Page 30 of Fire Meets Fire

“While you hang around getting the gossip.” Again the VP winks and I wonder if he’s got some ailment that’s given him a twitch in his eye.

“Must be losing your touch if you’ve got time to be here,” I observe, my gaze returning to Claw.

Taking no umbrage, Claw snorts. “I’ve got a list a mile long. Just had a cancellation. I was curious…” The shake of my head and growl has him changing the subject. “Hey, now you’re here, Prez, and Beard as well, can I pick your brains about something?”

As long as it’s something other than Helo—for now I want to keep what I know about her to process myself—he might as well. I’ve no idea when Legend will be back. Nodding, I beckon him and the treasurer to follow me into my office.

“So what’s with our thief?” Beard pulls at his facial hair, grinning broadly.

“Not what you wanted to talk about. Or do you just want to waste my time?” I give them my best prez’s stare.

They share glances, but as it turns out, they do have a reason for a discussion. Despite today’s cancellation, Claw’s actually drowning in work and wanted to talk through some figures about taking on another ink slinger. When Beard agrees the financials make sense, we then start talking about some of the tattoo artists we met in Sturgis, which leads on to us reminiscing about our road trip last year. I even get out my whisky and we have a few shots. Once the conversation’s reached a natural end point, Claw and Beard make their exit and I decide I better go upstairs to check on my guest.

Stepping out into the clubroom, I realise time’s gone faster than I thought as there’s been an influx of brothers signalling the workday has ended. StoryTeller isn’t around so I don’t expect to see his old lady or kid. He usually disappears around this time to get his youngster fed and presumably put to bed. Pussy whipped for sure. Me? I’d rather have a relaxing drink with like-minded men than deal with a screaming kid.

Pothead has a joint in one hand, and a beer in another. Legit seems deep in an animated discussion with Fire. Skunk’s by himself which isn’t unusual. I mentally note all the men who are here while looking round for the man that I want. Ah, there he is. I catch Legend’s attention and beckon him over, waving him into my office and closing the door.

Hardly waiting for him to get his ass on the seat, I ask the burning question that’s been playing on my mind all day. “You told anyone else about the reward for information about Helo?”

He looks at me sharply and gives a vigorous shake of his head. “Fuck no, Prez. I was waiting to hear what you wanted to do.” He shifts a little awkwardly. “I can dig deeper for information on the contract if you want that.”

What the fuck is he asking?“You think I’m going to sell her out?” My eyebrows rise.

With a grimace, his head again moves side to side, then stares ahead as if a picture in his mind is more in focus than his actual surroundings. “My brother was a SEAL. They got themselves into a sticky situation and needed extraction fast. Way he tells it, those Night Stalkers deserve the reputation they’ve got, putting themselves into impossible situations just to get people like him out of danger. They’re brave, resourceful, and will do what they can to never leave someone behind. He owes his life to people like Helo.” He pauses for a moment, then adds, “Fuck, it could even have been Helo’s crew that got him out.” The palm of his hand hits the desk as his attention returns to the here and now. “So no, I can’t believe you’d sell someone like that out. But…” He half turns his head to look at the door before turning it back. “I’m not stupid. That money could mean a fuck of a lot to some of the members of this club. And some who may not have reason to be grateful to someone like her.”

Someone who’s been fucking with us, I realise without him having to spell it out. My head tilts as I look at him. I knew I could trust him but hadn’t realised he’d be so personally invested. I also know what he’s saying. While we stick our middle fingers up at the law and at society’s rules and are more likely to take the side of the underdog, the men riding with the Wretched Soulz are still human, and just as likely to have weaknesses and flaws. If it was a brother involved, there would be no question. We protect our own. But Helo’s nothing to us. Worse, she’s a thief and they all know it. They’ve no loyalty to her, and while others might think like Legend and that her former career should be respected and rewarded, a couple of names come to mind who might prefer the money in their pocket instead. Fuck, from what I overheard earlier, it could even be more of them.

“Keep it on the down-low, Ledge,” I instruct him.

He raises his chin deliberately as if scoffing he’d ever do anything different. “She going to be hanging around?”

“Life’s dealt her some bad fuckin’ hands. Feel she deserves some breathing space.” It’s not an answer, I know, but I really can’t say anything else. Part of me wants her to stay close, while another part is screaming I should keep far away from her.

Legend’s cheeks puff out as he inhales and holds a breath, then deflate as he speaks. “So it’s about time for her luck to change.” He gives me a quick grin. “Could be you’ve met your match, Prez.”

I glance at him sharply. “Got no idea what you mean by that. Now get the fuck out of here.”

As Legend chuckles, stands, and exits the office, I realise I know only too well what he was hinting at. There’s a beast inside me that wants to roar,she’s mine.

Running my hands over my smooth skull, I feel like roaringfuckat the top of my voice.Iwant to be the one who gives her a fresh start, who chases away her demons and make it safe for her to live her life. Then I chuckle to myself. I might not know much about Helo, but I doubt she’d admit to needing anyone’s help.

It might well be the time for the winds to change and blow her in a new direction, but there are so many reasons why I can’t be by her side. First, I’m the prez, and I’m never going to take an old lady, and second? Well, there’s that fucking great price on her head, and what happens if that knowledge gets out?

There are two dangers. If they haven’t already, someone’s going to take that contract, and if their search for her leads them to us, my whole club could be in danger. And for what? A woman who stole from us. Could I really ask that of my brothers?

And if they knew, they might want the money for themselves. Two million dollars is a huge test of the loyalty my brothers show to me, when they’ve fuck-all reason to show her any fealty.

But perhaps they would, if I made her my old lady.

Fuck! I am not going there. No way, no how. I snort loudly. I’ve not even taken her for a test ride. Hell, we might not be compatible physically, and even if we were, I’d never be content with just one pussy. As for being tied down, someone wanting to know all my comings and goings? Yeah, I’d need someone meek who’d say “yes, sir” and let me be. Someone like Helo wouldn’t be happy being kept out of club business. Hell, no, she’d probably want to take charge.

No. No old lady for me. I’ve lived forty-five years without entanglements, and I’m not going to throw away my freedom now.

Perhaps if I can keep Helo here, the brothers will begin to see what I see. That she deserves the same respect as any other veteran in our ranks. Her country might have spat her out, but the MC can give her a safe place to land.

But what could her role be? A mechanic, perhaps? Maybe one of them will see her merits and step up where I can’t.

Leaning forward, I start banging my forehead against the desk. My hands clench so hard I’d draw blood from my palms if my nails were longer.Let anyone touch her?Over my fucking dead body.

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