Page 69 of Ruger's Rage
The final transfer paperwork for Backroads sits in front of me, each line a reminder of just how big a deal this is.
I can’t fuck this up—not just for me, but for Aunt Ellie, for the club.
"Sign here," the banker says, tapping a line at the bottom of the final page. "And here."
I scrawl my signature beside where Ellie's already appears, and just like that, the bar officially belongs to the Saint's Outlaws MC.
"Congratulations," he says, gathering the documents. "You're now the proud owner of Backroads Bar & Grill."
Across the table, Ellie's face is a mix of emotions—relief, nostalgia, maybe even a little grief.
That bar's been her anchor for three years, her independence after Striker, a way she reinvented herself.
"You okay?" I ask when the banker steps away to make copies.
"Just feels strange." She straightens the bracelets covering her old scars. "Letting go of something I built."
"You haven't let go of anything. Bar's still yours to run. We're just handling the finances now, taking the stressors off your back."
Her smile softens. "I know, honey. You're doing the right thing. For me, for the club."
"For Tildie too," I add. "She needs stability right now."
"That girl needs more than stability." Ellie's voice drops. "She's falling for you, Ryan. Hard. I can see it every time she looks at you."
Something warm unfurls in my chest. "Well, the feeling's mutual."
"I know. That's what worries me. Loving anyone in our world comes with risks."
Before I can respond, the banker returns with our copies. "Everything is officially transferred. The funds will clear by the end of day."
Outside, Bloodhound and Ounce wait beside their bikes, standing guard like always.
Bloodhound asks. "Done?"
I nod. "Bar's ours."
"Time to celebrate," Ounce grins. "Been too fuckin' long since we had a proper party."
"Been too long since we had anything to celebrate," I correct him.
But he's right.
Between Striker's setup, Marco's threats, and tightening security, our morale has taken a hit.
The brothers need a win, a chance to blow off some steam.
"Party here at Backroads tonight," I decide on a whim. "Invite everyone. Make sure Satyr brings his sound system."
Bloodhound's always the voice of caution. "You sure that's smart with everything going on?"
"We can't live in the dark forever. Dealin’ with Striker is still the plan, but tonight we’re gonna celebrate. Double security, check everyone at the door, but we party."
I didn’t even notice Ellie walking up. "If that's okay with you?"
Her smile widens. "About damn time. That place could use some life again."
Once I get back to the club, I find Tildie sitting on the porch, book in hand.
