Pulling on his pants, he quietly left Margaret in bed and went outside for a smoke. As the sun crested over the horizon, he took a few minutes to think about his recent life choices. His club was six million dollars richer, but after tucking away a third of that for the club, and splitting it among the thirty brothers in his MC, it didn’t make any of the wealthy. Best case scenario, they use it to help purchase a big-ticket item like a house. Worst case scenario, they piss it away on booze and women. He suspected the younger men might be more inclined to spend it on foolish pursuits, but he hoped his son would spend his windfall with an eye to the future.

No sooner had he thought of Darkness, than he appeared.

“How’s it hanging, old man?”

“Fine. I’ve been thinking about making the split today.”

“The men will happy to get their cut. After tucking away a bit for our rainy-day fund and meeting expenses, I’d guess they are getting about hundred and fifty grand each.”

“Around these parts that kind of money would go a long way towards paying off a house or condo.”

“I ain’t ready to buy real estate. I got enough from my last job with Johnny to pay for a place if that’s what I wanted. I think you should wait until the job’s done before making the cut.”

“Give it to them in one allotment and see what they make of it?”

“Yep.”

“How’s the Brit?”

“She’s fine I guess.” Jerking one finger to his face he quipped. “Do I look like a brother who gives a fuck?”

“You do.”

“Fuck her. Skank thinks I’m like every other biker she’s known.”

“You ain’t like any other biker I’ve known.”

“I’ll be glad to see the back side of her. She got pissy cause I showered with Misty last night.”

“She doesn’t want you, but she doesn’t want anyone else to have you either?” Dark asked.

Darkness growled, “Stupid fuckin’ bitch. I don’t play games like that.”

“Some women aren’t going to be happy, no matter what you do.”

“As far I’m concerned, she just part of the job now. She better not open her mouth to me, ‘cause only disrespectful shit falls out of it anyway.”

“You’re a good one to talk. You always let your mouth get the better of you when your dick could solve easily your problem.”

“Might work for you, but doesn’t for me. Fucking them only makes them hate me more,”  Darkness answered.

“Suit yourself. You always were stubborn,” his father said,

“Wonder where I get that?”

A female voice interrupted their conversation, “I brought you two some coffee and a biscuit.”

Dark and his son turned to see their newest club whore approaching with a small tray. Darkness grabbed a cup of coffee and took a sip, before unwrapping his biscuit. “Bacon, egg, and cheese is my favorite. Thanks, Misty.”

Her pleased voice responded quietly, “You’re more than welcome, Darkness.”

“Hey, I’m standing right here. I’m just your club president. In case you don’t know, that means I outrank the whelp when it comes to getting fed,” Dark pointed out.

Misty giggled. “You know I’d never forget you, sir. Eagle Eye made your coffee. I hope you like it.”

Dark reached for the Styrofoam cup. “What the hell did she do to it?” Taking a gulp, the soothing taste of caramel and cream washed over his tongue. “Damn, that woman makes a great coffee.”

Darkness’ lips quirked into a sly grin, “You got yourself a winner there, old man. Treat her nice and hang onto her.”

Misty looked at the younger man appraisingly. “You should take your own advice, Darkness. There are a lot of nice girls here who would be loyal and treat you right. You know, ones you don’t have to tie to your bed to keep them close.”

Darkness poured his coffee out on the ground. “What the fuck, Misty?”

“I thought brothers appreciated honestly. I’m just being straight with you.”

Shaking his head, he slammed his biscuit back down on the tray. “No, you’re not. You’re being a smartass.”

Turning to go back into the clubhouse, she remarked over her shoulder, “You have to have an ass to be a smartass, and we both know I don’t have anything interesting going on back there.”

Suddenly, his frown turned into a smirk, “Fuckin’ hell old man. Every bitch around here is trying to get their claws in me. They need to stay the fuck out of my personal business.”

“I thought Ms. Elsie was just club business now. Did she go back to being your business again already?” Dark asked.

“No, she fucking well did not,” Darkness barked.

“Good. Have a drink of my outstanding coffee and half my biscuit, so we can get to work.”

Grudgingly taking the offered food and drink, they scarfed it down in a few bites and gulped down the coffee. Dark’s cell rang and it was Johnny.

