My mind returns to Lily. I haven’t seen her around and I don’t know if it’s a good thing or not. I keep my eye on Slade or Zach every time they walk past me, waiting for the right hook they’ll no doubt deliver if they hear of our night together. And it seems the universe is truly against me cause I’ve spent more time with Zach running errands than I have since patching into the Willow’s Peak chapter. Paranoia is attacking me, and I don’t like it. From what I have learned about the woman from overhearing brothers’ conversations is she’s a liability with easy-opening legs, and a liking to party with a guy, and she doesn’t care who the guy is as long as she’s not alone. None of them have had a good word to say about her. When Slade and Zach aren’t around, I’ve also learned I’m not the first, second, or third brother to have been with her. I push her out of my mind and focus on the road. We agreed to never speak of our night together again so I need to get over it.
Out by the dried-up creek, we’re waiting fifteen minutes before the Sheriff’s cruiser pulls up.
“I reckon her being late is her way of trying to regain a little control with us.” Zach snorts.
The politics of the club has never been my thing. It’s why I’m happy not to have a position in the club. I’m way past content to be a brother and do what I’m asked and live my life the way I want.
“Morning, have you got this month’s payment?”
I heard Leo once say how he wished he could put his gun to her temple and blow her brains out. Seeing her smug smirk and the way she thinks holding her hand to her gun in some way intimidates us, riles me. And I too wish I could blow her brains out.
“Would we be here if we didn’t?” Zach grunts.
He passes her the envelope and without another word, she retreats to her cruiser and drives off.
Our next stop is the motel. The sun is warm and while Zach carries out Slade’s business, I whip my hoodie off and put my cut back on. Sat on my bike, I watch aunt and nephew, the aunt that I was balls deep in a few nights ago, not that I remember, and she doesn’t look over once.
She’s stunning and certainly doesn’t look her age, which I found out yesterday. According to the brothers, she’s had an easy life since Slade has paid most of her way, but she’s had a hard time when it comes to men.
Zach tries giving her the envelope, but she refuses to take it and closes the door.
“Something’s wrong,” he mutters when he reaches me.
“Why do you say that? She looked fine to me.”
“She wouldn’t take my dad’s money.”
“So you conclude something’s wrong?”
Isn’t that a good thing?
“If you knew my aunt, you’d think so too. My dad could’ve paid off a second home with all the rent he’s paid for her. Unless she’s trapped an asshole into playing house. And trust me, it’s always an asshole she chooses. I love my aunt but she’s trouble wrapped neatly in a headache. Her not taking this money means something is going on. And it won’t end well. It never does.” He stares at her room and frowns.
“She seems harmless,” I hedge.
His snort is mocking. “Lily is anything but harmless to the unsuspecting. Of all the assholes she’s set up home with, it’s always her that walks away scot-free.”
Why the fuck do I want to know more. I’m being told this woman is trouble and all I want is to delve deeper into her life. With Grim gone and me left to my own devices, I’m losing my damn mind.
“She sounds like a strong woman.”
There’s another snort from him. “There’s not much strong about her, she has my dad. The number of scrapes he’s pulled her from is beyond belief. Though I think he’s had enough these days.”
I keep my mouth shut. He knows his aunt much better than I do, though not in the same way I do.
Later that evening in the bar, I hear Leo grunt, “Why is she here?”
I rearrange Stevie on my lap, and look around her and catch Lily stood in the doorway. She sets her sights on Leo and keeps her chin up as she cuts across the bar. I should look away, she and whatever she’s here for isn’t any of my business, but I can’t.
She stops at our table and glances my way before she focuses on Leo.
“I’d say welcome back but I’m not sure anyone, including myself, gives a shit.”
Glancing at my president’s harshness, I get over it quickly.
“I need you to talk to Luca, tell him I’m back and make sure there won’t be any repercussions.”
“Why would I do that?” He laughs, then adds, “Oh, you think I’d go out of my way for you?”
