Page 84 of Outcast

"Interesting that you gave up your legacy to your half-brothers and to request to be a Dirty Dog."

Shit....

He had fresh information that no one should have except the people who were at the clubhouse this morning.

Matías didn't say anything, but his lips pulled down into a deeper frown.

"I ultimately do want peace for me and my brothers, so I'll throw you a bone. Believe it or not, I think you'd be the best option for the club. Don't trust anyone." His gaze moved between the three of us. "Except the ones in this room."

“Peace,” Matías mulled over the word. “Then why send your men to shoot up Rita’s house?”

Matthews blinked, careful to keep full eye contact withMatías. It was a good show, but I wasn’t sure I bought it. “That wasn’t us.”

Matías’ eyes darkened as he sat forward while Rita tipped her head to the side.

We weren’t going to get a straight answer out of Matthews. Not without reason to torture it out of him, and unfortunately, we didn’t. That would have to wait and Matías would have to be patient.

"I think that's enough for today," I said as I touched Rita's shoulder. "Let's get the fuck out of here."

"I want your word that you had nothing to do with Tiago's death." Rita scooted to the edge of her seat. She was bringing the conversation full circle.

"You have my word." He didn’t ask who Tiago was, but he mostly likely knew with the level of intel he had.

"If I find out you're lying, you and your brothers won't exist anymore."

"You think you and a broken club can get rid of us that easy?" He laughed under his breath.

"No." She returned with a smile. "But I have a lot more friends than you do. I've been making connections since I was born that have nothing to do with the club. Including his brothers," she jerked her thumb toward Matías, "and their new wife."

His humor faded. "Regardless of what you think, I'm not trying to start a war. And I believe you. Just remember what I said."

Rita stood and we excused ourselves without shaking his hand.

"We can find our own way out." She tossed over her shoulder. Matías took the lead and I followed up behind her.

The restaurant was empty as we left. Outside, our SUVwas exactly where we left it. Glancing down the street, two of our men were visible. Good. No one would have been able to tamper with it.

"That was either a success or a dud, I'm not sure which," I said to Rita as I opened the door for her, and she climbed in the driver's seat.

I'd just shut the door when Matías tackled me to the ground. I started twisting, ready to protect myself, then I heard it.

A bullet whizzed by us. Matías had just saved my life.

Holy fuck.Matías just saved my life.

21

MATÍAS

Igrunted as I landed on Esteban. He tried to throw me off but stopped before we hit the ground.

That was good considering my fucking arm had been grazed.

Another gunshot sounded and I turned my head, fully prepared to roll us under the SUV.

I only knew two of the five men Rita had guarding us today. And Juan, who was the other street sentinel, fired back at the man who tried to take Esteban out.

That man was already on his bike, rounding the corner.

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