Page 25 of Condemned Soul

“They can say what they damn well like. You ain’t gonna be livin’ with ‘em anymore.”

“Do you really think it’s gonna be that simple? That I’m just gonna become your next baby mama?” She laughs at me and her words hurt enough to make me take a step back from her.

“I’m sorry, did you want me to be mad about this? D’ya want me to freak out and tell you the world’s fuckin’ over for ya? I’m happy about the fact we made somethin’ good. Forgive me for wantin’ to support you and make you feel secure right now when I can see how scared you are. Jesus, Joanne, I’m sorry that you think being pregnant with my kid is such a fuckin’ disgrace.” I pick up my shirt from the bathroom floor and leave real quick before I lose my temper. Her reaction to all of this only proves what I’ve always been wary of. I ain’t good enough for her.

“Yo, Prez, you in?” Hearing Jessie call through the house brings me back to the here and now, and I sit up on my bed and wait for my head to stop spinning.

“What ya doin’ in here? Takin’ an afternoon nap, old man?” He laughs when he sees that I’m still in bed.

“I ain’t been sleepin’ all that well,” I admit, dragging myself up and lifting my cut from the bedpost.

“Tawk tried callin’ you a few times so he contacted me instead.” I can tell it ain’t good news that he’s got to share from the way he drops his eyes to the floor.

“Well, go on then.” I move through the bedroom door and out toward the kitchen in need of a fuckin’ coffee.

“Apparently, Willow overheard her dad talkin’ with Rex. Somethin’s goin’ down this weekend with Lambroni.”

“Lambroni?” I massage my temple because this is really starting to hurt my head.

“He’s been storin’ supply for them in some dock unit that only a select few club members know about. Willow swears she heard him talkin’ about shifting it this weekend, but she didn’t hear enough to know where to.”

“Shit.” I grip the kitchen counter with both my hands and hang my head. I knew Cliff had some ties with the Lambroni brothers from the information Maddy got me, but I didn’t think he’d be stupid enough to be working it so close to home.

“If Burlusconi hears about this he’s gonna want our heads.” Jessie looks as worried as I am.

People like Raoul Burlusconi work with my club because I guarantee loyalty. It goes without saying that my members going rogue and shifting for his biggest rival is gonna piss him the fuck off.

“We need to make this takedown happen, and we need to make it happen fast,” Jess points out the fuckin’ obvious.

“Is Tawk in danger?” I check, closing my eyes and realizing that this is not gonna be easy to resolve. I’m not a fool, I know Tawk’s main objection for leaving us and heading to Long Beach was to chase pussy, but he’s also been doing a good job of being our eyes… Knowing that it comes with its risks.

“He tells me he’s fine, he assures me we got some solid members looking out for him.” Jess nods, it’s proof that these days when it comes to our club brothers, my VP knows more than I do.

“I don’t even know who we can trust anymore, Jess.” I slide my hand through my hair and take a deep breath. “All I do know is that we gotta be real smart about this.”

“We’re always smart.” He winks, slapping my shoulder before he heads out the door.

“You comin’, Prez?” He looks back over his shoulder when he realizes I ain’t following after him. I stare at the man who was the twelve-year-old little boy who I found crying in a wardrobe all those years ago, and I can’t help feeling a huge sense of pride take over all my concerns.

“Of course, I’m fuckin’ comin’.” I smile and follow after him.

* * *

“Not tonight.” I shake my head at Haven when she tries unzipping me.

“I’m starting to think you’ve gotten bored of me.” She dances her fingers across my chest and irritates the shit outta me.

“I’m getting bored of havin’ to explain myself.” I grab my drink and knock it back. I came into my members-only bar for some peace and quiet. The club always gets rowdy on a Friday night, it’s full of hangouts and not the place I wanna be right now.

“It’s ever since she’s been here. You still love her, don’t you?” Haven looks hurt as she pulls away from me.

“Who the fuck are you talkin’ about?” I try to act clueless. These days it’s my only defense.

“You know who I’m talking about. Why are you even pretending?”

“I’m not pretendin’ anythin’.” I sigh, really growing tired of this bullshit. Haven ain’t my old lady, so why the fuck is she giving me shit like one?

“Why don’t ya go see if that new sheriff of ours wants keepin’ sweet? He likes you,” I dismiss her before topping up my glass, and yet she remains still.

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