Zero Apologies

by Autumn Jones Lake

  Once she’s gone, Murphy’s all business again. “I honestly think a support club is a good idea. They make a shitload of money out there, but their security is weak. That’s something we can help them with. Mutually beneficial relationship.”

  “You don’t think they’re gonna be pissed if we ask them to kick some money up to us?”

  “Not if they want our protection. They’ve had a few issues. Remy and Griff are more than capable of handling it, but we could prevent it from happening at all.”

  “What about Jake, you think he’d join? I’d prefer to have someone out of puberty if we’re going to take this seriously.”

  He rolls his eyes. “No, he only goes out there once in a while to fuck around.” He’s quiet for a second. “Vapor might be up for it if we give him some time.”

  I shake my head, unsure of what to say. “You want to mentor them? They’re going to need one of us there on a semi-regular basis. Rock and I talked about Grinder or Dex doing it too if you’ve got too much.”

  “Dex is swamped. But if Vapor’s in, he’ll probably wanna look out for him. Grinder, fuck man. Let the poor brother actually get out of prison before we go assigning him projects.”

  “Priest might want you anyway.” I roll my eyes. “For some unknown reason, he has a high opinion of you.”

  Murphy laughs and reaches over to slap my hand. “Let’s go round everyone up. Anyone ever checked Rock’s blood pressure? His head’s probably ready to explode from all this shit.”

  “Don’t I know it.”

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Z

  About an hour later, everyone’s crammed into our chapel. Downstate brothers gave up their seats for the upstate officers, something that seems to please Priest.

  I’d had a chance to talk to a few more brothers before Priest called us to the table and their feelings were the same as Rooster’s.

  I’m torn in two. Honored my brothers think so highly of me. Frustrated because I want to go home.

  Today, Priest takes the position at the head of the table. I’m not sure how I feel about that since he keeps insisting he has so much respect for my leadership. Then I decide I’m being an asshole and need to get over myself.

  “Tonight we’ll be welcoming home a brother,” Priest begins. “I realize some of you have questions. I’ll be speaking with Sway, but for now Z will remain your president.”

  Boom! That’s how it is.

  Murmurs of agreement and a few “thank fucks” go around the table.

  “Rock, Zero, and I spoke at length last night about what the future holds for the Lost Kings MC in New York. Both presidents have assured me they plan to continue to build solid relationships with our neighboring MCs. I understand the Devil Demons will be joining us tonight.”

  Dex raises his hand. “I got a text from Dante right before we came in. A few of the Iron Bulls are near here and asked if they could stop by.” He glances at me. “I didn’t have a chance to ask you yet. That cool?”

  “Sure, the more the merrier,” I answer without looking at Priest. He keeps saying this is my show, right?

  “That’s what I want to hear,” Priest says. “With the disintegration of Red Storm MC and now the South of Satan MC in Vermont, it’s more important than ever that we present a united front against law enforcement.”

  “Fuck yeah!” Jigsaw shouts.

  “Absolutely, Prez.” Rock says. He glances at the rest of the table. “Everyone at this table knows we can’t protect our businesses, our clubs, or our brothers against law enforcement if we’re constantly battling each other.”

  I nod at Rock to thank him for speaking up for all of us since Priest seems to assume we’re dense and don’t understand how outlaw life works.

  Hustler raises his hand. “Bulls need to be respectful in our house though. We can’t just roll over and let another MC—”

  “That’s exactly what I don’t want to hear,” Priest says, cutting him off. “Any true sign of disrespect, handle it. No one is saying otherwise. But don’t go making up bullshit to show them up or make your dick feel bigger. We’re better than that.”

  I shoot a glare at Hustler and he seems to suddenly find the floor fascinating.

  “Finally, I suggested and Rock and Z both agree that a support club could be beneficial to us here in New York. Rock and Z are going to explore some options. If you have suggestions please tell them.”

  Yes, please make more work for us.

  I dare to sneak a glance at Rock who’s sitting across from me. Fucker’s jaw is so tight he might break a tooth. He catches my eye and gives me the slightest hint of a smirk and raised eyebrow.

