Raven was the hardest to convince. "Psycho, this is crazy. You barely know the guy."
"I know," I said, forcing a smile. "But sometimes, you just have to take a leap of faith. He makes me happy. And he’s fucking loaded. Just trust me on this."
She hugged me tightly, her mouth to my ear. "You take him for all he’s worth. Just be careful, alright?"
"I will," I promised, hoping I could keep that promise. I realized I had to talk to Rage. There was no way I could just disappear without explaining. I made my way to her office, knocking lightly on the door before pushing it open.
Rage looked up from her desk, her eyes narrowing as she saw me standing there with my packed bag.
I stepped inside, closing the door behind me, and let out a deep breath.
"What's going on?" Rage asked, leaning back in her chair, her personal collection of weapons on the wall behind her.
Taking another breath, I attempted to, but I could never lie to my Prez. “I’ve got a chance to make some serious cash. A million cold ones."
Her eyebrow arched. I had her attention. "And how exactly are you planning to do that?"
"It's a sham marriage," I explained, sitting down across from her. "This guy, Vince, high roller who won my date, needs a fake wife to secure his inheritance. He's offering me a big payout to play the part."
Rage's eyes turned to slits. "And you believe him? Just like that?"
Sighing, I lifted a shoulder. "Look, my parents gave up everything for me. They sent me to pageants all over the US, then to California so I could be a star. They sacrificed so much, and I want to pay them back. It’s just not a million. He’s promising a house. I’ll give it to my parents because I have no plan on leaving the Roost. And think about what I could do for the club with that kind of money."
Rage stood up, declaring, “Money isn't worth it, Psycho. You know that. Vince, Vincent Mancini? The only reason that guy is probably set to inherit anything is because someone in his family has disappeared. And we both know who did the disappearing."
Her words struck me. I remembered the recent job, burying a Mob guy with the Slayers. It was supposed to be business, but now it felt too close for comfort.
"I can handle myself," I said, trying to sound confident. "Vince is harmless. This is just a business arrangement."
Rage crossed her arms and looked thoughtful. "Harmless? Marco said he’d taken over the Miami Mutherfukers MC and they planned to get their oily fingers in the Slayers too. I don't trust this, not one bit. But if you're dead set on doing it, you better stay in touch. Maybe you can get some information while you are rubbing elbows with his family. I want regular updates, and if anything feels off, you get the hell out of there."
"I will. I promise."
"Psycho, just be careful. This sounds like a dangerous game. I always say take them for all they’re worth. You know we Heelz love to play with fire. Play rich men out of their pocket change. I guess a million from that family is pocket change.”
"I will be," I assured her, standing up. "Thanks, Prez. I’ll keep you posted."
As I left her office, I felt sick, knowing about how his family was involved in killing one of the Slayers and pinned it on my sisters. Suddenly, this little scam felt like a huge risk, but the potential reward was too tempting to pass up. Not just money but finding out how the mob plans to take control of the major motorcycle clubs in Florida.
I had to believe I could manage it, that I could maintain a handle of the situation. Besides, I’d always have my knife on me.
With my bag slung over my shoulder, I headed out of the club, with a much clearer mission. Leaving the Roost was harder than I expected. My home, my safe haven. Yet, I had to embrace a new role and a new life, to make it convincing. This could be my greatest role ever.
Vince picked me up in his sleek car, and we glided smoothly down the road as we made our way to his house on Lake George. In the day's light, the house loomed large and modern, all sharp angles and glass. It felt too clean, too sterile. Definitely not my style, but I’d make do for a while.
I didn’t even know Vince, and I was going to marry him. Fuck, I didn’t need to worry about Vince. He had to worry about me.
Chapter 8
We stepped inside, the house quiet and imposing. Vince led me to the master bedroom, where my things were already being unpacked by the maid. He stopped me at the door with that charming, dangerous smile.
“Welcome home.”
"You sure about this?" I asked.
"About you moving in before the wedding? "This is your home now," he said, making a show for the maid. “Make yourself comfortable, sweet cakes.”
“Don’t call me that,” I growled low enough so no one could hear. “Sybil works just fine.”