My breath caught in my throat.Prez.That was Hillbilly’s title, not mine. But it still sounded pretty damn good to hear it.
“Is there something else on your mind?” Hades prompted.
“I don’t trust Sweeney,” I replied. “He might have a trick up his sleeve, and I want every one of you to be on your guard. Take whatever measures necessary to protect your families. I’m not expecting violence, but I’d rather be cautious than unprepared.”
After the meeting was dismissed and everyone headed out—some to their homes, others to the bar for coffee and breakfast—I made my way to the parking lot. Five minutes later, a Steele Repair tow truck rolled up next to me, pulling a trailer.
Rex Steele climbed out of the truck, greeting me with a firm handshake. I met Rex ten years ago, when I got my first motorcycle and she needed more repairs than I could manage on my own. He was like a big brother to me, explaining how theengine worked, showing me all the inner workings of my bike and how to make her purr like a dream.
“I got your message about selling your bike,” he said. “Are you leaving the club?”
“Hell no,” I replied. “It’s just time for a change, that’s all. I figured that she’s in her prime and I could get a pretty penny for her if I sell now.”
Rex circled my bike, looking her over. She was gorgeous—lush dark red, polished chrome, buttery leather seats, with a ride as smooth as melted chocolate—and I knew he would appreciate that.
“I have a guy who would be interested,” he said at last. “He’s a collector, and he’d love to have a beauty like this in his collection. He’s willing to pay top dollar, too, so you don’t even have to haggle about the price. Are you sure you’re ready to part with her though? She’s been with you for so long.”
I stifled a sigh. It wasn’t an easy decision and I hated to let my bike go. But I had to do it. For Lila’s sake. The club didn’t have enough cash to cover the debt. And I wasn’t willing to put the club in the line of fire by pissing off the mafia.
Besides, as acting President, it was my job to make the sacrifices necessary to keep my people safe.
“As long as she goes to someone who will care for her, that’s what matters,” I replied. “It sounds like this guy is willing to make sure she retires in style.”
“Oh, she’ll be well taken care of,” Rex replied. “I promise you that.”
After helping Rex load my bike onto his trailer, he made a call and gave me a thumbs up.
“The cash will be wired to you within the hour,” he said. “She’s in good hands.”
I watched as Rex drove away with a bittersweet pang in my chest, taking my bike with him until he disappeared around thecorner and out of sight. I knew it was the right thing to do, but fuck, it was still hard.
When I turned back to the clubhouse, Lila was standing in the doorway with her arms crossed. I tried not to stare at her thick thighs and how soft they looked. Memories of yesterday flooded my mind—her searing body heat, the salty taste of her skin, the way she moaned and arched into me when I touched her.
“Did you just sell your bike?” she demanded.
I shrugged, sliding my hands into my pockets.
“We have to pay off Sweeney somehow.”
Lila’s brows drew together with a frown of disapproval.
Incoming,I thought, bracing myself for the wrath she was about to unleash on me.
“You shouldn’t have done that.”
“Too bad,” I replied. “It was my decision.”
“But now I owe you,” she shot back.
I arched an eyebrow.
“I bet that pisses you off, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, actually, it does.”
Despite my best attempts to hide it, a smirk still played across my lips. Lila didn’t owe me anything. This was my responsibility as President to look after my club, and that included her. Whether she liked it or not.
Lila growled and marched up to me. She grabbed the front of my cut with a tug.