I don’t answer. He knows my history. Due to the loss I suffered I don’t get attached. But Sophie… she flipped a switch in my heart I didn’t even know existed. I have to have her.
“I underestimated the bastard,” I admit. “Should’ve kept Webbs and Flock with me. When I met the woman, she clocked me.”
Brillo snorts. “She hit your big ass?”
Viper laughs too.
“After watching her kick Toby in the nuts last night, I was more worried about guarding my dick than my face.”
Prez chuckles, stepping closer, gripping my jaw like he’s inspecting damage.
“Should I be worried, cousin?”
I swat him away. “Get your damn hands off me.”
He smirks. We’re both roped into our granddad’s bullshit, and his ex is about to marry someone else. I wonder if he’s gonna let that shit happen.
“I’m happy you guys are ok after that explosion,” Prez sighs.
“Yeah, Psycho found out more information on Toby. He’s into sex trafficking.”
“That information can be helpful to a friend of mine,” Prez adds.
I know he’s talking about Buck Haugen. Neto. Secret society with deep pockets. Phantom attended college with him. They bust traffickers and throw down heavy cash. The payout we’d earn for leading them to the ring would go back to the club to take care of our brothers’ families. We live by a code. No brother left behind.
“What’s your next move?” Brillo asks.
“Let things cool off. Make Toby think he scared his enemies away. He doesn’t know it was us. No cuts. No bikes. We’ve still got the element of surprise,” I say.
Prez grins. “Perfect.”
He loves having the upper hand.
“I can’t wait to surprise that piece of shit,” I growl.
“Anything else?” Prez asks.
“I’m also having Psycho infiltrate one of those auctions.”
They exchange dark, satisfied glances.
“Nice work, Ruthless,” Prez says.
“I met two women from Flare, Toby’s North Side club. I want to destroy every business he owns. Those two ladies are going to help destroy the clubs.”
Prez and Viper lift their whiskey glasses. Brillo and I raise our beers.
“To ripping that motherfucker apart. Royal Bastards style,” Prez says.
We clink drinks.
Prez’s eyes drop to my arm. “You’re bleeding.”
I turn over my arm and stare at it. “Shit.” The napkins are soaked. “I better get this taken care of.”
I stand, gaze hard. “Sophie gets the club’s protection. Doesn’t matter that her brother’s Prez of the Chi Hellraisers MC.”
Brillo rises to his feet. “You can’t be serious.”
