The club had to come first. All his life the club had been all he had and he couldn’t lose it. He just couldn’t.
Not ever.
But he needed one more night, just one more night before he had to ruin it all.
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
Face/Noelle
I woke up alone and slowly stretched my aching body. I wasn’t aching because of the fight, nope, that would have been easy. I ached because of what Kid had done to me throughout most of the night.
I wanted to lie there and revel in the memories but there wasn’t time for that. I didn’t have a lot of time left before I had to go back to Cape Town. Actually we only had about four days before we had to hit the long road home.
The shudder came out of nowhere but I knew what it was about. Murchison.
Once we were home I had to face him and it wasn’t going to be good. I knew it and my crew knew it. I don’t think Kid really understood what was going to happen once I stood face to face with the bastard. I had a suspicion he thought it would be a simple handover after which we would walk away from each other.
That wasn’t going to happen.
There would be blood spilled and I knew it would be mine but I was prepared for it.
At least I hope I was.
Shoving the black thoughts from my mind I slid out of bed and walked into the bathroom. I needed a shower because I was sweaty and sticky as hell.
When I walked into the kitchen about thirty minutes later I found Cuba and Dizzy hanging out drinking coffee. Both looked fresh as bloody daisies. Of course Cuba had her ‘no hangover’ super power, but what about Dizzy?
“You both look disgustingly fresh.” I muttered as I poured coffee and slumped onto a stool.
“Well look who’s eventually decided to rise and shine, only there’s no shining just old grumpy guts.” Cuba teased.
Dizzy laughed and I threw them both dark looks.
A look came over Dizzy’s face and I knew bad news was coming and tightened my gut in preparation for the hit.
“Kid asked me to tell you he had to go back to the clubhouse. He will be back later to pick you up. You’re moving into the clubhouse today for a couple of days to keep Murchison from doing something stupid.” Dizzy informed me almost apologetically.
Why?
Had something happened while I was sleeping? I looked at Cuba but her slightly raised eyebrow told me she didn’t know either.
“Fine. Did he say what time he would be back?” I knew before he answered that he didn’t know.
Fine. Pushing past the uncomfortable moment and focussing on something else.
Work.
“I got an email from Bruno this morning. We got the pharma job so there’ll be a bonus dropping in to our account for handling it so quickly.”
Cuba clapped her hands excitedly. “How big of a bonus?”
I shrugged. “I didn’t ask but knowing Bruno it will be a good one.”
“Do you think it will be big enough to get a pool? We’ve always said when we have extra money we’ll have a pool put in. One of those salt water ones that look like you’re sitting in a rock pool at the beach.” Cuba had both hands clasped as if in prayer under her chin.
Again I shrugged. “You’re our numbers person, it’s up to you whether we get one or not.”
“I need a laptop, right the fuck now.” She muttered as she grabbed her mug and stormed up the stairs.
I knew without any doubt that our next meeting would have budgets for a pool as part of the minutes under discussion. Not that any of us would vote against a pool. We all wanted one.
“When you get to the clubhouse you should talk to Jagger, one of my brothers. He built an eco-pool at the club and I’m sure he will be able to recommend something for you girls.” Dizzy pushed his mug away as he sat back and crossed his arms over his chest.
I knew he was going to get personal by the look in his eyes.
“I’m aware that this is supposed to be a job but the way you and Kid look at each other and react to each other we all know it’s more than that. But...and I hate to say this, you’re going to have to give him some time. If I read him right he’s about to push you away and concentrate on what the club needs and put them first like he always does. And we both know my club is going to throw you under the bus. And he’s going to let them do it.”
He looked at me and shook his head slowly before continuing when I didn’t say a word.
“Promise me, that when he comes to his senses you will at least hear him out. Give him a chance to prove he’s not the fucking asshole you’re going to think he is. And that he’s going to be.”
Drawing a deep breath in through my nose I thought about it, then thought about it some more. The only answer that came to me was...No.
Not only no, but hell...fucking...no.
“I wish I could give you that, Dizzy, but unfortunately I can’t.” I couldn’t tell him that the odds were really, really good he would never see me again. Not alive, that is.
“None of us know what life has install for us from one day to the next. What I had here with Kid was good but it was never meant to be more than what it was, a fling. Now, if I read you right, and I’m sure that I am, it is done. We both have responsibilities and it isn’t to each other. I have my crew and my family to worry about and right now they are my top priority.”
Shoving my stool back I stood, took my mug to the basin, washed it and set it on the draining rack.
“I have some arrangements to make before we head to the clubhouse. If Kid arrives before I’m done please tell him I’ll be down as soon as we’ve finished with our meeting.”
With that I left him in the kitchen and walked away with measured steps however much I wanted to run like the wind up those stairs back to my room.
A room that still smelt like him. I threw the windows open and let the wind dilute the smells in the room while I stripped the bed and shoved the bedding and used towels into the laundry basket.
When Dom and I had first cooked up this plan I hadn’t expected to meet a man like Kid Warne. I had a vague idea of a biker in the scenario but that biker had no real substance or a face. And it would have been a pretend fling to throw Murchison off the scent of what was really happening.