  My gaze slides to Wrath. By the look on his face, I’m guessing no one warned him about the support club. I’m going to pay for that later. Teller just looks bored. We’ll see how bored he is when he gets to tag along to underground fights with Murphy on a regular basis. The idea of those two bickering even more cheers me up.

  Priest claps his hands together as if he’s chasing away business talk to usher in something more fun. “Now, I want everyone to have a good time tonight.” He tips his head my way then Rock’s. “Thank you for your hospitality. Not only to me but toward my ol’ lady. “

  Yeah, I can see why Tawny’s hostility toward Valentina and Sway constantly checking out Valentina’s ass might have made Priest not want to visit.

  Oh shit. What have we done? Priest will be up here all the time now.

  Rock must read the panic on my face because he’s silently laughing. I fight the urge to flip him off in front of Priest. Not very brotherly or presidential.

  “The place looks a thousand percent better than the last time I was here, Z. You’ve done your club proud.”

  I spread my arms wide. “This was all them, Priest. They put in the sweat equity.”

  “Z can’t get his pretty little hands and face dirty,” Wrath says. “We love him anyway.”

  Priest chuckles and then addresses everyone in the room. “I’m impressed with how fast you turned this place around. Truly.”

  Guys duck their heads and mumble “thanks” too embarrassed to say more.

  “I’m pleased I could be here on such an important weekend. Our brother, Sway, survived a vicious attack and it’s only right we welcome him home properly.”

  Yeah, nothing says “Welcome home” like “You’re not getting your club back.”

  “I like seeing both charters celebrating together like this,” Priest says.

  “We’ll be doing a lot more of it once we get the new clubhouse opened.” Wrath sits forward and looks down the table. “It’s an easy stop off the highway. Everyone’s always welcome.”

  Wrath’s such a sneaky bastard. Luring brothers to the clubhouse located next to the strip club instead of the clubhouse next to his home.

  “Building it right next to Crystal Ball, right?” Jigsaw asks. “Fuck yeah, I’m in.”

  The guys have a good laugh about it. Priest rolls his eyes but smiles at everyone’s enthusiasm.

  With the bulk of the meeting concluded, Priest dismisses everyone but the officers of both charters.

  Priest nods to me. “Congratulations on your marriage.” He catches Rock’s eye. “We have something for you.”

  Shocked, I sit up and drop my lazy smile.

  Rock bends down and grabs a box from under the table. He smoothly slides it over to Priest.

  My heart thunders. It can’t be what I think it is. It’s too soon. I hadn’t even had the chance to tell Rock that Priest offered to give Lilly his symbol on her property patch.

  “Z, I realize I’ve asked a lot of you these last few months.” Priest glances at Rock. “Fucked up your plans for your future. But you’ve handled it with honor and integrity. You’re a true warrior for your brothers, the kind of outlaw we don’t see often anymore.”

  I swallow hard unsure of how to respond to so much praise.

  “When we talked about the property patch last night, your thoughtfulness
about the situation impressed me.”

  “Uh.” I nod because I can’t form any words.

  “Rock and I had discussed this briefly while you were away.”

  My gaze shoots to Rock. “You did, huh?”

  Priest pulls the black leather vest out and a steady drumming builds in my chest. “Your woman’s already seen a lot. Everyone says she was a rock while you were inside. Handled herself with class and dignity befitting a Lost Kings’ ol’ lady.” Priest drills me with a stare. “Knows to keep her mouth shut.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Congratulations.”

  He lays the vest out in front of me.

  Property of Zero

  Lost Kings MC

  No skull and crown on the back of the old ladies’ patches. For their own safety. But Lilly’s vest already has a few other important patches in strategic places.

  Priest’s Chi Rho symbol on the lower left front. Rock’s crown on the lower right side. My Z patch and Siren embroidered over the heart. I laugh when my gaze lands on the patch sewn into a spot where old ladies usually collect various pins and patches over the years. A blue and green mermaid.

