“What do you want to know?”
“Everything. But first… tell me, Duchess. How’d you come across all the money to build it?”
"We've got several entities including the Rouge Roulette here in L.A."
He nodded as I spoke about the profit and about how I'd gotten to where I was. In turn, I told him about Caleb Killic and the Turkish Mafia.
“And you think you can handle them?”
I nodded. “For now,” I uttered. Not telling him how close they were to finding me.
"How have you been able to hide this long?"
"There's a friend who's been able to keep us under the radar. Let’s just say Stephanie Winters no longer exists. She hasn't existed for a long time."
"I'm about to put an offer on the table which could benefit us both. I won't penalize you if you don't agree to it, but I think it's in your best interest to at least consider it."
"This isn't part of your vengeance plan, is it? cause I'm not really in the mood to be used as a pawn in your plans. I had shit to do with whatever happened to you."
He smirked. "I see you've been well informed."
I shrugged. "I'm not stupid, Elrik. I know why you came back. I’m rooting for you and hell, I’ll help you take those fuckers out, but don't ever for one second think I'm gonna let you or anyone ruin what I've built."
He raised his hands. "I'm asking for a partnership. I help you; you help me."
"Okay. Let's hear it."
"We've got a new business we're looking into, and money is coming in. More money than we thought we could handle. I was looking at several investments and your Royal Harlots came up."
"Oh? And what sort of business?"
"I'll let you in on that when you've gained my trust. For now, I just need your word that you agree on spending a little extra money on your clubs and sending some my way when you can."
I narrowed my eyes on him, realizing what he was asking. "You want to use our businesses to launder your profits."
"And you get a percentage, including access to anything you want from the Royal Bastards MC."
I paused. "Anything?"
He nodded. "Anything, Stephanie."
"Back up?"
He nodded, and my wheels started to spin. "For the entire Chapter?"
He chuckled. "Within reason, but yes."
"And full affiliation,” I asked.
"Now you're reaching."
"You're the one who came to me, remember."
Sighing, he knew I had him. I held my breath until he propped his hands on his hips and hung his head in defeat. “You drive a hard bargain, but okay."
I looked at Rhea, who simply shrugged. Leaning in, she whispered into my ear. “It’s not a bad deal. He’s pretty much offering protection, and we need it right now. Don’t be stupid, Stephanie.”
I looked at Colt who nodded at me, but I was still unsure. I’d built the Harlots with my own sweat and tears, just to have it taken away by some President of another club. It didn’t matter if it was the Royal Bastards, nor that one of them was family, I didn’t trust any fucking man.
