CHAPTER FIFTEEN
I make it back to the clubhouse forty-five minutes later. The war room door’s open and I poke my head inside to find Rock, Wrath, Murphy, and Z.
“What’s up, brother? Get some she-wolf tail?” Z taunts.
“Fuck you. Why wasn’t your horndog ass there?”
“Prez needed me elsewhere.”
“Everything all right?” Rock asks.
Yeah, Rock’s gonna expect information of some kind about last night. Unfortunately, I got nothing. Nothing except wanting the same woman under me again tonight and the next. “I’m working on something.”
I jerk my chin at Murphy. “Can I talk to you?”
Without answering, he stands and follows me into the living room. “What’s up?”
“Heidi okay?”
“Bro, she’s fine. Made friends with Tiki’s ol’ lady. She’s Heidi’s age.”
“Fuck, seriously? That dude’s old enough to be my grandfather.”
“No shit.”
“Heidi give you hell?”
“As soon as we got home.” He snickers and shakes his head. There’s not a damn thing my sister does that he doesn’t love. “She’s not a fan of the Wolf Knights.”
I snort. “Who would be?”
The humor drains from his expression and he fixes me with a serious stare. “You had her fucking worried last night.” He cocks his head and runs his gaze over me. “And this morning. Where the fuck were you?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
He crosses his arms over his chest and raises an eyebrow. “Seriously?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Complicated?”
I get his confusion. Blake and I don’t have many secrets between us. At least, we never used to. The Wolf Knights are a good motivator not to say anything about Charlotte yet, but it’s more than that. She’s something outside the club that’s completely mine and I want to keep it that way for as long as possible. “Can you drop it?”
He pins me with an uncertain look and I feel bad for throwing up a wall between us. “I guess,” he finally says. “Come on.” He gestures toward the war room. “Rock wanted to meet with the officers before everyone else gets here.”
“Shit. I don’t have my numbers.”
Murphy has the nerve to roll his eyes. “Hurry the fuck up. I’ll let Rock know you’re coming.” He stops and places his hand on my arm. “You had me worried too, you know.”
“Sorry.” His admission makes me want to come clean with him, but it’s not the right time. “I had a good night.”
He swallows hard and nods once. “Good.”
Christ, I can’t stand my best friend getting emotional because I finally got laid. I punch his shoulder. “You look like you’re gonna cry.”
“Fuck you,” he says without hitting back. Very unlike Murphy. I move to throw another punch and he easily blocks me by grabbing my wrist mid-air. “One. That’s all you get. Hit me again and I’m gonna drop you,” he warns.
I nod and back away. “I’ll be right down.”
The first step makes me groan, my body reminding me that I heaped a lot of abuse on it last night. I take a long look at the stairs and seriously consider attending church without my numbers for probably the first time ever.
Thankfully, no one’s around to witness my hesitation. Or how slow I make it up the stairs.
At least I’m walking.
When I first left the hospital, they wanted to fit me with one of those damn chair lift things. No way was I going to move between floors like the old biddy in Gremlins.
I’m practically limping by the time I slip the key into my lock and open the door to my room. It’s stuffy, so I slide open the window, then throw myself on my bed and stare up at the ceiling.
A lot of images go through my head. All of them connected to Charlotte. How much I liked hearing her admit she wanted to see me later tonight. Because even if she hadn’t, there’s a good chance I would’ve shown up on her doorstep anyway.
However, that nagging feeling about her relationship to Merlin won’t stop bothering me.
Maybe I should come clean at the table today.
No.
If I’m not ready to tell Murphy, I definitely don’t want to share with the entire club.
Not yet.
I need to have her to myself for a little longer.
One of two things will happen when I tell the club. Either my brothers will freak out and question me seeing her again—and let’s face it, there’s not a damn thing right now that could keep me away from her.
Or there’ll be some demands for me to pry information about her uncle’s club out of her.
I don’t want to do that either.
For one thing, I have a feeling she doesn’t know much about Merlin’s activities. For another, she’s way too smart. She’ll know what I’m up to and it will ruin whatever she and I might have started last night.
Now that I have that straight in my head, I log on to my computer, pull up the numbers I need and print them out. Before leaving my room, I grab the papers, a notebook, and grudgingly, my cane.
Rock’s wearing his impatient president face when I walk in. He’s not big on us being late to church. His gaze drops to the cane I’m using and his expression relaxes, something I both hate and appreciate.
