“Gimme a fucking suit.” Zane grabbed the firefighter by the throat and pushed him against the engine. “I’m not giving up. I’m gonna go in.”
Strong hands clamped around his shoulders and Gunner and Cade pulled him away from the firefighter.
“C’mon man,” Sparky said. “Let him do his job. If he says they wouldn’t have made it …
“Fuck.” Zane fought their hold. “It’s my choice. I’m willing to take the risk.”
“But I’m not.” Jagger came up behind him. “I almost lost you once. I’m not losing you again. She was my friend, too, Zane, and T-Rex is our brother, but even I can see there’s no chance.”
As if on cue, the rest of the roof fell in, the building imploding in a burst of flame. The police arrived and cordoned off the area, forcing the Sinners back and across the street.
“I’m sorry, man.” The firefighter Zane had assaulted ushered him back from the raging inferno. “There’s nothing we can do.”
Noooooooooooooo.
Pain suffused Zane’s body, filling his lungs until he thought he would drown in anguish. Blind with panic, he stumbled across the street, feeling for his bike, his only port in the storm of regret and longing that swept through his soul. He slid onto the seat, clutched the handlebars, doubled over, and let himself go. If he could do it all again, he would tell her what really happened that night he left. He would tell her his feelings had never changed, not even when he’d seen her with Mark. He’d tell her that he’d never had a serious relationship because every woman reminded him of her—every face, every laugh, every smile. And if she was with someone else, he would win her back. Or die trying.
Maybe it wasn’t too late. Maybe he was giving up too soon. He’d made that mistake back in Stanton. He wouldn’t make it again.
He shot up in his seat, saw Jagger standing beside him. “I’m here, brother. Whatever you need.”
Zane drew in a ragged breath, forced himself to get it together. “Gonna drive around town in case we missed something. Maybe they found another way out, or they’re sitting at the restaurant down the road havin’ a coffee.”
“They think they found a body—”
Zane cut Jagger off with an abrupt shake of his head. “It wasn’t her. Or T-Rex.”
“Neither of them are answering their phones, brother. When has T-Rex ever failed to answer a call from the club?”
Zane’s hands tightened around the handlebars. “What does Viper gain by killing them? He wants Evie. And they’re not gonna kill T-Rex for no reason because they know we’ll retaliate and take one of their own. There’s gotta be another answer.”
“Never thought of you as an optimistic man.” Jagger flicked the kickstand on his bike. “But I’ll follow you to hell and back. Just like you did for me.”
“I’m a desperate man,” he said.
“Well then let’s ride, desperado, and find your girl.”
* * *
Evie slumped against the passenger door of Connie’s vehicle, physically and emotionally drained. How did Zane do this for a living? One week of bikers and her life had been turned upside down. In the last hour, she’d been threatened with sexual assault and physical violence, witnessed the murder of the man who had been like a father to her, owned and lost a business, and poor T-Rex … She groaned and scrubbed her hand over her face.
“They’ll kill him, Connie. And all because of me.”
Connie reached over and squeezed her hand. “You can’t think like that. Jagger will find a way to get him back. You heard what T-Rex said. The Sinners have Viper’s old lady. It’s all about posturing. They’ll do the trade—”
“He doesn’t want her.”
“I’m sure he was just saying that to make himself seem tough.” Connie took a sharp right and Evie fell against the window, hitting her shoulder so hard she winced. Viper hadn’t even flinched when she stabbed him. He wasn’t human. Or maybe he’d been stabbed so many times he didn’t feel it anymore.
“Of course he wants her,” Connie continued. “Look what he’s gone through because he wants you, and you’re not even in his club. She’s his old lady.”
“He won’t want me now that I stabbed him,” she said, following Connie’s line of thought. “That was probably a deal killer.” And a T-Rex killer. “Oh, God.” Her stomach twisted in a knot so fierce she doubled over. “I’m not worth it, Connie. I’m not worth his life.”
“Don’t talk like that.” Connie’s voice rose in pitch. “You are worth it. And Ty needs his mother. Viper was right about one thing. You have to respect the sacrifice T-Rex made. You need to take Ty and get out of town before the day is up. Look after your son and let the Sinners look after their brother.”
