by Blue Remy
“Gotta go, I’ll ring later and I’ll have ice cream and marshmallows for you.”
She nods and I slide her off my lap, and back onto the bed, kiss her lightly on the forehead, and go back to the boys outside.
Cage and Cooper sit on their Harleys, looking pissed off.
“What’s the plan?” growls Cage.
“Find them and fuck them up,” I say.
“Good, let’s ride,” says Cooper.
“Do you know where to?” I ask.
“Yeah, Dark Warriors have a Clubhouse.” Cooper starts his Harley, and Cage does the same.
I climb onto my bike, and we ride out of the trailer park in a single file in search of the Dark Warriors.
***
Cage and Cooper must know every back alley in Vegas. When they finally pull up, it’s at the end of another alley, and the bikes are obscured from the road by large industrial waste bins. I kill my bike and climb off. Cage takes off his colors and drapes it over his bike, then makes his way to the end of the alley where he disappears around the corner. I start to head in the same direction, but Cooper grabs my arm.
“Give him a minute. Cage has a female friend who lives nearby, she might know something. We need to wait and be cool, Brother.”
I nod, but waiting around is not one of my strong suits. After ten minutes, I begin to pace, and at twenty minutes, I’m about to go in search of Cage when he comes back around the corner.
“What the fuck took so long?” I demand.
“Relax, Rebel, got this chick I see from time to time. She fucking knows everything that happens in this neighborhood, nosey, but she’s a good source of Intel.”
“Did she say anything?”
“Yeah, couple of prospects were bragging about how they handled the tattoo girl from Inkmare.”
“They used fucking prospects?” I ask incredulously.
“From what little she knew, it appears as if the prospects did that on their own, word is, their Prez isn’t pleased.”
“Names?” asks Cooper.
“Did better than that, got my friend to phone them, and tell them about a party for four.” A grin spreads across his face.
The promise of sex is an easy way to get a man, any man, to do something. I nod at Cage and ask, “Where are we meeting them?”
“It’s an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts, must have been a while since they’ve dipped their wicks if they believed she’d meet them there.” I nod and he continues. “We should head out now, stash the bikes and wait.”
“Let’s ride.” I climb onto my bike and start her up, waiting for Cage and Cooper to do the same.
The ride to the warehouse takes an hour. On the way, my mind is filled with images of Ruby, and her bruised, and battered face and body. None of this makes sense, and I feel my rage building as I replay our conversation at the hospital.
“You just said you were raped.”
“Yes, I did, but not this time.”
Not this time. Not this time. How many times does a person have to be hurt before they can’t get up again? Ruby appears strong, but is she strong enough? She’s a tiny little thing, all soft and curvy. Yes, she has an attitude, but that makes me like her more.
I like her.
Fuck. I haven’t really liked anyone since Kat Saunders, I kept hoping she’d look over and see me, really see me. Never happened. Now she’s married to Dane, and treats me like her little brother.
Before I know it, we’ve pulled into a huge empty building, I park my bike next to Cages’ and kill the engine.
“Brother, you okay?” asks Cage.
I scrub a hand over my face and nod. “How long before they get here?”
“Not long, about forty-five minutes. Let’s set up, hide the bikes, and wait for the fuckers,” growls Cage.
***
When I hear the sound of approaching bikes, I’m ready. I feel like a snake that’s ready to strike, my muscles burn, and I need to feed my venom, my rage, into them.
They ride into the warehouse, grins on their faces with the promise of pussy urging them on. When they get off their bikes, Cage steps out of the shadows, and Cooper shuts the doors behind them. Confusion washes over their features as they look at each other, then us. I have a piece of wood in my hands and stalk toward them, when I am close, I swing and hit one of them with enough force that he falls onto his companion and both bikes topple over.
The guy on the bottom is pinned between the floor and the bike on top of him. I raise the wood above my head, and bring it down on the top guy, once, twice, three times. On the fourth hit, I connect with his head, and a crunching sound is heard as his head bounces off the bike beneath him.