  “Alexa might have been with us when we picked it up.” Rock shrugs and elbows Teller.

  “It’s perfect.” My gaze bounces between Priest and Rock. “Thank you.”

  “You’ve more than earned it, Z,” Priest says.

  Rooster raises his hand. “No one asked for our votes yet, Z. But I’m more than willing to give Lilly my cock.”

  “Motherfucker,” I growl at him before remembering his patch is a plain black-and-white rooster wearing a crown.

  “He’s never given anyone his cock,” Jigsaw adds.

  The guys all bust up with laughter. Hell, even I do.

  “I was able to spend a lot of time with Lilly while Z was inside, and she’s more than ready for this,” Rock says. A tactful way to explain why the brothers I’ve shared a clubhouse with for years weren’t asked for their votes.

  Priest flicks his wrist at us. “You can all fight that out another time.”

  Let’s not step on Priest’s toes, guys.

  I stand and shake Priest’s hand. “Thank you. This means a lot.”

  Reaching over, I grab Rock’s outstretched hand and yank him closer—well as much as anyone can move him, like his name, he’s heavy as a fuckin’ rock. I glance down at the vest and Rock’s patch again. I can’t help the feeling that washes over me. Like this is some sort of going away present.

  Priest walks out with Hustler, and Steer while the rest of us hang back.

  “Were you worried about asking me?” Wrath asks. I swear if he was capable of emotion, I’ve hurt his feelings.

  “Well… you do like to be hard on the old ladies.”

  Teller snorts. “Understatement.”

  Without looking at him, Wrath reaches out and shoves Teller sideways.

  I shrug. “You haven’t been able to spend a lot of time around her to know if you trust her. That’s all.” I glance at the still-open chapel doors. “I didn’t ask Priest. He asked me. I couldn’t exactly say no.”

  “Ah, gotcha.” Wrath nods. “That’s good, Z. Real good.” He pulls me in for a smothering, brotherly hug. “I’m so proud of you, little brother.” He wallops me on the back hard enough to dislodge my spine.

  “Easy, you big beast.” I thump him a few times in return.

  He shrugs after letting me go. “Trin says Lilly’s good around here. Keeps her cool. Doesn’t let the girls rattle her.”

  “Thanks, brother.”

  “Z, seriously, my cock is all Lilly’s, just say the word.” Rooster drapes his arm over my shoulders and grins like an idiot.

  Teller points at Rooster. “Make him change his patch now, Prez. That joke’s going to wear thin quickly.”

  “That joke will never get old,” Jigsaw announces. “We’re going to torment future old ladies with it for years.”

  “Christ,” I mutter.

  The two of them take off into the rest of the clubhouse, leaving me with Murphy, Teller, Wrath and Rock. Murphy comes up next to me and bumps me with his elbow. “I know it’s not as flashy as a cock, but she’s got my clover too.”

  I wrap my arm around his neck and squeeze him closer. “Thanks, little brother.”

  “Speaking of people to torment,” Wrath says.

  “Were we?” Rock asks.

  “What’s with the support club?” Wrath continues, ignoring Rock. “And who exactly do you have in mind for it?”

  Murphy tips his head back, studying the ceiling.

  “Don’t you dare say it,” Wrath says. “They’re fucking babies. Is the one even out of high school yet?”

  “Yes,” Murphy says.

  “Who are we talking about?” Teller asks.

  “Griff and Remy.” Murphy holds his hands up in the air. “I had nothing to do with it.”

  Rock walks over and quietly closes the doors while I explain what happened.

  “Priest cornered me last night and I had to think quick. But it might not be a bad idea if we think they can handle it.”

  “If they even want to,” Teller says. “Only thing they seem to care about is making money and fucking.”

  Murphy lets out an ear-splitting whistle. “Look who’s suddenly so judgmental.”

  “I’m fairly certain those were your only priorities for the last ten or fifteen years,” I add.

  “How soon we forget,” Rock mutters.

