“Yes, Prez.”
“And the rest of you,” I say, looking around the room, locking eyes with each of the men.“We will deal with business like we always do.There’s no room for mistakes, but there is someone we need to look into.His name is Jasper.”
“The old guy who hangs out at Betty’s Diner?”asks Vex.
“Yeah, he’s the reason Tessa was out there.And he might be the reason all our deals have been fucked lately.”
Prophet taps the table.“He doesn’t like us.Do we know why?”
“He’s been difficult for a while,” replies Vex.“Ever since I took an interest in Tessa.”
“You think he’s sweet on her?”I ask.
Vex shakes his head.“No.He just doesn’t want me with her.”
Prophet taps the table again.“Funny, I didn’t think you wanted to be with her.”Vex gives him the finger, and Prophet laughs, then looks at me.“Want me to look into him?”
“Yes, but for fuck’s sake, be discreet.”Standing, I rest my hands on the table and lean over.“Vex, can you fix this with Tessa?Convince her we aren’t the big bad wolf?”
“I guess we will see.”
Chapter Twelve
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Vex
The walk from the clubhouseto the shack where we’re keeping Tessa feels endless.Each step seems to drag more than the last.What the hell do I even say to her?‘Hey, we’re all monsters, but we’re nice monsters’ doesn’t exactly feel like it’s gonna win me any points.
Rooster’s voice breaks through my thoughts as I stop in front of the door.
He’s grinning—he’s an idiot.“Good luck,” he says, his smirk wide and knowing.
I don’t even think about it.My hand shoots out, grabbing him by the collar and lifting him off the ground with barely any effort.He’s dead weight in my grip, a struggling sack of bones.
“I could end you right now,” I growl, the words low and dangerous, letting the threat hang between us.
