Page 24 of Highway


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“Easy there, ace,” Highway whispers, his voice a low rumble that vibrates through my bones. He reaches out, steadying my hand.

“Thanks,” I breathe out, surprised by the flutter in my chest. It’s ridiculous—this isn’t the time for whatever electric current is arcing between us. But damn, if it doesn’t make me feel alive.

“Anytime,” he replies, a corner of his mouth lifting in a half-smile that’s all danger and promise.

We sit in silence, watching them load crates into the backs of several trucks.

“Who are they?” I ask.

Highway glances at Winchester, who nods. “Crimson Wheelers MC. They’re new to Jacksonville.”

“No, they fucking ain’t. They’ve been here for a year,” loud whispers Feral. “Creed said we should have moved them on, and now look at what they’ve done.”

Highway scowls at him. “They’re big in New Orleans. Lately, they’ve been expanding.”

My gaze drifts back to the MC members, oblivious to their impending downfall, a spiderweb of deceit they can’t see. And the Royal Bastards are the spiders, patient and deadly.

“Got enough?” Highway asks, his hand resting lightly on my back, grounding me.

“Enough to bury them,” I confirm, feeling the weight of responsibility tighten around my shoulders.

“Then let’s get the hell out of here.”

We fade back into the shadows, a seamless retreat. There’s work to do, a club to protect, and my personal feelings have towait.

“Good work tonight,” Highway says once we’re a safe distance away, his gaze meeting mine in the moonlight. “But next time you want answers, you ask me. You don’t go off on your own.”

“I’m really sorry. It’s just you all have this man code, and I didn’t think you’d share anything with me, but I can help. Hell, I have helped.” I hold up the camera. “These images again prove it’s the Crimson Wheelers. But who is giving them the orders?”

“If it’s not the Khans, that only leaves one other cartel who would oppose us.”

“Who?”

Highway looks up at the dark sky and then back at me. “Between you and me and not to go any further?”

“Yes,” I reply without hesitation.

“Has to be the Diablos. They’re the only ones big enough to strike at us. We have a long history with them, but lately, it’s been strained. They could be using the Wheelers to push us out.”

Surprised at his confession, I say, “I didn’t think you’d tell me.”

“A wise man said if I trust you, I need to let you in, but make it clear you can’t discuss it with anyone.”

“I won’t.”

Highway smiles down at me. “I know.”

The Royal Bastards are a unit, stronger together. And somehow, I’ve breached their walls, and I’m in the inner circle.

All of us go back to where we left the bikes.

Highway gets on his Harley and holds his hand out to me. With a quick motion, I climb on and wrap my arms around his waist.

“Where to?”

Highway places a hand over my own. “Back to the clubhouse. We show Creed your photos and plan our next move.”

***