Page 105 of Judge's Mercy

“I’m so happy.”

“Me too.” He’s saying the right words, but the conviction behind them and his expression show something different.

“Does that make you two brother and sister?” Lucky shouts over the crowd. “Holy shit, Rigger and Navy are siblings too. What the hell kind of incestuous club is this becoming?”

“It’s not fucking incest, you idiot.” Rigger slaps him upside the head, which has Lucky trying to put him in a chokehold, and wrestling ensues.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” I ask.

“More than okay.”

A shot glass is shoved at Judge and me, and Cy makes a toast. “Cheers to our newest member: Killer. Joining this club means you’re a little bit crazy, a little bit rebellious, and a whole lotta badass!”

I grin as I clink my shot glass with Judge’s and shoot it down. The taste makes my face contort and my chest burn. I’m not much of a drinker, and usually when I do, it’s a beer. Knowing this, Judge hands me a glass of my favorite pale ale.

“Thanks, babe.”

“Let’s go outside for a minute,” he says.

I’ve had so many emotional highs and lows today that I can’t take much more. All I want is to celebrate with my club brothers and then take my man home and celebrate all over again, but at the same time, I need to know what’s bothering him.

Now that the sun has gone down, it’s freezing out. I slip my cut back on and tuck my patches into my pocket so I can sew them on when I get home. Facing Judge, I pin him with a quizzical look.

“You have one more surprise tonight,” he says flatly.

“What is it? You don’t sound excited.”

“I’m happy you’ll finally get some closure.”

“Judge, what is it?” I ask as the smell of cigarette smoke invades my nostrils. Riot steps out from the shadows, the cherry of his smoke burning bright.

“Hey, Killer.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You will.” Judge bends over and removes a knife and sheath from his calf before pulling a Glock from a holster at the small of his back, handing them both to me. “Here.”

“Why do I need this?” My mind races but comes to no conclusions. None of this makes any sense.

“Let’s go,” Riot says, motioning for me to follow him.

“Judge?” Whatever this is, I need him to tell me.

“Trust me, sweetheart. Just go with him.” He looks brokenhearted, and it destroys me, especially not knowing what I’ve done.

“Listen, this is riveting entertainment, but if we’re gonna do this, it needs to be now,” Riot says.

“I love you.” I kiss Judge on the cheek.

“Love you too.”

Riot leads me to the parking lot. “Follow me.”

I start my bike and slap my helmet on, not surprised to see Riot doesn’t wear one as he rides past me. My mind races just as fast as my bike does because Riot is a menace on the roads. Eventually, I catch on that we’re headed in the direction of the Honey Pot, which puzzles me even more. What the absolute fuck is going on?

Pulling through the gate, we leave our bikes on the side of the circular driveway. Riot strolls into the ranch like he owns the place, which I guess he sort of does, while I keep my head down, not wanting Mary to see that I’m here after she banned me.

The place is packed with mostly men, but a few women as well. Some are waiting to be checked in for a party, and others are at the bar, having a drink and mingling with some of the girls. I’m glad they’re making bank tonight. They deserve it.

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