Page 38 of Biker's Collar: Property of Scrap

I can see the angry words rolling around in her mouth and I’m just grateful this woman isn’t still looking in my direction. I want to lean on Owen more, but I don’t want him to get too full of himself, like I’m entering some jealous contest for his affection. Owen takes a step back and puts his arm around myshoulder, which strikes me as a mistake, especially judging by the expression on his other brother’s face.

“Southpaw” reaches for his weapon with his left hand, so I guess they didn’t get too creative with their nicknames. I’ll have to ask Owen what the hell he did to end up with Scrap as a nickname.

“Listen. I’m here about Waverly, and that’s it. Do we have the money? Where do we need to take it? And who the fuck has her? I haven’t played any dice games lately,” Owen says.

He thinks he’s doing a good job at hiding his vulnerabilities, and how worried he is, but his missing daughter is clearly driving him crazy. It’s a miracle he hasn’t been stress-betting on his phone and cleaned instead. Because that’s the only explanation I have for why this grown man started scrubbing this nasty ass environment.

“Well I’m not the degenerate gambler!” Kaylee-Marie says. It’s more like a scream. I lock back into the conversation, ignoring the slow creep of black mold on the ceiling that was starting to catch my attention. I’m not the only one shook up at the condition of our current venue.

“Yeah, apparently you don’t sweep or mop either,” Bear grumbles. “Some gambling might help you afford bleach. The entryway is caked in grime. My mother would have had our asses scrubbing this place down on our hands and knees.”

Damn, Bear went in on her ass. I look over at Owen to see his response and he just looks upset that nobody appreciates the slight progress he’s made at tackling the mess in this place.

“What do you think I’ve been doing since I got here?” Owen asks.

His brothers exchange glances and then look at me. Could men be more stupid and obvious about their “secret”communication? Bonobos could interpret that look. And unfortunately, the only person in the room who is louder than a bonobo reacts.

“WELL IT’S OBVIOUS YOU’VE BEEN HAVING SEX IN MY HOUSE WHILE SOME GANGSTERS ARE RAPING OUR DAUGHTER.”

“That’s enough!” Southpaw yells. I look over at Owen and I can tell he’s about to snap. I thought I could get under this man’s skin but the shit that just came out of Kaylee-Marie’s mouth clearly makes him want to throw hands.

“One more word from anyone in this room and I’ll slaughter all of you. Anna is watching the next episode of that show without me because of this bullshit.”

“What show?” I ask. Owen glares at me.

“None of your business.”

“It’s Grey’s Anatomy,” Bear blurts out. “He likes the thick black doctor.”

“Bailey?”

Never in my life have I heard anyone refer to Bailey like this. These men clearly have a type and it honestly disturbs me.

“We have the money,” Southpaw says, steamrolling straight over what would have been a fascinating conversation about gangster biker’s television tastes. “The ransom note says we have to meet at Hoover Park, 8 p.m. Well, they want Kaylee-Marie with the money alone.”

I’m not an expert, but even I know that doesn’t sound like a good idea.

“That’s obviously not going to happen,” Bear says before Owen can escalate the situation like he clearly wants to. “We’re gonna get in position early and… Southpaw and I were thinking we would send your accomplice in disguise.

“Am I the accomplice?” I chime in. Owen throws me a dirty look and Kaylee-Marie’s nose flares out again. I almost regret asking.

“Yes,” Southpaw says. “You weren’t a secret. I knew he wouldn’t be stupid enough to kill you and add more to our plate.”

“Thanks,” Owen mutters.

“So what? You’re sleeping with her?” Bear asks rudely.

I look at Kaylee-Marie out of an instinctive desire to survive. Thankfully, Owen stops the conversation from spiraling further out of control. He’s here for his daughter and I’m only here because he dragged me here. I don’t want his ex to jump my ass while his brothers watch or however the hell this might play out.

“I don’t want to discuss my personal life,” Owen says. “I’ll take Vickie out back to my house until we need to get in position.”

“You only have a few hours,” Southpaw says. “Don’t be late.”

“Text me everything I need to know.”

Owen stops in front of Kaylee-Marie as I follow him – mostly because my ass doesn’t plan on staying here and I’ll take my chances with Owen over any of the other people in the room.

“Waverly won’t grow up in a dump like this. I bought you a house. I gave you everything you asked for… I don’t know how the fuck you lost our daughter, but I’ll find out. Because I don’t think this has a damn thing to do with my gambling.”

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