Page 30 of Throttle

“She’s not my girl.”

While grabbing a rear fender, Tank bursts into laughter. “The fact you didn’t ask who says it all. Call her.”

Who was I fooling? Tequila will always be mine.

I was planning to text her, but as I pass Tank's gym, she’s in Angel's class, performing a seductive kick move while wearing tight leggings. Tequila’s sleek, fast, and precise. Good. I want her to defend herself. My teeth grind at the thought of her having to.

I give her space and instead meet with Chain to update him on the specific events that took place. Since I was being treated with IV fluids and wrapped in gauze, I haven't talked to him.

I'm at the President's door, ready to knock. The number one rule of his. “I don't want any of you perverts watching my woman while I have her bent over my desk. Nor do I have any desire of my dick being on display either,” he told us.

Reclining in his chair, he folds his arms over his enormous chest after I receive the command to sit. “How you feelin’, kid?”

“Like someone dragged me across the highway.”

“Makes sense. Sorry you had to go through that. You get a good look at our guy, yeah?”

“I did, right before he shot up my fucking tire. Never seen him before, though.”

“And you and the prospect didn’t notice any bikes. What about MC cuts on the drivers?”

I shake my head. “No. It wasn’t a club involved this time. At least I didn’t see any signs of there being one.”

The reason for Pipe's men being there remains unanswered. Who or what alerted those goons last night? To avoid the never-ending danger, I wish Tequila would get as far away from us as possible.

“Never a dull moment.” Chain rakes a meaty hand over his jaw. “Because of the near-death experience you both had, I'm removing everyone from this dangerous shit. From now on, we'll rely on the heat to handle it.”

I jolt forward. “Boss, no offense, but we’re both aware the cops will take their good ole time on this. Fuck. You know some are even in on it. And we can’t afford any more wasted seconds. Nobody knows who or what is inside that warehouse.”

“I’m with you, son, and I don't want to see it happen. But I won't allow any harm to come to my guys again. I mean it, boy. Stay the hell away from that building.”

“Didn’t stop you from sending Angel into the Skulls, did it? That too was not a safe situation for her.”

His left eye twitches. “And I wish I had done that differently every damn day. Learned my lesson on what chances to take.” The sorrow written over his face makes me regret bringing it up. That mistake haunts our President daily. Assigning one of ours to work inside with the enemy.

“I’m sorry. I—”

“Go. Get out. Look after those wounds.”

I leave, but I'm not interested in relaxation. I want something to distract me.

Tequila

I’m sure I've destroyed every muscle in my body during Angel's class, but it’s incredible. The adrenaline. The sweat. The power. It's an unexpected high that I now realize is crucial. This is becoming a habit I crave.

A notification causes my phone to vibrate.

Unknown: Hey, gorgeous.

Unknown: It’s Caleb. Sorry it took so long to text. I finally mustered the courage to. I had a well-prepared speech ready to go. Clearly, I'm not making use of it from my foolish rambling.

I chuckle. I was convinced that he had forgotten about me.

Angel forcefully closes her locker, jolting me back to reality. “Venom’s got club business. Which means you should hang out with me, please. I need girl time.”

I hesitate as I stare at my phone, unsure if I should respond. Should be easy. Reply to the attractive man.

“Who’s that?” She gives me a gentle push, peering at what's on my screen.

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