Page 53 of Gio

“I didn’t set anything on fire.” It was a lame ass attempt at a joke. “I think that shows incredible restraint.”

Diesel’s mouth kicked up into a reluctant grin. “Asshole.”

My smile joined his and low laughter went up around the room. It stopped as soon as I told them what I’d found, “They had her locked in a storeroom. Inside one of their fucking whorehouses.” The words dripped with venom as they came out of my mouth and I shook my head, angry all over again.

“Otherwise she’s good?” Cole’s voice was tight with both tension and gratitude.

I nodded. “Other than a slap she said she was fine, they didn’t touch her. She’s shaken but okay. Physically at least”

“Thanks, man.”

“Of course.”

“That was really fucking stupid,” Rocky added because of course he did. “You could’ve gotten yourself killed.”

“I know but I didn’t, and I couldn’t risk what Viper might’ve had planned for her.” That was never going to fucking happen.

“I get it,” Diesel said. “We all get it Gio and we’re happy Harper is back safe and sound. But now it’s time to deal with the fallout.”

“Yeah. I killed a few Reapers, and I fucked up some shit, a bar, and some drugs ended up in a bathtub with a bunch of cleaning products. Not much damage, just enough to fuck with them.” That was fun shit, but this was serious. “The house on Oak Street is filled top to bottom with bricks though, and I left it as it is because I assume that’s cartel shit.”

Diesel’s shoulders sank in relief. “Good. So fucking good, Gio. I’m glad.” His gaze met mine and he gave a short, grateful nod. “We only have a couple hours before we meet with Viper.”

“Yeah, and they’ll definitely notice Harper is gone before then.”

I wasn’t so sure. “Only if Viper was acting in good faith and planned to give her back. There was no fucking security where she was being held.”

Diesel and Rocky wore matching expressions of anger and worry, which I understood down to my goddamn bones. “Then a straight trade was never on the table.”

“Exactly.” I smacked both my palms against one of the bar tables as I sat, grunting my frustration. “Look guys, there’ssomething else.” I sat up straight and looked each of my brothers in the eyes. “Harper told me something she remembered from when she was taken. The Reapers knew she would be there at that office building. They saidthe bitch said she’d be here. Those are the words Harper heard them say.” The idea of it still pissed me the fuck off. “I have a pretty good idea who their informant is.”

“Fucking Cindy,” Cole muttered. “She warned Harper away from you.”

Rebel shook his head. “Told you about sticking your dick in crazy. No pussy is worth that… or this.” He motioned around the meeting room, empty except for the patched brothers.

“Yeah,” I shrugged. “But that’s what the club whores are for, right?”

“Fuck that,” Hawk spat out. “We’ve all stuck our dick in these girls at one time or another. They are MC property, they’re supposed to be loyal to us, goddammit. This shit can’t stand.”

“It won’t,” Diesel answered confidently. “But for now we need to decide what we’re gonna do.”

“How about we torch that brothel where Gio picked up his woman? They come running and we take ‘em out. Easy-peasy.” His wide grin underscored just how insane this motherfucker was at times.

Maverick gave Hollywood a side-eye and shook his head. “Good to see that prison didn’t cure you of crazy.”

“Never, brother. Not fucking ever,” he laughed.

“I have a better idea, but if mine doesn’t work then I say let’s welcome Hollywood home in style.” I flashed a smile at the only other club member who could rival my crazy.

“We’re listening.” I had Diesel’s full attention.

“Our informant. She can call them with more information that will give us the edge.” It wasn’t a fully formed plan, but it had to be enough of a plan to work. “She can tell them we’re going to get Harper from the brothel and when they show up, we’ll deal with them however our Prez sees fit.” Silence fell around the room, and I waited for all the reasons my plan was stupid and wouldn’t work.

“That’s a good start.” Diesel grinned. “If you left the Santangelo product alone, I say we call them too.” When his grinned turned devious I knew whatever the plan was, it would be fun. “Gio, go get Cindy.”

My heart pounded against my chest as I got to my feet and headed to the bar. My hands balled into fists as my feet moved forward, anger pulsed through me, and I wanted to strangle the woman. “Fine.” The last person I wanted to talk to was Cindy, but she had to answer for her crimes, and I needed to be there to make sure she did.

“Cindy,” My voice was as light as I could make it. She sat around with the other club girls at one table while the old ladies and Harper were gathered at another. I caught Harper’s eye, and I could see she had an idea what this was all about.

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