Page 6 of Bad Business

“What’s wrong, Dani?”

“I don’t want to talk about it. Can you just come get me? I’ll send you my pin.”

My phone vibrates with her text, and I glance down at it.

“Are you kidding me? Why in the hell are you out at the Viper’s Den right now?”

The Viper’s Den is a local biker bar, one I wouldn’t send my worst enemy to for fun. But of course, my stubborn ass sister is there and, from the sound of it, in tears.

“Can you come or not?”

“I’m on my way. Don’t leave, Dani.”

Pulling out onto the street, I growl in frustration. I’ll have to wait to go to Willow’s house. Dani needs me, and family comes before my obsession. As I drive, I dial my uncle; maybe he can shed some light on Willow’s story.

“Dallas, to what do I owe this pleasure? If I recall, you said you were done with me and your manager would be my point of contact.”

“My manager is exactly why I am calling you, Loren. I need you to tell me her story. What’s she hiding?”

“Why?” he grunts into the phone. “Is her ability not up to par?”

“Of course, her ability isn’t in question. It’s everything else. She left early because of a family emergency, but she wouldn’t tell me what. Willow is hiding something, and I want to know what. You let me believe Willow was a man. You owe me this.”

Loren laughs, the sound filling the interior of my car. “You assumed I hired a man—I can’t help that her friends call her Will. Besides, if she wanted you to know her business, she would tell you. What I can say is she isn’t a criminal, nor are you in any danger.”

“That doesn’t answer my question. Is she married?”

“Oh, I see now.” He sighs. “You have the hots for your new manager.”

“I have nothing for her… except aggravation.” I snap, my response far too quick to dismiss his words.

“She has too much shit in her life to have you sniffing around like a dog in heat. Find another woman at your club and get your dick wet that way. Leave Will alone, Dallas. She doesn’t need the headache of you lusting after her.”

The line goes dead before I can respond, making me slam my hand on the steering wheel in frustration. I want to punch his smug face, but that would require a drive to Atlanta—and that’s not something I intend to do.

Pulling into the parking lot loaded down with chrome bikes, I grit my teeth.

Why in the fuck is my sister at this shithole?

The Viper’s Den looks even more rundown than I remember. The neon sign flickers, casting a dim red glow over the entrance. Rock music blares from inside, mingling with the rowdy shouts and laughter of the patrons. The air smells of stale beer and cigarette smoke, making my stomach churn. I spot Danika standing near the entrance, her arms wrapped around herself, looking small and vulnerable.

“Dani!” I call out, and she looks up, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She runs to me, and I wrap my arms around her, feeling her tremble.

“Let’s get out of here,” I mutter, guiding her to the car.

She nods, not saying a word as we get in and drive away from the bar. The silence between us is heavy, filled with unspoken words and emotions. I want to ask her what happened, but I can tell she’s not ready to talk about it yet.

As we drive, my thoughts drift back to Willow. Loren’s words echo in my mind, fueling my frustration. There’s something about her I can’t shake, a pull that’s both infuriating and irresistible. But for now, I push those thoughts aside.

“Care to tell me why you were there tonight?” I side-eye my sister as she shifts in her seat.

“It doesn’t matter why… it’s over, and I don’t plan to go back anytime soon. Can we not talk about it?”

“How’d you get there, Dani? Do I need to call Griff and get him to pick up your car?”

She shakes her head, “No. I went with someone, and since they drove, it’s a moot point.”

“Is that someone the reason you’re crying?”

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