Page 82 of Outcast

"You'll make sure they don't get to that point," Matías assured her.

She made a noncommittal grunt as she picked up speed.

"Remember that time when you stalked me through the streets close to the mansion?" Matías stretched back in his seat, hands grabbing the top of the headrest.

Rita snorted. "I did not stalk you. You have a faulty memory."

"You couldn't get enough of me so you had to track me down. You almost got us caught." There was a smile in his voice and I wanted to puke.

Sneaking a glance at Matías, she fluttered her eyelashes. "I love a bit of trouble now and then."

"What is this?" I tucked my gun away and leaned between the seats. "Do you hear yourself right now?" I turned to Rita.

Red tinted her cheeks. "Shit. I need to focus. It was just a quick distraction that my brain needed."

Matías frowned. "There's a reason I brought it up."

"And what's that?" I snarked.

"That Rita was fearless. She was a bit reckless too." He leaned around me to get a better line of view of Rita. "We need her back. Whatever made you question yourself, it's not important. It doesn't fucking matter, becausethatwoman...That's who you are and who the Dirty Dogs need you to be."

I sat back. Fuck, he had a point.

Rolling her lips together, Rita flicked her gaze at Matías then back at the road. "And if you're what made me question myself?" It was quiet, like she wasn't sure if she wanted him to hear it or not.

He gazed at her, his dark eyes unblinking. He wasn't even breathing.

"Then that's my sin to live with and you should know I would spend the rest of my life atoning for the ways I've wronged you."

Was this guy for fucking real?

Rita came to a stop on a deserted street and faced him, her expression literally melting.

"You're the strongest woman I know. Don't let apendejolike me tear you down." He leaned forward.

Like two magnets pulling against each other, Rita leaned in too.

Until I stuck my head between them. "Let's keep driving, hmm? We have people to meet and sitting in the middle of the street isn't the best plan for us."

Rita sucked in a quick breath and pressed the gas, jolting us forward. Matías looked out his window, apparently lost inhis own thoughts now. Whatever. I needed to get through this meeting so I could get Rita alone.

The new guys’ headquarters was a solid thirty minute drive. An uncomfortable one.

We drove around the block and scoped the place out before parking on the street. Our guys took up various positions. They were as discreet as big bikers could be. They'd be noticeable though. The new club rode roadsters not motorcycles.

Turning the car off, Rita dropped her hands into her lap. "All right. I lead. You're my backup. But if you have questions, ask them. Just don't talk over me." She put her hand on the door and paused. "Don't try to undermine my authority." Her words were for Matías.

"Never."

Unable to sit in this Twilight Zone anymore, I hopped out.

We made it to the front of the restaurant and I had my gun in my hand. No matter if this was a peaceful call or not, Rita was not walking in there without any kind of protection. Matías pulled his weapon too.

Inside, there were only two tables and an old hostess who looked like she was half-Asian, half-Hispanic.

"We're here to see Matthews," Rita said as she stepped up between Matías and me.

The woman eyed her with a severe frown before calling back to the kitchen in some type of Asian language.

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