He doesn’t comment on the cane or ask if I’m all right. It’s not something he’d do in front of everyone else.
“Where we at on the Wolf Knights?” he asks as soon as I take my seat.
Skipping right over me, Rock lifts his chin at Murphy.
“Heidi did okay, Prez.”
Rock’s gaze lands on me. “How about you?”
“I’m working on something.” Even though I already decided I wasn’t ready to share, I hate like hell lying to Rock, to my brothers. Strangely, I also feel like I’m betraying Charlotte with my words.
Rock accepts my words without question and nods at the papers in my hand. “Anything exciting to report?”
Here’s where I’ll alleviate some guilt for my omission. “Actually, yes. The start-up social networking site we invested in is about to go public.”
“That little punk in Cali?” Z asks.
“Yup.”
“Okay, save that for the general meeting,” Rock instructs. He turns to Wrath. “You good taking the vote today?”
Wrath nods then opens the door and motions for the others to join us at the table.
The first order of business is Crystal Ball, the MC’s strip club. Since Z manages it, he speaks first. “There’s been a lull in business, but nothing we haven’t seen before.” He lifts his chin in Dex’s direction. “We’re looking into a few things to spice it up.”
“What’s spicier than naked chicks?” Ravage asks.
Rock raises an eyebrow at Dex, silently asking if he has anything to add. When Dex shakes his head, Rock turns his attention to me. “All club accounts are flush. Recently paid our dues to National. There’s some talk that they’re going to ask for an additional percentage to cover some legal fees, but nothing official yet.”
Rock nods as if he already knows this, which he probably does.
Everyone groans at the idea of kicking more money up the chain. It comes out of our general club fund, not our own pockets, but still, no one likes giving money away. I pass a spreadsheet around for everyone to look at and prepare myself for the next part.
Some of my brothers gave me shit when I wanted to invest in this kid’s business idea a few years ago. I knew back then it had the potential to be huge, and now that I’m about to be proven right, I want to savor this moment. Ignoring the smile twitching at the corners of my mouth, I shuffle through the papers in front of me, pretending to study them. “Well, Evan is about to go public, so our investment is about to pay off huge.”
Sparky shouts, “Yes! I knew that was a good one, Teller.” He’s not lying, he’d been supportive of the hefty cash investment.
“So, can we finally call ourselves the Billionaire Bikers Club?” Ravage snarks. I give him the side-eye because he definitely gave me shit for that investment.
“Not quite but it’ll be close,” I answer with a straight face.
Low whistles echo in the room. “Shit, bro,” Bricks says. He’d also questioned me at the time.
Ravage raises his arms in the air, and bends forward, bowing and pressing his forehead to the table. “I’m not worthy, bro. I’ll never question you again.”
Murphy cracks up and Stash slaps Ravage on the shoulder.
Bricks nods at me. “All right.”
I turn and meet Rock’s eyes and he gives me a subtle, proud nod. “Good job.”
I swallow hard. “Thanks.” Rock’s put a lot of faith and trust in me since I was a kid and his opinion matters the most to me.
Across the table, Wrath grins at me. “Knew you’d be perfect for that Treasurer’s patch.”
Wrath’s opinion is a close second and I nod at him once.
Sparky dances in his seat, waving his hand in the air, even though he’s maybe five feet away from Rock. “Boss! Boss! This seems like a good time to remind everyone we need to upgrade the solar panels.” He points to the roof with both hands as if we’re not aware of where the clubhouse’s solar panels rest. “And some of the equipment downstairs. And we should add another windmill—”
“Easy, brother,” Z says. “We also need to replenish the club’s legal fund and look into some tech upgrades to the property.”
Rock raises both hands in an “ease up” sort of gesture. “Let’s get the money in the club’s account before we go spending it.” He glances at me. “You good?” he asks.
“Yup. I have an LLC set up and in place. I should have hard numbers in a few weeks. And we’ll need to decide what we’re selling and what we’re keeping.”
“Keep us posted.” Rock’s gaze settles on Murphy. “What’d you learn last night?”
Murphy sits up, placing his elbows on the table and lacing his fingers together. “Well, Heidi made friends with Tiki’s old lady, who’s quite loose-lipped.”
“I’m sure that’s not all that’s loose on her,” Ravage quips.
No one laughs.
“She says they’ve made a lot of trips to Vermont lately to party with another club out there.”