I throw the wood away, and grab the fucker, pulling him free of the bikes. I try to get him to stand, but his knees give out, and he crumples to the floor. My boot connects with his gut, and he makes a satisfying grunt.
“Stop!” yells the prospect still pinned beneath the bikes.
I turn my gaze to him, and whatever he sees, he shakes his head and tries to scramble out from the bikes he’s under. For good measure, I kick his friend again, and then give him my best smile as I make my way toward him.
He’s trapped. He can’t get out, and I smell burning flesh as the bike burns into him. I kneel down in front of him, and he makes a whimpering noise. All I can think of is Ruby, my fist connects with his face, and I hear the sound of bone breaking as his nose explodes into a bloody mess. I am far from done, I keep hitting him, feeling his skin rip and tear as my rings bite into his flesh. As I raise my fist again, someone grabs my arm. I growl and look up into Cage’s eyes.
He immediately lets go. “Enough, Rebel. Unless you want to kill these fuckers.”
I stare at him for a moment, weighing up what he said. My rage does want to see them dead, for Ruby, for what they did. But this would start a war, and I don’t have permission to kill them, fuck it, I don’t have permission to beat them senseless, either. My gaze returns to the man that I’ve just beaten, he’s making a gurgling sound as blood pours down his throat. His face is a mess.
Cooper holds out his hand, and helps me to my feet. “Let’s go, Brother.”
I nod and walk mechanically toward my bike, climb on and start it up.
“Ah, Rebel?” I look at Cage, he motions to one of my hands. “You have a tooth sticking out of your knuckles.”
Absently I look at both hands, they’re covered in blood, but on my right hand, wedged between my pointer finger, and middle finger, is a tooth. I pull it out and flex my fingers, nothing hurts.
“Rebel, next time I need someone taken care of, you, my friend, will be my first call.”
I know he means it as a compliment; it’s high praise coming from Cage. He and Cooper aren’t known as being soft, but right now I have no desire to gloat over this, right now all I want is to get back to Ruby. I nod and give a chin lift, then leave the warehouse as quickly as my bike will take me.
Chapter eleven
Salvatore
I’ve been escorted to a building site just off the Vegas Strip by four of the Donati family. Their mood is sombre, and I don’t like the fact that I am on a building site, I have no desire to become part of the foundations. Outwardly I am calm, but inwardly, I scan my surroundings looking for an exit.
“Well, if it isn’t Salvatore Agostino!” I turn around to see a middle aged man in an Armani suit, I can only assume he is head of the Donati family in Vegas. He’s all smiles and has his arms open wide. Slowly the smile slips off his face. “You do me a dis-service by not telling me you were in Vegas, where’s the respect?” All humor has left his voice, and the arms that were once open and welcoming, are now at his sides.
“Forgive me, I meant no disrespect. I’m not here on business for the Abruzzi family, merely another business venture, I should have checked in with you when I arrived. Please be assured that nothing I do here is related to my family, or impacts yours.” My tone is neutral and my demeanour is relaxed. Casuall
y I undo my jacket and place my left hand on my hip, if things are going to get messy, I don’t want to be slowed down.
“Opening a new casino doesn’t impact on us?” he asks.
“Perhaps you would do me the honor of telling me who I am talking to?” I ask.
“You don’t recognize me?” I shake my head. “I am in charge of operations in Vegas for the Donati family, Carlos Rovere.”
Fuck. I may not recognize him, but I do know the name. He isn’t known for his negotiating skills, but rather his ability to get the job done, no matter the cost.
I extend my hand, and take a step toward him. “Salvatore Agostino, Captain in the Abruzzi family, pleased to meet you, Carlos.”
He bridges the gap between us, and takes my hand. “I know you are a Captain in your family, but that doesn’t give you free reign here.”
“And last I checked, your family didn’t own Vegas. We are all players here.” I straighten my jacket, and look around at the men in the room who are trying to look bored. “Why have you invited me to this….?” I spread my arms wide and look around at my surroundings.
