Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 42479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
“Care to explain?” I prompted dryly. “Because we both know the Kings didn’t break that deal, which means someone else decided to handle our dirty work.”
Edge leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, looking thoroughly entertained. “Turns out we weren’t the only MC those assholes pissed off. Apparently, those gambling financiers had tangled with another club out in the LA area. The Black Crowns.”
I exchanged a quick glance with Kane, surprise flickering through me at the mention of the name. I nodded, a quiet acknowledgment as I processed this new development. “Who tipped you off?”
“Stryker.”
Just as Kane said the name, Riley returned from the bathroom, sliding comfortably back into her place beside me. She tilted her head slightly, clearly intrigued by the serious atmosphere at the table.
“Who’s Stryker?” she asked, glancing between me and Kane with open curiosity.
I turned to face her, sliding an arm around her shoulders. “President of the Black Crowns MC. He and our former treasurer, Tyre, go way back. In fact, Stryker’s helping Tyre set up the Redline Kings chapter out in Los Angeles. Let’s just say he's someone you definitely want on your side.”
Riley shifted comfortably against my side, bumping my shoulder playfully. Her eyes drifted toward the bar, filling with curiosity again as something caught her attention. “Who’s that girl talking to Century at the bar?”
I followed Riley’s gaze, immediately spotting Century standing stiffly near the bar, his gaze fixed with uncharacteristic intensity on the woman seated on a barstool in front of him. Her eyes were flashing with obvious annoyance, clearly unimpressed by whatever Century had just said to her. He stood rigid, visibly stunned by her apparent lack of cooperation, and for a moment they appeared locked in some kind of intense verbal standoff.
Before I could respond, the woman snapped something, tossed her hair over her shoulder in a gesture of clear dismissal, and slid abruptly from her stool. Century’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening as he immediately moved to follow her, calling after her to stop with an authoritative voice that carried even through the crowded bar.
The woman ignored him completely, marching out the front doors with Century close behind her, frustration radiating from every rigid muscle in his broad shoulders.
Kane smirked, shaking his head slightly as he watched them go. “From the looks of it, I’d say our brother just met trouble. Or destiny.”
“He’s a Redline King,” Riley snorted. “They’re probably one and the same.”
Laughter rippled around our table, and I couldn’t help but grin. My attention shifted back to my woman, who still watched the closed door with fascination. I drew her even closer against me, savoring the warmth of her body pressed to my side.
I leaned down until my mouth brushed softly against her ear. “Right now, baby, the only destiny I’m interested in is ours.”
Riley smiled up at me. “Is that so?”
“Absolutely.” The heat in my voice was unmistakable. “How about we get out of here, and I remind you again exactly what kind of future we’ve got waiting.”
Riley’s cheeks flushed at the sensual promise in my voice. Without another word, she slid from the booth, taking my hand and leading me straight toward the door. Riley belonged to me, now and always. Tonight, just like every night going forward, I intended to make sure she never doubted who she’d chosen to spend her future with.
EPILOGUE
RILEY
Ipaused in the doorway of our backyard garage and just watched them, a cold glass of lemonade in each hand.
Ryot and our seven-year-old son were shoulder to shoulder over a small dirt bike they’d been building together for weeks. Grease streaked both their faces in nearly identical patterns, and their matching expressions of intense focus made my heart melt.
“Easy on that bolt, buddy.” Ryot’s voice held his usual patience for our children. “We reinforced the frame, but we still want it safe. Remember the kill switch?”
River nodded, his tongue poking out in concentration as he carefully tightened the bolt. “I remember, Dad. Extra padding on the bars too. So I don’t get hurt if I tip over.”
“That’s right.” Ryot ruffled his hair. “Gotta keep my boy safe.”
Through the big window overlooking the yard, I could see our other two kids playing. Six-year-old Rae was pumping her legs on the swing, while five-year-old Rhett giggled as he tried to keep up. The swing set had been a weekend project built by Ryot and a few of the brothers when River was three. Sturdy, safe, and big enough for all the club kids who came over.
Ryot looked up, his eyes softening as soon as they landed on me. The smile that spread across his face still made my knees weak. “Hey, baby. Come help us finish this thing.”
I set the lemonades down on the workbench and rolled up my sleeves, stepping into the familiar chaos of tools, parts, and grease.