  Teller blinks and stares at all of us before cracking up. “Shit. What’s happening to me?”

  “Old age.” Wrath taps the side of Teller’s head. “Sneaks up on ya.”

  We don’t go too much more in depth about the support club. It’s something we can deal with another day.

  Rock slings his arm around my neck. “You’re going to hate me for saying this, but—”

  “What?”

  “Wrath always has my back, but he’d rather gut a motherfucker then work out things in a diplomatic way.”

  “Got that right.” Wrath grins not insulted one bit.

  “And you always helped me at home.” Rock closes his eyes. “I’m painfully aware of how much you handled for me, brother, believe me. But this is different.” He glances at the doors again.

  “It’s nice to share the pain of Priest’s visit with someone?”

  He steps back and knocks his fists together in front of his chest. “Sway was always more interested in butting heads than working together.”

  “Sway never got over being run out of upstate,” Wrath rumbles.

  Teller shrugs. “Fuck him. That was his call.”

  Wrath wraps a meaty arm around Rock and me and pulls us against him. “This is what true brotherhood is supposed to be. Z looks good, we all look good. Rock looks good, we all benefit.”

  Rock shrugs free of Wrath’s embrace. “I know you don’t appreciate it at the moment, but I thought you needed to hear it.”

  It actually does improve my mood over the whole situation. “No, I appreciate it.”

  “Now.” Rock slaps Teller’s back. “Think I can have my treasurer back?”

  Teller turns and smirks. “I’m touched you miss me so much.”

  “I don’t miss you at all if it helps,” Wrath says.

  “I think Hustler has a better handle on things,” I say.

  “Except his mouth,” Murphy says.

  I glance at Wrath and then Teller. “I’m used to dealing with that.”

  Lucky bastards will all get to go home soon. Even Murphy.

  I can’t help wondering if I’m already home and just don’t want to accept it yet.

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Lilly

  Knowing Chance is safe at my brother’s leaves me free to enjoy the party. I make it to the clubhouse in time to help Angie with some finishing touches and then run down the hallway to our room to change.

  Tonight, I brought two dresses since I couldn’t make up my mind. I choose the one that
’s a little more daring. Less over-the-top than last night’s but still sexy enough to stand by Z’s side.

  “What are you doing to me, woman?” Z’s astonished voice pulls me away from the mirror.

  “Too much?”

  “Fuck no.”

  He walks a circle around me, checking out the tight, crimson dress. The top and long sleeves are sheer lace, giving it the illusion that it covers more than it actually does. The plunging neckline required some boob tape to make it stay and I probably shouldn’t move around too much or, god forbid, sit down tonight.

  Z whistles and his rough fingers trace a pattern over my bare back where the dress is held together by thin gold straps. “I have something to go with it.”

  “Is it shoes? Because I’m not sure I like the ones I picked out.”

  He huffs out a laugh, breath fanning over my skin. “No, Siren.”

  Taking my hand, he leads me into the bedroom and picks up a black leather vest off the bed.

  I’ve seen the other girls wearing theirs enough times to know what it is.

  “Oh my God.” I blink and meet his eyes. “Is that what I think it is? I thought you couldn’t…”

  He turns the vest, showing off the side. “Priest offered his patch. Not many old ladies get that. He understood this is a unique situation.”

  “Wow.”

  I reach out and touch the crown on the other side. “That’s Rock’s though, isn’t it?”

  “Yup. He and I talked about it a while back.” Z shrugs. “And apparently he and Priest talked. I had no idea they were doing this for me. For you.”

  “I…” I don’t know what to say. I’ve gotten to understand what these patches mean to the brothers. They don’t give them out lightly. Tears cloud my vision. “After what happened…what I did, I figured your brothers would never forgive me.”

  “Hey.” Z sets the vest down and takes my hands. “Rock told everyone how impressed he was with the way you handled yourself while I was in jail, Lilly. The past is the past.”

  I nod and dab at my eyes.

  “I think Wrath was insulted I didn’t ask. And Rooster said he’s ready to give you his cock anytime.”