Page 132 of Manny

All this club has ever wanted is what’s best for Manny, and in turn, Lace and I. We’re a brotherhood, we stick together. I’ve still gotta have conversations with my son, but we don’t need to get heavy with any of that. He loves Lace and Manny and when we hang out together; he loves it.

“Just sayin’, he’s a lowlife, and ever since Manny told me what a scumbag he is, I’ve wanted to take care of it myself, especially after what Manny did for Lace by takin’ a hit.” My eyes meet Riot’s across the table.

“Gotta hand it to you,” Riot says. “I never thought I’d hear anythin’ like this come outta your mouth, but you’re talkin’ my language. Not that I like the idea of any of my brother’s gettin’ hurt, Lace has been through so much.”

I nod, knowing exactly what he’s talking about. “She’s special.”

“Yes, she is, and I can see how much she’s grown since she’s been here, how happy she is.”

I nod. “I’m glad to hear that. You know neither of us will let her down.”

“I know. Either one of you hurt her, you got a whole clubhouse here ready to rain down on you.”

“Wasn’t there some rule about club sisters?” Nevada pipes up. “I mean, next we’re gonna have Sistine shackin’ up with one of the Nomad brothers.”

“Want a black eye?” Hawk barks across the table. “Goin’ the right way about it.”

“Gettin’ back to Manny’s stepfather.” Cash clears his throat. “Happy to let Judice deal with it if it means the club gets some peace for five minutes. Does Manny know?”

I shake my head. “No, wanna keep it that way.”

“Need a couple heads bangin’ together, I’m in,” Tag puts in.

Of course, Tag is one who never backs away from any action, including maiming someone. “You wanna travel to fuckin’ Iowa?” I give him a pointed look. “I mean, I’m in…”

“No,” Cash barks. “I’m all in when it comes to an eye for an eye, but Judice owes this club, so he can deal with it. It’ll send the wrong message if we back out. If he wants to take out the trash, we let him. We’ll be even and have an ally if we ever need one, or the Bracken Ridge Rebels. You could’ve taken a bullet yourself.”

“I was goin’ for Lace not Mateo,” I mutter. “It all happened so quickly.”

“And Manny? How’s he really doin’?” Ryder asks.

I look up from my hands. We’re not lovey dovey around the club, and we probably never will be because I’m not a public display of affection kinda guy, but we know each other intimately. I’m also learning more about him and Lace, things that we share and talk about and all the things we want.

“He’s doin’ good, glad to be back at work. Drove him mad bein’ away for so long,” I say.

“Glad he’s doin’ good.” Harlem sits back in his chair, patting his belly. “Though not so sure my love handles agree.”

“Love handles?” Bronco snorts. “Jesus, give me a break.”

“How’s your mom doin’?” Cash asks Nevada. “She was pretty shaken up after everythin’.”

“She’s been doin’ fine,” Nevada says, then he gives Priest a pointed look. “Thanks to your good ol’ pops.”

“Hey, don’t look at me, last time I checked they’re both consentin’ adults,” Priest says, waving his hands like he’s surrendering.

“She’s mymom,” Nevada says it like he’s tasted something bad. “She’s like too old to have a boyfriend.”

Cash snickers. “Old? Your mom’s like forty-five for pete’s sake, that’s not old, asshat, and she’s allowed to do whatever she wants.”

“Still, don’t wanna think about my mom and fuckin’ gray wolf doin’ the nasty if it’s all the same to you.” He shudders. “A man that good lookin’ and in that good shape gotta have some skeletons in the closet.”

They still maintain nothing is going on, but judging from the day of the shooting, there was definitely something cooking in that cafe. Hustler’s concern was obvious to everyone.

“He’s a good man,” Priest says. “May not have been around for most of my life, through no fault of his own, but we’re makin’ up for it, and he’s older than Cash, so pretty sure skeletons aren’t gonna matter much.”

“Thanks for mentionin’ it,” Cash mutters.

“Gotta agree with Nevada,” Riot says. “Seen the abs on that man in the gym, and it made me wanna stop eatin’ tacos for the rest of my life.”

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