Page 7 of Riot

“No.”

I groan. “You’re no fun.”

“Not here for fun. Cash needs you.”

“Of course he does.” I stretch back in the seat. “When doesn’t he need a pretty face and a smart ass around the clubhouse?”

“I mean, he’s got a job for you that doesn’t involve shooting people in the head.”

“Sounds borin’ already.”

Tag grunts. “Beats gettin’ locked up again.”

“Haven’t had a job in ages, not since I started with the club.”

“Shit comes back to haunt you.”

“I’m a ghost,” I remind him. “Got nothin’ distinguishable about me, well, not like I’m gonna whip my dick out to prove that point bein’ all wrong now, is it?”

“You lose some brain cells in the clink?”

I laugh. “Just tryin’ to get a rise outta you, brother.”

“Sounds like you’re tryin’ to get hit in the head. Just keep talkin’.”

“You get yourself an ol’ lady while I was gone?”

Another grunt. We all know that he’s had a soft spot for Luna — one of the chicks who hangs around the clubhouse — for as long as anyone can remember. The only thing is she comes and goes and right now she ain’t here. Maybe that’s why he’s so grumpy. She isn’t a sweet butt; in fact, she’s a good girl. I don’t understand what she sees in him, or even if the feelings are reciprocated, but what I do know is he threatened every one of us for even looking at her when she came to the club the first time. The man needs to grow a set and do something about it.

“Fine, don’t dignify it with an answer.” I look out the window, my stomach growling. “Can we stop somewhere for food?”

“What are you, a mother fuckin’ child? Have somethin’ to eat when we get back.”

“Don’t want frozen lasagna. It’s about time Cash got a real cook, the club is gettin’ big enough to pay someone.”

“Sure. Bring your concerns up at church, I’m sure Cash’ll appoint a personal chef just to cater to your every whim.”

I laugh. “You’re pretty funny when you try.”

“Not tryin’. Now shut the fuck up. Givin’ me a headache.”

Even Tag’s grouchiness can’t make me unhappy. Today is a good day. It’s the day I get to turn my life around, because if Iever see the inside of a prison ever again, it might just be the last thing I ever do.

2

RIOT

Present Day

It’s been a month since I got back from Mississippi and used my sniper rifle — not that I get to use it very much these days, but old habits die hard.

I’m glad that the only time I have to use it anymore is when the club orders it, or our allies are in a turf war. It doesn’t happen all that much, but I’m glad my skills can be put to use from time to time. That being said, I can’t say I miss a life living on the run, constantly looking over my shoulder and never being able to form real relationships.

While I like my quiet time, I’m a people person and I’m okay being around them.

When I’m with my own thoughts, it can get messy. I’ve got baggage, sue me.

I never had a brotherhood, that is until I joined the MC.

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