I was still cleaning up when my girls walked in and closed the door behind them and I sank down on the carpet and so did they.
“I fucked up. Got feelings involved with a man who has none. He’s coming back later to pick me up to spend a few days at the clubhouse. It’s going to be hell to be around him and the sluts who hang on the men there any chance they get but I’ll get through it. I want you to be ready to head out as soon as possible. Murchison will believe I stole what he needs if I slip out of the clubhouse and we immediately head home. We can’t head directly for home because we’re going to be followed, so, Evvie, you need to navigate us back home by using alternative routes. We’re going to go fast and only stopping for petrol, food and a bathroom.” I drew in a deep breath and let it out on a gust that almost sounded like a moan. “I’ll be facing Murchison and his goons when we get home. He’s going to play dirty, we all know it, and so we need to plan around it.”
Cuba grabbed my hand in both hers and held on. “I’ve been talking to Star. We have a plan. It’s not perfect yet but we still have some time to fine tune it. She’s been working with Jameson on a bio-tracker. I don’t understand how it works but apparently they won’t be able to pick it up when they scan you. Jameson will implant it under your skin somewhere, maybe in your hair or something. We decided that before you go out to meet him you’ll remove your piercings. We don’t want the fuckers torturing you with them.” She swallowed visibly. “We wish we could go with you but we already know he won’t allow it. When you arrive at the location he’ll send his goons to grab us while he tries to screw you over with the trade. If he has us he will have leverage, or so he thinks. He has no idea that it won’t be that easy.”
To say I was amazed at th
e inventiveness of my friends would be a lie. I knew they would leave no stone unturned to find a way to keep me safe. As would I if the tables were turned.
“We’re not going to give him the opportunity to grab any of you. I’ve made arrangements with War. Rock will come for you the minute my car leaves the compound.” I held up a hand as they started shaking their heads. “No, there will be no arguments. The Sinners are going to come in to back Bruno’s guys up. The asshole’s men won’t survive what will be waiting for them.”
“Did you inform the Dogz about this? Do they know the Sinners are going to take your back?” Evvie asked quietly.
“I can’t remember if Kid was there when I spoke to War, but it doesn’t really matter. They know what they need to know. That I’m handing a USB over to Murchison that will set him and the granny-fuck up for a fall. Other than that, not sure what they know and right now I don’t really care.” I fell back onto my back on the carpet and groaned. “I want this shit to be done so I can check in on Ren, Denver and the babies. I want my life to go back to being simple. All this drama is too fucking much for me.”
Cuba lay down next to me, her head resting on my belly. “Bullshit. Our lives haven’t been simple for the last fucking fifteen years. You helped me to take care of my past and now it’s my turn to help you. It is our turn to take your back and get you through this. And we will get through it, I guarantee it.” She said with absolute faith in her voice.
“If we could manipulate Murchison into a location of our choice instead of you going to someplace where he has the upper hand we might just be able to swing this.” Evvie mused. “He’s still going to grab you but at least we can get to you without having to run the gauntlet of their men at the Maingarde building.”
I gave a soft groan.
“I’m afraid I think it’s still going to happen. Whatever location we choose they’re going to grab me and take me to another location. We know we can get in and out of the Maingarde building and the Estate but it would take time, time neither Dom nor I might have.” I said softly and had to swallow hard when Cuba closed her hand over my fisted hand.
“You survived fucking prison, you’ll survive this and then we’ll kill him. Slow and with feeling.” Mads lay down on my other side and set her head next to Cuba’s. Evvie moved in and lay down with her head on Mads’ belly.
We were in our comfort huddle, touching each other to share strength. And like it always did, it strengthened our bond. It was exactly what I needed before I faced Kid. And I knew it would be the Kid I had met back in Cape Town who would be walking into the house. I had to prepare myself for it. And what I was doing with my best friends helped, immensely.
Shutting down my emotions wasn’t easy but I had enough practice doing it during my years in prison.
I was the hard, cold bitch everyone knew in prison when he walked in the door. And what do you know, it was the cold hearted bastard who strode inside like he fucking owned the place.
With few words spoken I gathered my stuff and loaded it into the boot of my car. We had a short but not sweet argument about me on the back of his bike which I won. I was driving my car out to the compound because I would need a way out of the damned place once I started the ball rolling on the plan. Not that I told him that.
Little did the stupid head know that I would be spending only one night under the roof of the Iron Dogz. My plan was to leave on the second night and meet up with the girls at a yet to be decided on location. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy to get out of the compound but hopefully I would have an ally in DC. I would ask for her help and then bolt.
Driving into the compound I knew I was definitely going need help to leave. There was no way they would let me out the damned gate without Hawk’s permission. Asking DC for help wasn’t going to be of any use. Only Hawk’s okay would get me out and I wasn’t sure if he would give it. He knew it was imperative that I do what I came here to do and I’m sure he wouldn’t want me hanging around longer than necessary.
Five Finger Death Punch was blasting from my car’s sound system as I drove over to park in a space a prospect directed me to. I sang along, trying to Wash It All Away as Ivan’s voice filled my car and head. I didn’t turn my music off as I threw the door open and walked to the boot and took my small duffle out and dropped it on the ground next to me.
