Page 27 of Secret Betrayals


Font Size:

Nitro lets out a breathy chuckle, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Well, all right then. Let’s get this shit show on the road. Talon’s gonna want the boys close.”

He studies us momentarily, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. Then he clears his throat and adds, “You, though… I don’t know if he’ll want you here.”

Like that’s supposed to be news.

I don’t give a damn what Talon wants. My kids come first—always. Call me a helicopter mom if you want. I’ll wear that title until my last breath.

Axel keeps throwing daggers with his eyes, and Armand stays alert and annoyed. No surprise there. I’m starting to get used to the chip Axel carries on his shoulder. He’s the rottweiler of the trio—loyal, aggressive, always ready to bite. I respect that. But he had better remember. I don’t play when it comes to mine.

“I honestly don’t care what Talon wants. I care about what my children need. If they want to stay,we’llstay. End of story.”

I turn and walk out without waiting for a response. These men are testing every last nerve I have. I get it—Talon being a father is a shock. But the real bombshells haven’t even dropped yet. As we file into the hallway, I keep my sons ahead of me. I feel it—Axel’s not done. And I’m right. A rough hand grabs my upper arm. Hard. I don’t flinch.

Axel.

Typical.

I see Armand’s whole posture shift—ready to react. His jaw tightens. But I wave him off. This is mine to handle.

Axel steps in close, breath hot near my ear. “I don’t know what the fuck went down between you and my brother. All I heard was the sob story you and your kid laid out in there.” His voice drips venom. “I don’t give a fuck about poor you. Know this—if you fuck with my family, mother of his kids or not, business or not... I. Will. End. You.”

I turn, rip my arm free, and stare him down.

He thinks he’s intimidating. He thinks this is how power works.

Cute.

I smile.

A slow, knowing, disrespectful smile. Then I step in closer, chest to chest. Without fear, because there is not a motherfucker on the planet I have or will ever fear. My eyes filled with fury wrapped in ice.

I don’t say a word. I turn my back and keep walking.

My boys flank me. Their energy is molten, silent, coiled.

Nitro slides past, then glances over his shoulder, watching.

But Axel’s not getting off that easy.

“Axel,” I call, making him stop. He turns, eyes murderous.

I keep my voice even, but laced with steel. “Your threats are cute. But unnecessary. If I wanted to hurt your brother or your club, I would’ve done it already. I’ve had seventeen years to plan your downfall. I could’ve ended you, him,her—you know, the woman who kept him from his kids—anytime I wanted. I don’t deal in idle threats.”

His jaw ticks. Good.

“I’ve kept this club safe. You think enemies haven’t tried to come for you? They did. AndIstopped them.Ikept your clubhouse standing.Iprotected you. So be careful how you speak to me. Because I’m one breath away from walking away, taking my family and our allies with me. And when I go, hell will be on your heels.”

I pause.

“The Don sent me here for business. That’s what I’ll handle. Whether Talon wants to get to know his children that’s up to him, but I’ll be damned if anyone tells me where I do and don’t belong.”

I exhale, trying to rein in the heat rising in my chest.

“Any other questions? Any more threats?” I arch a brow.

Someone clears their throat, covering a snort. Probably one of my boys. Nitro’s still silent, observing everything.

“Good. Let’s move.”