“Head’s up, we got a hit on an old corporate credit card. It’s not in his name but the owner is no longer with the company, so we think there’s a good possibility that it’s Donovan.”

“Where?”

“Amherst, New York. The Eldridge Luxury Suites.”

“We’ll be there in a couple of hours.”

“There is a bed and breakfast nearby called The Armon. I booked a suite, number 984. It’s in the back with a good view of the Eldridge and very private,” Johnny said.

“Roger that.”

“Finally, I’m dying to see this job done.”

“Me too, son.”

When they walked into the MC, the men were already pulling out weapons and ammo. Margaret was busy cleaning her sniper rifle. Seeing them come in, she jerked her chin at them. “Sarah called. We’re meeting at The Armon in Amherst.”

“We got a call from Johnny called. Donovan’s at the Eldridge.”

Rolling her eyes, she quipped. “Donovan was never one to skimp on luxury.”

“It’ll be the little prick’s undoing. Sure you want to tangle with him.”

“Hell, yes.” Stopping to lay down her weapon, she looked up at him.” I won’t though.”

Pulling her up into his arms, he didn’t even care that everyone was watching. “You’re staying out of it because you promised to let me deal with him?”

Nodding, she responded, “I’ll cover your six.”

“I’d already be dead if you hadn’t sniped those men off me when we rescued Don Carlo.”

Picking a piece of lint off his shirt, she took a deep breath, “We can’t be happily ever after if you die. Remember that, will you?”

“I’ll remember.” Pulling her up for a brief kiss, he murmured, “You make a nice coffee.”

“I remembered how much you enjoyed those hard, caramel flavored candies when we were in London.”

“I can’t believe you notice shit like that about me.”

“I notice everything to do with you,” Margaret answered.

“You’re worth fighting for and if it comes down to it...”

Her hand came up to cover his mouth. “Don’t say that. It’s bad luck.”

Staring into her eyes, he nodded. “Whatever you say, sweetness.”

“I say, let’s get the hell out of here and get the job done. I want my damn dark prince, my castle and my happily ever after.”

Laughing, he sat her back down on her feet. “You got it.” Turning to his crew he barked roughly, “Don’t you have anything better to do than watching a man with his woman? We’ve already been paid six million on this job. Let’s get it finished and get the rest of our payday.”

That speech put a spring in their step. Dark saw Ms. Elsie standing in the doorway leading from the private rooms and motioned her over, “How are you holding up today, girlie?”

Folding her arms over her chest, she answered curtly, “I’m fine, mate. Thanks for asking.”

“I know this has been hard, but hang tough and we’ll get you on your way as soon as possible.”

“You’re leaving me here, aren’t you?”

“This is not your fight,” Margaret said as she touched her reassuringly on the arm.

Dark looked down at the still angry woman. “Don’t be so eager to put yourself in harm’s way, little one.”

“Trust me, after getting grabbed in London, I’m not eager for anything. I just worry about Margaret.” Her worried eyes drifted from him to Margaret.

“You let me worry about my woman. I’ll keep her sweet ass safe. Can you do me a favor?”

“I’ll do my share to get us through this. What do you need?”

“Stay with Dawg until we get back. He’s not doing so well and I don’t want him trying to get up or do anything stupid.”

“I’ve already checked on him once. It’s the least I can do since he got hurt protecting me.”

Margaret chimed in seriously, “He’s a doer and being down is probably working his last nerve. You’re sweet and would probably be good at distracting him.”

Folding her arms over her chest, she smiled, “I can pretty much guarantee that. Am I still going to have my shadow?” She motioned over her shoulder with one thumb, to Dix, who was stood off to the side watching her just like he’d been asked to do.

“I’m afraid so. It’s for your own good. We don’t want anything bad to happen to you on our watch. Last time was a one-off situation.”

“Okay, I suppose that will have to be okay for a little while longer.” Dark watched her walk away, wondering why his son was so obsessed with her. She was an ill fit for the club.

Loading up in several work vans, they left their cuts and motorcycles behind. It was a decision meant to help them fly under the radar for this job. Surly, leather clad bikers tended to draw notice wherever they went.

They were on the road in less than thirty minutes and Dark put his clubhouse on lockdown just to be safe.