Page 142 of Cook

This had to be a first: a limo in Park Ridge. The long and sleek black limo didn’t fit into the landscape of motorcycles and beat-up, rusted cars. The driver followed my orders all the way to Bou’s shop, not that I wanted to get Bou involved.

“Wait here,” Massimo ordered his goons and then stepped out.

Snakes had his gun tucked away, and when he moved his jacket aside to hand me back my cell phone, I glimpsed the snake whip coiled at his waist. He would pull that out or his gun if I got out of hand.

Outside of Bou’s shop, motorcycles and cars were lined up. I spotted Celt’s bike and Lanie’s Mini Cooper—strange that he was driving that rather than on Night Owl.

“Don’t make any trouble,” called Snakes from behind me.

“I thought that was what you liked,” I muttered.

“This is just business,” said Massimo in a calming voice. It grated against my ears. “This can be peaceful.”

Nothing about this fucked-up situation seemed peaceful.

The shop door opened, and Celt poked his head out. Immediately, he narrowed his eyes on Massimo and Mercer, and then his gaze metmine. I didn’t say anything, but his hand had already disappeared behind his back for his gun.

I raised my hand. No shoot out. Not yet.

We might win this fight—with the number of bikers inside for church—but a gunfight now would launch a war between the MC and Mafia. Plus, I wanted to return to Maddie safe and sound. And we had a pregnant lady nearby. I fucking hoped Bou wasn’t there for church too.

“Get inside,” muttered Celt, swinging the door open and then stalking inside.

Like a good gentleman, I held the door for Massimo and Mercer and then stepped inside, letting it slam shut.

Inside Bou’s shop, Wilde, Angel, Celt, and Bou waited. Wilde lingered halfway in front of Bou, but Bou stood in her own right, eyeing Massimo and Mercer with interest and hooded concern. I could almost hear questions flying at me telepathically.

What was the Mafia doing in our territory? Why had I brought them here?

If our arrival like this wasn’t enough, they’d abducted my mother and threatened Maddie.

“I didn’t know that was your limo I passed when coming down from Phoenix,” said Celt.

“Was that you and Roni riding past?” I asked, trying to keep my voice light.

“Yeah. I dropped her off at your place,” said Celt, like we were talking as old friends catching up.

“Maddie’s there? Safe?” Maybe it was a good thing Roni was there for her.

Celt nodded stiffly.

Angel stepped up to my side. “Lanie’s there too.”

“Good deal.” I blew out a deep breath.

I’d probably have a lot more to say about it if we were in any other situation, but Maddie would be safer there with a trained FBI agent, even if Lanie had turned down the appointment in favor of stayingwith the club. Lanie wouldn’t let anything happen to her sister. Roni could help too. Maddie needed help after what I did to her.

Hell, I had a lot to make up to my girl.

I walked over and budged my way between Wilde and Celt, placing a hand in the center of Celt’s chest. “Guys, let me introduce ourhonoredguests. Massimo Parisi and Sloan”—I looked Celt square in the eye and emphasized the pseudonym—“‘Snakes’ Mercer.”

Celt lunged, but I flexed to hold him back, a low rumble in his chest buzzing against my palm.

Willing him to understand that there was something else at play, I mouthed, “Give it a minute.”

Blue flames blazed in his glare and his ruddy brows pulled downward into a scowl, but he didn’t charge. Better, though, he didn’t pull his gun and blow the motherfucker away.

“Thank you all for coming out in the middle of the night,” said Massimo, his voice seeming to try to diffuse tension, “and on such short notice.”

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