Boss (Steele Riders MC)

“Look, the test is going to take twenty-four hours. I can run it to the lab in Dallas right now since I’m about to head in. Get some ice for both of you and your handsome mugs. I can’t believe you actually clocked your nephew, though.”

“I didn’t.”

“I did,” Blade says with a grin. “Boss has been a father to me and my sister for a long damn time, even though he stole my girl here and failed to introduce me to this pretty little thing.” He winks at Harley, which causes Dylan to snarl.

“You’re itching for a fight. Are you ever going to go speak to Penny’s cousin? He’s only doing this because he has a crush on someone who’s too young for him,” Boomer says, teasing Blade who turns completely red.

“Fuck off. I’m out of here. I have some blades to make. Stay out of trouble for a night, will you, Boss?”

“I’ll try.”

“Bye, beautiful.” He winks at Esperanza before running out the door.

“He’s asking for it.” I’m staring at the man in front of me in awe as Esperanza clings to my side, rubbing my back. Could he be my nephew? My heart aches at the idea.

“So you work at a bar?” he questions with an air of superiority.

“I own it. Please sit down. Here are some drinks.”

“How did you find me?” Harley asks. I notice she’s not afraid of him in the way she is of other men, but like a woman who doesn’t want her heart broken. He pulls her onto his lap and examines her wounds more closely. Cupping her chin, he tilts her head, caressing her gently as if she’s as fragile as glass.

“I’m going to find who did this and destroy them. That, you can guarantee.” His voice belies his tenderness.

“I have some ideas. We have been looking into it since she arrived two days ago. He came in looking for her about an hour after she’d been treated.”

“He did?” Harley asks.

“And you let him get away?” Dylan snarls.

“Yes. You were out cold then, but I wasn’t going to let him anywhere near you. He had no idea you were here, but he was creeping around the town, most of which wouldn’t give him the time of day.” I suppose my answer pacified him for now, but I can see the questions in his eyes.

“Good. I want everything you have on him because I’m going to take my time ending him and everyone involved in hurting her.”

“You’ve got it.”

“I’m hungry,” Crystal says.

“I’m sorry, Tigress. Let me get you fed.” He kisses her softly.

“I’m sure we’re all hungry. It’s almost dinnertime.”

“We should head back to Dallas,” Dylan says, looking down at Harley. “You need to be looked after properly.”

“We were doing just fine until you showed up,” Crystal huffs.

“They were doing a great job.”

“Yes, but there’s no room for me here, and you belong with me.”

“Are you sure about that?” Harley huffs, crossing her arms. “I’m staying here. You can head back to Dallas or wherever it is you actually live.”

“Damn it.”

“Look, I’m not going to let her leave if she doesn’t want to go. She’s been through a lot, and regardless of who you are, she’s under my care. She deserves to have that peace of mind.”

“If she stays, I stay. There’s no way I’m leaving her side again. I fucked up once, and that’s how she ended up unprotected and in this position in the first place.” He shakes his head, blaming himself for what happened to her. I can’t say I wouldn’t feel the same way if something happened to Esperanza.

“It’s okay. There is a second room upstairs if that’s okay with you, Boss?” Harley mentions, trying to release the tension in the room. I have a feeling that is how she always is no matter the cost to her well-being.

“Are you sure?”

She nods.

“My home is only down the road, as well as all the other guys here. Cyber lives two doors down in the apartment building.”

“Is there a hotel for my men?” Dylan asks, pointing to the team of suits who look as if they have no intentions of going anywhere he isn’t. I can respect that, but I don’t know who this man is or what he does for a living and that means Harley isn’t quite safe around them.

“Sure.” Our men will be able to keep a better eye on them from the small hotel in town. It’s pretty new and operated just across from the strip mall.

“Why don’t we order in some pizza? I’m hungry,” Crystal insists, rubbing her belly.

“Yes, dear.” Boomer will do anything for her, but then again so would any of us. She’s the queen of the Steele Riders and one hell of a good woman.

“I could go for some pizza,” Harley says with a blush as her stomach rumbles.