“I need to call Jagger and tell him what happened.” She fished around for her purse and froze. “My purse … It was in the shop. And my phone was in it.”
“Then it’s gone.” Connie dug her phone from her pocket. “I have Tank’s number in there. You can give him a call and he can give a message to Jagger … and Zane.” Her voice softened. “I think he’ll want to know you’re okay.” She pulled up at a red light and handed Evie her phone. “His name is under “T” for Tank, although his real name is James. He likes Tank, though. Says it fits him better.”
“Why do you have Tank’s number?”
“He’s hot. He’s cute. He’s a biker. And he spent last night in my bed.” She bit back a grin.
“You and Tank? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Connie shrugged. “You were a little preoccupied running away from the man you’ve been lusting after for the last nine years, while being chased by the biggest baddest biker in town.”
“Not anymore.” Evie called Tank and he promised to get a message to Jagger and Zane to call as soon as they could.
“I think you’re right. I need to get out of town,” Evie said. “Ty’s at home. His best friend’s older sister, Moira, is babysitting today. We’ll have to pack, pick up some supplies, rent a car…”
“I don’t think you should be making any public appearances.” Connie hit the gas and accelerated through the intersection. “If you haven’t already noticed, Vipe’s not one of the good guys. He’ll probably show up and say that in his world, one day means one hour.” Her chin wavered and Evie mentally chastised herself for forgetting how Connie often hid behind false bravado. No doubt she was shaken, too.
“You don’t need to be involved. This is about me and Viper and the Sinners. Turn the car around and I’ll call a cab to take me home.”
“If I didn’t have to have two hands on the wheel, I’d give you a slap.” Connie lifted one hand and gave Evie a soft thud above the ear. “Oh look. I can drive with one hand and slap you around with the other. I’m your friend. That means when the chips are down, I don’t run away. Plus, my life was gettin’ kinda dull and I was hoping something like this might happen: murder, arson, assault, my best friend being fought over by two outlaw bikers, me meeting the biker of my dreams, Bill getting…” She choked on her words, wiped a tear from her cheek.
“Connie…”
“Shush.” She drew in a ragged breath, forced a smile. “I’m thinking about what to wear when Tank takes me for a ride through the mountains. Do you think they make red leather biker trousers?”
“No.”
“I’ll get my grandma to whip me up a pair. She’ll be overjoyed to see me since I haven’t visited her in six months. By the way, did I mention I’m taking you and Ty to stay with my grandma in Joliet? You’ll love her, but she’s got a sewing addiction. So bring an extra suitcase ’cause you won’t need to buy clothes for you or Ty for the next few years.”
* * *
Evie hit the ground running when they arrived at her house. She paid Moira and sent her home, then tugged the suitcases out from under the bed and threw in her clothes and supplies. Connie raced to Ty’s room and filled a bag with toys and clothes.
“What’s going on?” Ty stood in the doorway, his forehead creased in
confusion.
“We’re going on a little holiday.” Evie tore a dress off its hanger. “Connie has invited us to spend some time with her grandmother in Joliet. She says there are lots of kids there to play with.”
“What about your work?”
Evie paused, not wanting to lie, but not wanting to worry him either. “I’m taking some time off.”
Before he could answer, the front door banged open. “Evie. Thank fuck.” Jagger stalked across the room and pulled her into a warm hug. “When I got Tank’s message … Christ. We thought you’d been bur—”
“I’m okay,” she said quickly, mindful of Ty in the hallway behind her.
“Jacks are on the move.” Jagger heaved in a breath. “Shooter spotted three of them heading this way.”
“No.” Evie took a step back. “Viper said I had a day. He was going to…” She stumbled over her words. “Take me, and then T-Rex offered himself in my place. He thought Viper would trade to get his old lady back.”
“Well from the looks of it, he’s coming for you now,” Jagger said. “Zane stopped at the clubhouse to pick up a cage. He’ll be here any minute to take you and Ty to our safe house. I’ll make sure Connie gets home. Shooter and Tank are gonna try to intercept them and Cade is coming with some brothers.”