“Invited?” Carlos smiles. “And here, I was thinking, we’d successfully transported you here for a quiet chat.” I take two steps away from him and position myself, so that all of the men in the room are now in front of me. I say nothing, and then I smile at him, and raise my eyebrows. “You know we have an informant in the Savage Angels, he used to be in the Dark Warriors, they’re useful if not barbarous. They’re quite good at being our lap dogs, doing what we wish, and Buzz tried to tell us that you’re working for the Savage Angels, as if someone of your stature would work for them.”
“It’s true, I am here on behalf of the Savage Angels, my family will be getting a cut, but this is a deal for the – what did you call them – barbarians?”
He looks surprised as he glances at his men. “Can you believe this guy? Your family will get a cut? That’s it?” I nod. “Hmm, well, I think my family deserves a cut, too, if that’s really what’s going on.”
“Forgive me, Carlos, but why should your family get a cut?” I ask calmly.
“What did you say? We are all players here? Yeah, well, we want to play.”
I raise my eyebrows at him, and place my hands on my hips. “I will need to talk to the Savage Angels, feel them out, see what they want to do.”
“Fine, you have three days to fix this. Oh, and don’t worry, Sal, we’ll find you,” he says with a snarl.
They all leave, and I let out a sigh of both relief and frustration. Relief that they didn’t pour cement on me and leave me here, and frustrated at this whole fucking deal.
I pull my phone out of my pocket and dial Dane.
“Hello?”
“Dane. It’s Sal. Things have gotten…complicated.”
I listen to his intake of breath, then he says, “Tell me, Brother.”
Chapter twelve
Steve
President of Dark Warriors
The bar’s packed, the music’s loud, and I’m sitting out front admiring the dancers, I normally stay in the back away from the public. Everyone’s having a good time, they’re all drinking, partying, and playing hard.
My gaze settles on my VP, Travis, I can tell from his body language he’s not happy. He’s pacing and talking on his phone. When his eyes lock with mine, he stops pacing and heads toward me. Fuck, this can’t be good. I stand.
“The fucking Savage Angels attacked our prospects, both of them are in hospital.” His jaw is set, and he looks like he wants to rip someone’s head off.
“Why?” I ask.
“Why what?” Travis growls.
“Use your head man, why the fuck would they go after us? What did the prospects do?”
“I don’t give a fuck, Steve, if they fucked their women and burned their Clubhouse down, they do not go after our members.” Travis steps toward me pressing his chest into mine. He’s a good friend, but I am in charge, and I will not tolerate a challenge to my authority.
I lock eyes with him and snarl, “Step. Back.” He drops my gaze and retreats back. “Go to the hospital, find out what fucking happened, and keep me posted.”
***
Travis has been gone for over two hours, and the longer he’s gone, the more agitated I become. I sent two of my most trusted to the hospital to find out what’s going on, the prospects and Travis are nowhere to be found. All phones go to voice mail.
Have the Savage Angels gone after my VP?
Jordan, my Sergeant at Arms, walks into the room, and from the look on his face, he isn’t happy.
“What?” I growl.
“Prez, from what I can gather, it looks like Travis and the prospects burnt down a tattoo parlor.”
“Why the fuck would they do that?”
“It has ties to the Savage Angels, and Prez….”
He looks nervous, and I realize I am taking my frustrations out on him, so in a calmer voice I ask, “And what, Jordan?”
“Salvatore Agostino and Dane Reynolds are here, and request a sit down.”
I sit back in my chair; my mouth falls open as I stare at Jordan.
“They’re here? In our Clubhouse?” I ask incredulously.
“Yes, Prez. They’re out front. Should I show them through? I’ve already patted them down, no weapons.”
My surprise turns to laughter. “Okay, Jordan, let’s see what Reynolds and Agostino have to say, and find my fucking VP.”
Jordan disappears. I run a hand through my hair, and scrub my face. Could this fucking day get any more fucked up?