“Really?” Rock smirks.
“Weird since Merlin made a point to say how he’s only focused on what’s going on in Slater lately,” I say, so at least it looks like I paid attention last night.
“Merlin’s stupid and a liar. Not shocking,” Dex says.
Mentioning Merlin makes me shift in my seat. Of all the people for Charlotte to be related to, it has to be that clown.
“All right. It’s that time again.” Rock slaps his palms on the table and stands. “I’m going to leave you for a bit.” He nods to Wrath and Z before stepping out.
As soon as the door shuts behind Rock, Wrath stands. “We’ll leave too if anyone wants to discuss it without us here,” he says, pointing across the table to Z. Honestly, if they leave, Murphy and I should go as well. But I wait to see what the consensus is before making the offer.
Bricks answers first. “That’s not necessary. Sit your ass down.”
Wrath smirks and takes his seat.
Not surprisingly, Sparky raises his hand. “I won’t work as well for anyone but the boss. Rock’s the boss.”
Having said his piece, he settles back in his chair. Sparky could royally fuck the club any time he wanted. Never even jokes or mentions it. Until it’s time to vote. Then he drops the subtle reminder that our grow operation would be shit without him.
“I think we all feel that way,” Dex says, glancing around the table. “Love all you, but no one can run things as well as Rock.” Around the table everyone nods in agreement without hesitation.
All of us turn our attention to Wrath and Z. “Figured,” Z says with a barely concealed smile.
Wrath’s wearing a more severe expression. “You plannin’ to challenge him?” I ask before thinking over the question.
I can’t imagine what that would do to the club.
“Fuck no,” Wrath answers, not bothering to hide his irritation. He shifts and sits forward, placing both hands on the table. He looks each one of us in the eye one more time before speaking. “However, he’s been carrying a lot on his shoulders for a long time now.”
He holds up a hand as if he thinks we’re going to disagree. “I’m not saying everyone doesn’t do their part.” He nods to Z and Dex. “You two handling Crystal Ball was a big help.” His gaze slides to Bricks. “I know you’re busting ass at the shop.”
Bricks takes that as an opportunity to speak up. “I could really use Murphy’s help if we can spare him.” Bricks leaves out the now that there’s no gym for him to work at because no one needs the reminder that Wrath’s gym is a pile of rubble and ash.
“Whatever you need, brother.” Wrath moves to Murphy. “You good with that?”
“Yeah. I’m not sure my skill level—”
“Bro, you know how to do a basic paint job. I got faith in ya,” Bricks assures him.
“Murphy,” Wrath says to get his attention again. “How’s Rock?”
The question seems to startle him. “He’s fine…why?”
“You’re living there. You’re in the best position to tell us. He and Hope okay?”
Murphy scowls. “I’m not there to spy on him. We try to give them as much space as possible.”
Wrath’s face says he’s waiting for a better answer.
“I don’t know. They fuck like rabbits and never seem to argue. You’re closer to them than anyone.”
Dex sits forward. “Hold up. He say something to you, Wrath? You think he wants to step down?”
“No. Nothing like that. Think about all the shit we’ve been through in the last few years. The Vipers, his incarceration, one thing after another. We all know Rock’s not gonna ask for help.”
“Probably wouldn’t occur to him,” Ravage agrees.
“Operating as the club’s public face is a full-time job on its own.” Wrath says.
“Dealing with all those shady politicians ain’t easy,” Z adds.
Wrath nods before continuing. “He wanted to step away from Loco, but after that bullshit with his cousin, he can’t.” His gaze flicks to me. “I know you still got a lot going on, but I’m gonna ask you to step up there.”
Next to me, Z laughs. “Loco’s scared to death of you, bro.”
“What about the Demons?” Wrath asks.
“Murphy and I can handle any stuff that comes up with the Demon crew. Stump’s gotten comfortable with us,” Z says.
Murphy nods in agreement.
“Dex and Murphy got the Iron Bulls covered too,” Z says.
This time, Murphy shakes his head. “Not to be a dick, but I’m not going back to Arizona again anytime soon.”
One of the guys—probably Stash—makes a whip-crack sound. Without looking down the table, Murphy throws up his middle finger. “Z, you know Romeo as well as I do.”
“Yeah, no problem. I don’t mind visiting their place.”
“They got a girl over twenty hanging out in their clubhouse?” Ravage asks.
Z snorts. “Nope.”