She stuffed clothes in her suitcase, glanced down the hall to make sure Ty was out of earshot. “I don’t want this, Jagger.” Her voice wavered. “I don’t want to be part of this world. And I don’t understand why Viper is doing this. I ended it with him last night. Doesn’t he realize if he wants me, hurting me and my friends and forcing me to go with him is entirely the wrong thing to do?”
“You’re thinking about him like he’s a normal man, a civilian.” Jagger pulled the curtains on her windows. “He might want you, but it’s in his nature to be cruel and violent. He might have been able to hide it, even enjoy playing the game, but there was only one way the game was going to end, and it was with you in his bed even if he had to hurt you to get you there. He’s a man who takes what he wants, and from the moment you caught his interest, he was never going to leave you alone.”
“Everything was fine until you and Zane showed up at the shop. Before that, he was a different man.” She zipped the case closed and grabbed her coat.
Jagger gave her a tight smile. “When we showed up, we just added politics to the mix. He wants you even more now because a Sinner wants you. And I wouldn’t put it past him to use you as a pawn in the bigger game. The Sinners and the Jacks have been warring over dominance in the state for years. He might not want to use you, but he will. He might not want to hurt you or break you, but he won’t be able to stop himself. He is who he is, Evie. He loved his daughter, Arianne, but he was prepared to kill her when he found out she was with me.”
“You think he would kill me?” She stared at him aghast.
“I think he would break you,” Jagger said. “And if he does, death would be a mercy.”
THIRTEEN
Just getting your repair started can be the hardest part of the whole job.
—SINNER’S TRIBE MOTORCYCLE REPAIR MANUAL
“Evie!” Zane bolted from the Sinner SUV and crossed the lawn to Evie. Ripping the suitcase from her hand, he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. Relief flooded him, becoming a shuddery ache as she melted into his body. She was okay. His Evie was alive. Even when he’d received the text from Tank, he hadn’t believed it. He had to see her for himself. Hold her. Assure himself it wasn’t all a dream.
“Zane, I can’t breathe.” She pushed gently at his shoulders and he loosened his hold, but he couldn’t let her go.
“It’s okay,” she whispered. “I’m okay.”
He tried to release her. But no. His arms weren’t cooperating. He wanted her here against his chest, feeling her heartbeat forever.
“Baby, you’ve got to let me go.”
Baby. She’d started using that term of endearment her last year of high school, when Zane would meet her after work, dirty from a day hauling lumber and framing buildings, when he looked nothing like a baby and more like the kind of man who shouldn’t be spending time with a girl like her. But he loved the term of endearment. Loved that it was only for him.
With a sigh he released her. Still unable to speak, he lifted Ty in his arms, and grabbed Evie’s hand, half dragging, half pulling her to the vehicle parked outside her house. The boy weighed almost nothing, and he wondered if Evie had been feeding him right. How much were eight-year-old boys supposed to weigh? Maybe he would ask Dax. With five boys under his belt, Dax would know everything about raising a son. Less, though, about relationship troubles he and Sandy had been happily married since they graduated from high school.
“Keys.” Evie held out her hand after Zane unlocked the door to one of the club’s black SUVs.
Zane settled Ty in the back seat, finally finding his voice. “I drive when there’s a woman in the car. That’s how it is.”
“I drive when my son is in the car. And that’s how it is.” She put her hands on her hips and glared. Zane fought back the urge to just lift her and deposit her in the front seat. This wasn’t the time for feminist bullshit. They were in danger and it was his job to protect them.
“You can fight me all you want,” he said. “But I’m in control of any vehicle I ride in, especially when I got you and Ty to look after.”
“So, it’s a macho thing?” She released a sigh. “Would you really feel that much less of a man if I drove?”
“Yes.”
“Fine.” She yanked open the passenger door. “Far be it from me to dent your masculine pride, since it is one of your more attractive qualities.”
