I drop my gaze and tug at a loose thread on the hem of my shirt. “I’m a little annoyed Trent sent me the link, honestly. He never used to send me bad reviews.”

“Baby, I love you for trying to be fair, but at some point, I think you’re going to have to admit you two might not work together again.” He lifts his gaze to the ceiling and blows out a breath. “It sucks, because the reason he had to go home wasn’t his fault.” He pats the pocket where he stored my cell phone. “But the way he’s been handling things ever since, is absolutely on him.”

It’s a jagged pill of truth to choke down.

But in my gut, I know he’s right.

Chapter Fifty-Four

Rooster

By the time we arrive in New York, Z has a bunch of appointments lined up for Shelby and me to look at houses.

“I have a feeling Z really wants his VP back,” Shelby teases.

“Probably.”

None of the first round of houses we look at are quite what we want.

“Look at this.” Shelby shoves her phone toward me. “This one has a guest suite downstairs. And lots of acreage. No neighbors nearby.”

Now she has my attention. The McMansion neighborhood Z suggested was nice but had way too many people in close proximity for my comfort. “Wait, why do we need a guest suite?”

“For me. Right, songbird?” Jiggy grins at me.

She side-eyes him. “Well, I was thinking for when my momma comes to visit, but sure, let’s go with that.”

They trade jokes back and forth for a few minutes before I call a time-out.

“The location is perfect.” I point to a spot on the map. “About halfway between upstate and downstate.”

“Oh shoot.” Shelby bites her lip. “I’m not familiar with everything around here. Is that too far? Are you supposed to live closer to your clubhouse?”

“Doesn’t matter, I guess. As long as I get my ass there on time for church.” I shrug. “Seems like more and more often we’re meeting upstate lately.”

Jiggy slides the map west and north. “Depending on what roads you take, it might be closer to our lil’ buddies in Johnsonville too. I have a feeling we’ll be making lots of trips out there soon.”

“Who’s that?” Shelby asks.

“Griff, Remy, and their crew,” I answer.

“Ahh, okay. I wondered where they were.” She studies the map, zooming the screen in and out. “All of this is Lost Kings MC territory? Chaser’s territory starts where? Here?” She points to an area that’s pretty damn close.

I move the map to Slater county. “Wolf Knights are still fucking around here.” I glance at Jiggy. “Or has that been solved yet?”

“Don’t know.” Jiggy’s intense eyes bore a hole in my skull as if he’s not pleased I’m talking territory issues in front of Shelby. “Ask Teller when we sit down for church. He’s keeping tabs on them.”

“Sorry.” Shelby sits back. “Does that fall under club business I shouldn’t ask about?”

I slide my hand over hers. “I love that you’re asking. It doesn’t hurt to know where the boundaries are.” I slide the map down past Union. “From here down, including NYC, is not our territory. At all. We avoid that area whenever possible.”

“Good to know.”

I send the listing to our agent and shut my phone off. “Are you ready for this weekend?”

“Packed and everything. I can’t wait to see Angelina. She said it’s been non-stop at their house getting ready for this party.”

First, we ride to the upstate clubhouse. Rock and Z wanted everyone to congregate there the night before we head out to the Devil Demons.

The parking lot’s full of bikes and a few other vehicles. Having a party to celebrate that we’re going to a party—sure, why not?

Shelby hops off the back of my bike and rubs her legs. “Ouch. Tomorrow’s ride is longer, huh?”