Page 70 of King of Omen

Lorenzo called to me as I moved towards the bikers. ‘Mia! Stay back.’

I ignored his rumbled command and trod with caution toward the burly rider as his eyes raked over me, calloused hands on his hips.

He was the living embodiment of brute power and intimidation.

His massive frame exuded an aura of menace that made even the most brutal bikers tremble. His thick beard and penetrating gaze made him appear more like a mythic warrior than a modern-day gang leader.

That’s when I tagged his lip quiver, even as I reached his side, lifted a hand, cradled his bearded cheek, and stood on my tiptoes to kiss his weathered jaw. ‘Promise you’ll drop this?’ I whispered.

‘Baby girl, I’d walk through hell for you,’ came the muffled murmur from the man who’d now enveloped me in his arms.

‘Thank you, Daddy,’ I murmured, welcoming the words, knowing that though he meant well, the words would soon be forgotten by him, chaff in the wind. ‘The man you were sent to kill is someone I’d prefer you kept alive.’

Angus ‘Hurricane’ Cameron, the supreme leader of the Cyclone Knights biker gang, pulled back and wiped tears from his eyes.

His gaze sliced to the SUV, its engine still running, ‘Is that right?’

I nodded.

‘For you then, I’ll drop it, but only after I meet him and make sure he doesn’t retaliate on us for this attempt. I’ve been told he’s a ruthless man.’

‘He’s an honourable man as well and sensible. You’ll discover the same for yourself.’

‘Before you fetch your crush,’ my father growled, ‘How are you?’

Years ago, we became estranged when my mother fled the biker lifestyle. I’d still visited Angus on and off over the years at his farm, where he’d instilled in me fierce independence, the required skills to protect myself and his codes of honour.

Now, standing in front of him, my heart swelled with exasperated affection. Even though the time spent together was rare, I still respected him despite his lawless life choices.

‘I’m well, Dad,’ I affirmed. ‘Life has been an adventure, and I’ve learnt much over the years.’

He took a moment, his face etched with care. ‘You’ve found love?’

I smiled, blinking away the tears welling up in my eyes. ‘I’m not sure, but there’s something about the man in that car that makes me want to explore more.’

His face softened, but still, I tagged a hardness in his eyes. ‘In that case, I will heed your wishes. But baby girl, this will not be the end of it, others will try.’

I nodded, my heart aching with the harsh wisdom my father shared.

‘We’re well aware.’

My father huffed. ‘You need to be more than well informed. You need to be surrounded by some serious protection.’

‘Tell that to Lorenzo.’

‘Bring him to me,’ Angus barked, switching back to his bossy, biker ways.

I shook my head in annoyance, narrowed my eyes at him, and tracked back to the SUV.

From the confines of the luxury vehicle, Lorenzo gazed at me with cold relief, a touch of disbelief, and respect.

Mauri, still shaken, shifted in his seat, giving me a dirty side-eye.

I ignored him.

‘He wants to speak with you,’ I announced, pointing a chin at Lorenzo.

He sucked his teeth. ‘Who is he to you?’

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