CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Miles
I tap the keys on my laptop, the soft clack echoing in the dimly lit clubhouse.
The scent of Pine-Sol hangs heavy in the air.
The prospects cleaned the clubhouse from top to bottom today, putting it in tip top shape.
I’ve been keeping busy, getting shit together for the new gym.
Thankfully, I’m almost done with the design options for my father.
A rush of satisfaction wells up in me. This is my gym.
Sure it’s a partnership, but I own the majority stake.
This is my shot at something real, besides being a bouncer back in the Bronx at a club I don’t necessarily like.
The cash offer for the gym got accepted yesterday, but I knew it would.
The previous owner would be a fool to let the space sit there and cost him money.
It feels like a huge weight has been lifted.
I lean back in my chair, stretching my arms over my head, feeling the tightness in my muscles.
Just a few more tweaks to this design, then I can send it off.
Zane’s voice cuts through the haze. “Hey, Miles.”
I look up. He’s leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, that usual intensity in his gaze. “What’s up?”
“Looks good, man.” He nods toward my screen. “Stiletto told me you’re putting some roots down here.”
“Yeah,” I smirk, glancing back at the designs. “Thought to myself, if I’m stayin’ here, I wanna make a name for myself.”
“Smart move.” He steps inside, the door creaking behind him. “Montana’s got its charms. You’ll get used to it.”
“Charm? Not sure that’s what I’d call the local wildlife.” I chuckle, shaking my head at the memory of a massive mountain lion I spotted on the property last week.
“Fair point.” He leans closer, eyes narrowing. “But you’re building somethin’, right? Somethin’ legit.”
“Exactly. It feels damn good too,” I take a deep breath.
My life in the Bronx feels like a lifetime ago.
Those memories sting, especially when the girls pop into my mind. But I push them aside.
“Good,” he says, straightening up. “Keep that fire.”
“You won’t have to ever worry about that. Fire is in my veins.” I type a few more lines, focused.
My fingers fly over the keyboard, each click reminding me why I’m here.
Zane chuckles, “I could see that from the first moment I met ya. Just remember, you’ve got a family here now and I’m not just talkin’ about Stiletto. You got the club on your side.”
“Yeah, I know,” I glance at him, meeting his gaze. “It feels good to know we have that much support, so thank you.”