My head was bopping and my ass shaking as I sang and then I almost ran to turn the system off.
Why?
The song was Far From Home and it spoke to me, it echoed what I felt deep inside and never shared with anyone. It was mine. My song.
Dragging my keys from the ignition I dropped them into my duffle and zipped it up then clicked the lock shut. No one was going to go through my shit without my permission.
Kid had parked his bike and like the last time I had come here with him he hadn’t waited for me. He was already gone. The prospect was young, very young, and he looked shocked and ashamed at his officer’s behaviour.
“Hi, I’m Devon. If you need anything while you’re here just ask and I’ll get it for you.” He clasped my hand in his and I tipped my head to the side as I looked in his earnest eyes.
“Thank you, Devon. It’s much appreciated. Do you have any idea where I’m supposed to sleep tonight?”
He cleared his throat loudly as Dizzy came sauntering up. “Ja, Prez said to put you in one of the...uhm...guest rooms down stairs. I cleaned it this morning and made sure you had clean sheets and everything. There’s a lock on the door and I installed a deadbolt for you.”
I grinned wide and leant forward to give him a one-armed hug. “Thanks , sweetie. Now, lead on and show me this...uhm...guestroom.” I winked. “I know it’s one of the slut rooms but that decision is not on you, okay?”
He blushed bright red and nodded. All the while Dizzy stood next to me, not saying a word. He walked inside with me and I didn’t meet any eyes, just followed Devon to the room just off the entrance to the passage. It would actually serve my purposes. Near an exit for a quick in and out.
We were checking out the small bathroom when Kid stormed in and barked at the poor boy.
“What the fuck are you doing in here? Don’t you have a fucking job to do? Get out.”
I reached out and patted Devon on the shoulder as he passed me. “Thanks, Dev, you’ve been very helpful.”
Dizzy leant against the open bathroom door staring at Kid, almost daring him to say anything. He didn’t.
“Hawk wants to see you in his office, right now.” Kid snapped at me and stormed out again.
I gave Dizzy raised eyebrows, unlocked my duffle and drew out my gun and holster. “Is it safe to walk around here unarmed and if it is can I leave this in the room?”
“It’s safe and yes you can leave it here. No one will touch your stuff. Just lock the door when you leave.” He sighed as he straightened.
Dropping my gun back into the duffle I locked it again and Dizzy’s eyebrows rose. I just shrugged and shoved the bag under the bed with one foot. I pulled the door closed behind us and locked it. I was glad of the deadbolt Devon had installed for me. It made me feel safer in an unknown situation.
I followed Dizzy to Hawk’s office, looking around with interest but not too much interest because I saw the hidden cameras keeping an eye on us.
Dizzy knocked and Hawk’s grumpy voice rang out. “Come the fuck in.”
I walked in and gritted my teeth at all the men waiting for me. It was all of Hawk’s officers. I ignored them, and the furious man standing behind him, and focused on the seat in front of the desk and Hawk’s predatory eyes watching my approach. Not saying a word I sat down, crossed my arms and legs and waited.
If ever there was a pose that said don’t come any closer and fuck off it was that one.
“Is the room okay? We don’t have any others available right now.” And the bastard lied without blinking an eye.
So I gave it back to him.
“It smells a bit like a whore house but seeing as it
is in actual fact used by whores to do their whoring I suppose it’s only to be expected. The smell I mean. Plus you should have remembered I’ve been in prison, a slut room is nothing compared to that.”
His eyes narrowed then his mouth twitched but I didn’t move a muscle. I stared at him waiting for the next insult.
It didn’t come, he went right to business.
“When do you plan on contacting Murchison?”
I shrugged. “I’m not. I’ll take care of it when I get home.”
“How long do you think you’re going to be here?”
Again I gave him nothing. “Not sure. Depends on several factors.”
He was getting pissed but so what. I glanced to the side and met Beast’s eyes and he looked very, very uncomfortable. His slowly shook his head then looked away.
Fine. I got it. I was on my own in enemy territory. Time to act accordingly. I stood and leant over the desk putting my face close to Hawk’s.
“Once we’re done here any and all obligations and favours owed to the Iron Dogz MC will be negated. We aren’t allies or even enemies. From that day forward there will be no ties between us. Not even ties of friendship. We will be done. Is that understood?”
He didn’t say anything for what felt like hours as he stared back at me.
“Perfectly. One thing though. Are you cutting Beast out of your life as well? I thought you had history.”
I gritted my teeth and narrowed my eyes but then decided to give him a little shock and an answer that wasn’t an answer at all.
“We have history, that is correct. Life is fluid, it ebbs and flows and right now it’s ebbing quite rapidly. The chances of this endeavour ending in blood is more than good. It might even end in death, but then, everyone has to die sometime, don’t they?” With that I stepped back and started walking to the door.
“Face!” Hawk called out and I glanced over my shoulder, waiting with my hand on the door knob. Avoiding the coldly furious face of the man behind his chair.
“There’s no reason for us to end up as enemies once this is done.”
Neither Black Nor White (Iron Dogz MC, #6) Page 35