The door swings open, and in walks Dane. Must be ten years since I’ve seen him, and the fucker only got bigger. I stand and walk toward him, his hand is already extended, and as I clasp it, he pulls me in closer, and slaps my back with his other hand.
“Hey, Steve, how’s it going?”
“I’ve had better fucking days. What the fuck is going on?”
“All in good time. Would you sit down with King, Sal, and myself? And anyone else you’d like?”
“Why would I want to do that?” I ask.
“Because we have a story to tell you, about the Donati’s that you may be interested in,” says a voice from behind Dane.
Dane moves out of the way and says, “Steve, this is Salvatore Agostino, Sal. He’s a moody motherfucker, but he’s family.”
Sal frowns at Dane, and shakes my hand.
“I’m not moody. I’ve just had enough of Vegas,” replies Sal.
“It’s not for everyone.” I look back at Dane. “Call King, let’s get this sorted.”
Chapter thirteen
Dane
President Savage Angels MC
Steve and I go way back. At one time, he looked at joining us, but he loved Vegas more, and back then, he had no hope of going up through the ranks. I’m not surprised he’s President of the Dark Warriors, he always had a good head for business, and an iron fist. There is no grey for Steve, it’s black or white. Choose badly and he’ll deal harshly. Loyalty for him is the only thing that matters.
I’m lounging in one of the chairs in his meeting room, trying to appear calm and at ease. There’s no love lost between the Vegas Chapters of the Dark Warriors, and the Savage Angels. Pity, they would have worked well together, and together they could rule this town.
Some of the senior members of the Dark Warriors are sitting around their table with me, studying me. I’ve tried small talk and only got one-word answers, I fucking hate small talk anyway, so now, we’re all sitting in silence. Sal keeps fixing his jacket, the only sign he’s uncomfortable. I know he’s been away from his family for too long, he’s getting fucking soft. I no longer stray far from home, either. Almost losing my woman Kat, first to bullets, then because of my own stupidity, makes me appreciate what it’s like to have a home, and soon I hope to fill it with our children.
A door opens, and I see King, Rebel, Cage, Cooper, and another Savage Angels member. The room goes quiet, I stand and give
King a bear hug, startling him.
“Fuck, Dane! What are you a fucking pansy?” says King in a raised voice, but it’s filled with humor.
“How the fuck are you? Been keeping Rebel safe?” I glance at Rebel and give him a nod.
“Keeping Rebel safe?” He sighs and looks around the room. “I wouldn’t fucking be here if he, and these two, knew how to follow fucking orders, would I?”
Cage and Cooper straighten up, and look at me.
“King, what the fuck are you on about?” I ask.
“I’m here because Rebel, Cage and Coop beat up a couple of prospects, aren’t I?” replies King.
“What the fuck?” I stare at Rebel and take a step toward him, he immediately takes a step back and raises his hands.
“I had just fucking cause, Prez, I swear. They beat up a woman, Ruby, she had nothing to do with anything,” he replies, his tone is pleading, and he looks to Cage and Cooper who nod.
“Why didn’t you take this to King? Why didn’t you contact me? Who the fuck gave you three permission to start a fucking war!” I roar at them.
Steve walks in with three men, two look pretty beat up. He turns to those two.
“You beat up a woman? Why?” Steve demands.
Both men look uncomfortable, one glances at the other and says, “We thought the girl was the old lady of that one –” he nods at Rebel “ – we thought she could give us information to help you. Travis told us to follow the new guy, we just thought –“
“Who the fuck told you to think?” asks Steve in a low deadly voice.
Travis answers, “They are loyal soldiers, Prez, they—“
“I told you to come back to me.” Steve turns and faces Travis. “I did not give you permission to burn down a fucking tattoo parlor, that if you had fucking asked, has no fucking ties to the Savage fucking Angels!”
“Gentlemen, if I may?” asks Sal, we look at him. “Please sit. We have much to discuss.”