Page 43 of Hawk

“I would die for any one of them,” I tell Reno truthfully. I sense Drifter shift beside me.

“We have a plan, Mr. Viale,” Drifter says. “A way to solve both our problems. Guard is in agreement, and we want to run it by you.”

Sebastian moves next to Drifter and puts a hand on his shoulder, saying, “Lay it on me. I’m up for a good fight.” He lets out a laugh, and Drifter chuckles along with him.

We lay out our plan for Reno and his brothers. Gino’s listening but hasn’t said a word. His mind is on other things, I’m sure. I’m not in their Mafia lifestyle, but it’s obvious that this Cicco fellow is not going to make it out of this situation alive. Perhaps Gino is fine with this, but having to step down from his role of authority and being flat-out told that the Benito clan is no more has to be a huge hit.

It’s none of my business, but in Reno’s position, I would have come to the same conclusion. When Meteor betrayed our trust, he was gone. And gone in a way where he will never return.

“We agree, then?” Guard asks.

“Yes, we agree,” Reno confirms. “The Jackals owe us a pile of money.”

“You’re never going to see it. Gunner has a tendency to spend more than he earns, or steals, in this case. The Jackals have expensive tastes. I’m happy to let you go through their club looking for cash, but I doubt you’ll find any,” I explain.

“Based on the timeline when product’s gone missing, and noting the amount we’ve been short, that comes to over three hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars.” Dante’s voice resounds over the phone. I forgot he was still with us since he went dead quiet after Reno started in on Gino.

I shrug. “Like I said, you want to hunt for it, be my guest. I could be wrong.”

“You’re not wrong, Prez,” Drifter says, backing me up. “Gunner likes the ponies, and word has it he paid off a large debt a while back to the tune of seventy-five grand. Who knows how much he’s lost to his gambling debt, and let’s not forget the new bikes he’s been adding to his collection. Shooter tells me he’s had four custom bikes built to order, each one over twenty-five grand.”

“I could use a new bike,” Sebastian says, glancing over at his brother.

Reno shakes his head and grins. “Jesus, Sebastian. Go collect the damn bikes,” he says with a huff. He then turns to me. “When does this go down?”

“Three days,” I say.

“Looks like we’ve got some calls to make. I’ll take care of the cops. Gino will be delivering Cicco to me by noon tomorrow.” Reno looks at Gino, who nods quickly in agreement. “I’ll make sure he makes the call to move locations. We’ll be waiting on the other end to take care of Gunner,” Reno confirms.

“We’re planning a surprise attack after you have Gunner and whoever comes along with him. I want them gone,” I tell them.

“We’re in on that,” Saint reminds me, and Ghost gives a grunt, acknowledging his participation in what is about to happen.

“See you Wednesday, boys,” Sebastian says.

Drifter and I make good time coming back, but it’s nearing dawn before we make it home. I contemplated going straight to the club and climbing into my own bed, which I haven’t seen in a while, but I couldn’t resist the temptation of holding Etain in my arms while we sleep.

The street is dark except for a lonely streetlamp. I called Declan to let him know I was coming. He and Lee are taking turns making sure that Etain is safe. It doesn’t seem likely, with everything that’s going down with the Jackals, that Gunner would have time to make Etain a priority, but he’s a smug bastard, and I wouldn’t put anything past him.

My legs and ass are sore as hell. I’ve done long-haul rides with my motorcycle many times, but I normally take a few breaks along the way. I was desperate to get home; the only break we got was to get gas and take a piss. Gas station coffee is shit, and Drifter and I survived on candy bars for food. Yet, never once did Drifter complain. He knew I was on a mission to get home. He was so happy to see the compound that he lifted a hand to let me know he was off.

Declan is waiting for me in front of the house. He looks wiped out, but who am I to talk? I’m dragging my ass, my body screaming for a bed.

“Thanks, Declan. Where’s Lee?” I ask.

“Round back. I’ll go get him.”

“Good job today. You got tomorrow off. Sleep in, do whatever you want,” I tell him. “Lee too. You’ve both earned it.”

Declan grins. “Later, Prez.”

I wave him off and move inside. I beeline straight for the bedroom, where Etain is sleeping in her PJ shorts and tee with the sheets kicked aside. She’s lying on her belly with her hand tucked under the pillow. The shorts have risen up, giving me a glimpse of her ass cheek.

As tempting as it is to take a bite of her ass and wake her up to make love to her, I’m too damn tired. I strip down to my boxers and slip in beside her. Instinctively, she turns and cuddles into me, slinging her leg over mine and nestling her cheek into my shoulder, letting out a small sigh of contentment.

Time to let go of the day. The Viales were grateful to find out what was happening in their own family, and thankfully, it fed into our plan for the Jackals. Reno Viale and Gino Benito have their own shit to sort out. I learned quickly today that Reno Viale is not a man you want to fuck with.

I close my eyes and take in the scent of Etain’s sweet, scented shampoo. I lock my arm around her to keep her close and fall asleep.

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