Page 10 of Devil's Vengeance

“... So yeah, I’ve been taking some self-defense classes, but the guy who runs it is a bit… overenthusiastic. It’s obnoxious, really. Like I get you’re excited about teaching, but I’m twenty-five. I don’t need to be smothered with praise. I need to know if I’m actually doing things right so I can protect myself.”

Lacey’s face twisted up with disgust. “Seriously? How will coddling you protect you?”

Mariah shrugged, annoyance written all over her face. “No clue. But he’s the only one in the area.”

“Well, I know enough that I’ve been teaching the sweetbutts and the other old ladies a thing or two. If you feel comfortable coming here, you can join us.”

Shit. That was the exact opposite of what I wanted. She was only supposed to be here for a day. Not integrating herself farther into the crew. I didn’t want her coming back. It only put her more at risk.

“Croy isn’t going to just let an outsider in to join us,” I interrupted before Mariah could answer. “Invites only.”

Lacey rolled her eyes. “I’minviting her. Or did you not clue in on that? What do you want, Chase? I don’t need a fucking babysitter.”

I fought off a scowl. I was still recovering from Reaper’s ass beating last week. I didn’t need to add another one from Brewer. He might not be as dangerous as Reaper, but he wasn’t gentle. And because I wasn’t an officer, I wasn’t allowed to fight back without serious repercussions. You respected the damn officers, or you got your ass thrown out. Simple as that.

“Don’t worry,” Mariah said, shooting an irritated glance over her shoulder at me. “He’s not babysitting you. He’s been pissed since I showed up. No clue why. I didn’t do anything to him.”

Sam had been sitting nearby, talking to her old man and a few of the other guys, but she overheard the conversation and looked over her shoulder, frowning at me. “You’re usually really nice, Chase. Is something wrong?”

“Yeah, Chase. Does baby boy need a nap?” Clink teased, joining in on the conversation.

“Go fuck yourself, Clink” I snapped back.

The humor in Clink’s face flickered just a little. He was an easy-going guy, but he didn’t take kindly to being disrespected in front of his old lady. Apparently, I was just full of stupid ideas tonight. All thanks to one chick who wouldn’t take the fucking hint and go home before she got herself hurt. I hated being an asshole to her, but I was trying to protect her. From her own stupid ideas apparently.

“Watch yourself, Chase. I’d love an excuse for a fight. I’ve been itching for one,” Clink warned. His hands flexed a little, and I saw that twitchy look in his eye. He was a recovering addict and sometimes he took those urges out in violence instead.

“Make it a fair fight and I’ll meet you outside,” I countered. Maybe I needed to work out some energy, too.

A hand gripped my shoulder, yanking me back and away from the group. “Ignore him,” Bear said, tightening his grip when I tried to fight him off. “He’s been drinking. I’ll bring him outside so he can clear his head.”

Before I could protest, he marched me away, leaning low to whisper inmy ear. “You’re already on thin ice after the rally, Chase. Shut the hell up and get outside. We are not havin’ another member dropped back to prospect for causing trouble. Use your fuckin’ head.”

I shook him off, but went along with his plan. Four sets of eyes watched me go with dark looks. Bear was right. I was being an idiot. But no amount of fresh air was going to help. Nothing would until I finally convinced the innocent librarian to go back to her life and stay the hell away from my brotherhood. I wasn’t going to let her become another innocent bystander hurt because of MC business. She wouldn’t become another Hannah.

CHAPTER 7

MARIAH

I watched Chase go with a deep frown. I wasn’t sure what his problem was, but me being here obviously upset him. And I felt a little bad about it. This was his place, not mine, and I did what I came here to do. I was only lingering because Lacey was an interesting person and I liked chatting with her.

Turning to face her, I forced a small smile. “Maybe I should go. I really only came to say thank you. I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.”

Lacey scoffed, crossing her arms, a stubborn look on her face. “Don’t leave on his account. Chase has been a pain in the ass lately.”

Sam nodded, her lips pressed together tightly. “He’s always been overprotective, but something’s up with him. He’s usually a lot more polite about it. He’s the favorite if one of us needs a bodyguard.”

Clink fisted her hair, dragging her head back to look up at him. He’d been perched on the arm of the couch next to her, and he didn’t look happy about her calling another guy her favorite.

“Who’s your favorite bodyguard, honey?”

She grinned up at him, completely unrepentant. “Did I say something wrong?”

Her teasing set him off, and he snatched her by the arm, dragging her out the front door again. When I shot Lacey a questioning look, she shook her head, exasperated. “It’s nothing. They like to get busy where theymight get caught. It doesn’t matter that we all know they’re out there and no one would be stupid enough to interrupt them. Clink would lose his shit. But they like the thrill, so…” She shrugged.

“Ah. Well, to each their own, I guess.”

I looked back towards the door, still considering my options. I wanted to know what Chase’s problem was with me, but at the same time, I didn't want to get into it with him. Whatever was going on with him wasn’t anything I did. There was nothing wrong with showing up to the club party. I was invited, I was allowed to be here, and he was just being an ass.

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