Page 21 of Gunner

“Got a minute? I need to speak with you.” I keep my voice low and my tone controlled.

He stares at me for a long while before inclining his head and narrowing his gaze on me. “Let’s talk in my office.” He knows I don’t say much, so when I do, it must be important.

I lead us inside the clubhouse, Sentinel and Throttle following behind me. It’s rare Prez meets with anyone without his VP and Sergeant at Arms present, and this occasion is no different. I take a deep breath before telling them everything, starting from the beginning when Lily and I first dated. Their faces remain blank, but that’s no surprise. These men can be stone-cold killers if needed, and they never let their emotions dictate their actions.

But I’ve been a part of this club for a long time, ever since I graduated high school. And I know Venom remembers how crazy I was for Lily even way back then. Those feelings didn’t disappear; they only grew stronger the more time we spent apart. And now that I have her back, I refuse to spend another second away from her.

Sentinel and Throttle glance at Venom, but none of my brothers look too pleased. Prez watches me carefully with his hands steepled in front of his face and elbows resting on his desk. Then, ever so calmly, he states, “She can’t stay here.”

“What’s that?” I know what he said, but I’m not accepting it.

“You heard me. You need to cut her loose.” The other two share a look, but neither interrupts. “Striker is known for being hotheaded and not thinking before he acts. There’ve been plenty of times the Outlaws have had to bail his sorry ass outta trouble. I’m honestly surprised Ratchet lets his ass stick around.”

I understand what he’s saying. I fucking get it. But at the same time, what the fuck does this have to do with my girl?

“If that motherfucker’s not done with Lily, then it’ll mean trouble for the club. We already got the mayor on our asses. We can’t afford some half-cocked dipshit drawing any more attention to us.”

I couldn’t give two fucks about the mayor breathing down our necks right now. I’m not letting Lily go. She’s it for me—and Caleb too—so if Striker wants to start fucking problems, he knows where to find me. I’ll fucking kill him before I let him ruin my second chance with her.

“I hear you, Prez, but like I said, that bastard wanted nothing to do with Lily or her kid. He made damn sure of that when she told the fucker she was pregnant and he denied the boy was even his. That’s why she wasn’t worried about coming back to Carnage. She thought he’d long forgotten about her and Caleb. She had no idea he knew she was back in town or would even care.”

Venom reclines in his chair, with a stoic expression, and folds his arms over his chest. “Tragic as that may be, it’s still too much fucking trouble for us.”

“Trouble?” I howl, barely able to rein in my temper. I respect this man more than anyone else on this earth, but now he’s starting to piss me off. “Are you telling me my brothers won’t back me up? That the first time I bring a woman around in ten fucking years, you want me to let her walk? I’ve been in love with her since I was a fucking dumb-shit kid. It ain’t happening.”

His eyebrow raises at the mention of love, but that’s the only flicker of emotion I get from him. Meanwhile, Sentinel and Throttle shift on their feet, all of us feeling the tension thicken in the room.

“Lily is my ol’ lady, Prez. No discussion on that. So if you’re telling me she has to go…” I don’t finish my sentence because I’m unwilling to believe that Venom will make me choose between my club and the girl I’ve always wanted—the girl who completes my soul, which has felt empty since the day she left. “You decide, brother. Don’t make me do it.”

His cool demeanor transforms, heat now radiating off him. He’s mad, alright. But I’m not sure if it’s directed at me or the situation, which I agree might be a shitshow. He drags a hand down the front of his face before looking to his two most-trusted brothers. The three of them silently communicate, then Venom’s gaze meets mine. Sentinel rests a hand on Prez’s shoulder as he loudly forces the air from his lungs.

“Fuck.” His face twists with irritation. “So you officially claiming her, then?”

Knowing I need to keep a lid on my annoyance at having to repeat myself, I take in two slow breaths before I speak. “Lily. Is. Mine.” I hold his stare, conveying my conviction with my eyes.

Sentinel shakes his head and a smirk lifts the corner of his mouth. “Guess she’s one of us now.”

Throttle steps forward and leans against Venom’s desk. “We protect what’s ours, brother. So, if she’s your ol’ lady now, then we’ll see to it she’s taken care of.”

I nod in agreement, but my eyes don’t stray from Venom’s face, not until I hear it from his mouth.

“Fuck. Alright. I know this shit ain’t easy for you either. And you damn sure wouldn’t be in here if you didn’t mean it.” He rises from his chair, coming to stand in front of me before clamping a heavy hand on my shoulder. “If Striker or any other Outlaw motherfucker starts shit with you or your girl, we got you.”

Finally, I feel like I can breathe, assured no one will ever touch Lily again. Not without serious fucking consequences.

We all return to the party outside, our enforcer and my best friend joining my side. I’m catching up with Crusher when I hear someone shout my name.

“James!”

I turn just in time to feel short, slender arms circle around my waist. Glancing down, I find Caleb with his face painted like Spiderman. His smile is contagious as joy shines in his green eyes.

“You having fun, little man?” I ruffle his hair.

His head bobs rapidly. “Look! I’m Spiderman! And Mommy gave me two brownies and I met some new friends. We’re going in the bouncy house again.” He points across the yard, his voice dripping with excitement.

“That’s awesome, buddy. Did you eat?”

“Just the brownies. But I promise I’ll eat after the bouncy house.”

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