“Finally,” Wrath says, tapping the table to get Z’s attention before he starts waxing poetic about barely legal pussy. “Grinder’s getting out soon.” He lifts his chin at me. “Gonna need your help there too.”
Surprised, all I manage to get out is an, “Okay.”
“He’s gonna be so happy to be free, he’s not gonna challenge Rock,” Murphy says.
“Probably not.” Wrath takes a few seconds before continuing. “But Grinder was one hard motherfucker. I doubt prison softened him up. Who knows how much resentment he’s been storing since Rock got out and he’s been sitting there all these years.”
Murphy shakes his head. “I know you and Z ain’t been out to see him as often, but Teller and I see him pretty regularly. He’s never even hinted at that.”
“Long as we keep sending those checks to Rose, I think he’s cool,” I add, uncomfortable talking about Grinder.
Wrath claps his hands, both silencing us and changing the subject. “Rock’s our president for the next four years?”
He goes around the table and gets everyone’s yes before jerking his thumb at the door and asking Z to go get Rock and let him know he’s stuck leading us for another four years.
A few hours later Rock, Wrath, Z, Murphy, Bricks, and I meet in front of the clubhouse. The guys already have our van packed for the meet with Loco when I hobble over.
“You all right, brother?” Murphy asks.
One hard stare and he takes his concern elsewhere. Not before he flips me off though.
“I’ll ride with you,” Rock says to me.
“That’s okay, Prez. I’m going to head somewhere afterward.” Just because I can’t ride doesn’t mean I’m going to stop him. He stares at me for a minute before nodding. As long as we pull our weight, Rock’s not one to pry, so he doesn’t ask about my plans.
Rock and Wrath take off first. Bricks and Z take the van, and Murphy and I follow behind them. Instead of the park where we used to meet Loco’s crew, we’ve been meeting at this diner he bought on the outskirts of the Empire City limits. Couple bikes and a van at a restaurant calls less attention than a bunch of vehicles hanging out at the riverside park after dark.
Rock and Wrath park in the front, while the van goes around the back of the building. I back into a spot next to Rock. Murphy pulls in a few minutes later and backs in next to my truck.
“Let’s get this over with,” Rock grumbles, slipping off his gloves and stuffing them in his pockets. Loco drives Rock nuts, but as Wrath’s fond of pointing out, Loco seems to idolize Rock. Before Wrath joins us, I pull Rock aside. “Prez, do you mind if I take off after we’re done with the hand off?”
“Go ahead.” He rolls his eyes. “One of us should avoid gangster night dinner.”
I force myself not to laugh. “Thanks, Prez.”
Wrath smacks my shoulder. “Come on killer. Put your mean face on. Let’s see if we can make Loco piss his pants.”
“Knock it off,” Rock growls.
The four of us entering the diner turns heads. Something we ignore. Rock scans the room for Loco and lifts his chin toward the back hallway. As soon as Loco spots me, he stops in his tracks.
Okay, it’s a little funny.
Next to me, Wrath cough-laughs.
Loco pastes on his gangster smile, opens his arms and swaggers over. “Rock and crew. Always a pleasure to have you in my establishment.”
He shakes Rock’s hand and then leads us to the hallway and out the back door.
Z and Bricks are waiting outside the van, both of them studying the back parking lot and surrounding area.
“Only you tonight, Loco?” Wrath asks as he also takes a look around.
“Yes. I’m being a lot more…cautious with who I bring into certain activities.”
“Good plan,” Rock says which seems to please Loco.
Every now and then his gaze strays to me, then darts away.
None of Loco’s crew here means we have to unload the van ourselves. To be fair, Loco helps. We deposit the crates downstairs in a section of the basement clearly reserved for breaking down the large quantities of marijuana we brought into smaller amounts that are ready for distribution.
“Some of my girls are going to help with the packaging,” Loco explains, waving his hand at the set-up. “They can be trusted.”
Rock goes over the list of different strains we brought tonight. Sparky’s crops range from comfortable high to seeing-Satan-in-your-hot-tub-fucked-out-of-your-skull high. Loco makes a few notes and leaves them on the counter before handing Rock a thick envelope of cash.
Loco hands over a second envelope. “This is to cover some of the fuckery with my cousin.” His gaze flicks between Rock and Wrath.
Rock inclines his head in Wrath’s direction and Loco hands over the envelope.
Cash and blood. How debts are paid in our world.