Zane straightened his back, puffed out his chest and fought back the urge to fist pump. His woman appreciated his protective nature, the essence of his maleness. And she was letting him drive.
After Evie and Ty were securely buckled in, Zane slid into the vehicle and hit reverse. The tires squealed as he kicked the vehicle into drive and accelerated down the road.
“Slow down,” Evie protested. “This is a school zone and no one is behind us. There’s no need for excessive speed when there’s a child in the vehicle.”
“This isn’t excessive speed. I’m just wanting to drive faster than that kid on his tricycle.” He gestured out the window. “Maybe we should stop and ask him for a tow.”
Evie’s cheeks reddened. “Sarcasm doesn’t become you.”
“Neither does your bullshit. You always loved speed.”
She’d also loved drag races, occasionally cutting class, and dating guys who set Zane’s teeth on edge—the fringe elements of high school who had their own bands, spent time in juvenile detention, or rode motorcycles to school. Jagger had figured it was a case of opposites attract, but Zane had a different view. Evie was one of them. She just couldn’t admit it.
“This is like the movies.” Ty bounced in his seat. “I can’t even read the street signs we’re going so fast.”
Zane glanced up in the rearview mirror and spotted four bikes at the end of the road. Black Jacks. “Son of a bitch. How the fuck did they get here so fast? And where are the goddamned Sinners?”
“Language,” Evie warned.
“I’ll swear all I want when we got fucking Black Jacks on our tail,” he growled. “And I already squared it away with Ty. I put fifty bucks in his swear jar as advance payment.”
“Zane says we’ll be able to afford to take the fucking space shuttle to the fucking moon now that he’s around.” Ty rattled his swear jaw and Evie turned and glared.
“Ty. You are now down two quarters, and if I ever hear that kind of language again—”
“I’m just saying what Zane said.” Ty caught Zane’s glance in the rearview mirror and smiled. Well, damn. His son was no fool. But he’d have to be more careful or he’d get them both in trouble.
Pulling his gaze away, Ty peered out the back window. “Why are those bikers chasing us?”
“
’Cause they want something they can’t have.” Zane cranked the wheel to the left and the vehicle dipped as they took a sharp corner. Evie sucked in a breath and Ty gave an excited shout.
“Mom, you should drive like this. Zane is awesome.”
“He’s dangerous, darling. Make sure you have your seat belt on.” Evie gripped the door handle and muttered under her breath. “No point saving us if you’re planning to kill us en route.”
Although he didn’t have to do it, Zane took another sharp left and then a right. Evie and Ty jerked from side to side in the vehicle, and he bit back a laugh when her muttering turned to soft curses only he could hear. But his good humor faded when he glanced up in the rearview mirror and saw the Jacks gaining on them. Where the hell were Shooter and Tank? Or his brothers? It shouldn’t have taken them this long to find the Jacks.
“We can’t outrun them in this damn cage. We need a place to hide so I can call the boys and get them off our back.”
“How about that car wash?” Ty pointed to the gas station ahead. “The doors close when you go inside. Mom doesn’t like it, but I think it’s cool.”
“Good idea.” The boy was smart. Musta got that from his mom. There were no good genes in the Colton family.
Zane turned into the car wash and jammed his credit card into the payment slot, praying they had enough time before the Jacks caught them. The heavy metal door lifted with a groan and he drove inside, counting off the seconds until the door closed again.
“How long we got? I paid for the Special. Never been in a car wash before. We detail our bikes by hand.”
“Probably about five minutes.” Evie loosened her seat belt as water sprayed over the vehicle. “Do you think it will be enough?”
“Should be. They’ll go past and assume we’re ahead. We can double back and then head out to Sparky’s place.” He pulled out his phone and typed a text. “I’ll tell Tank what’s going on. See if he can head them off so we have a clear run to the safe house.”
When Ty removed his seat belt and turned to watch the sprayers, Evie leaned over to Zane. “You don’t have to stay with us when we get there. I know you want to go looking for T-Rex. If you leave me a weapon, we’ll be fine. And tomorrow I’ll call Connie. She was going to take us to her grandmother’s place.”
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