Page 16 of Jameson: Mayhem Makers

My brows furrowed. “Book signing? What the hell is that?”

“Fuck if I know,” he responded with a gruff chuckle. “I’ll let you know when they stop again.”

“Okay, thanks.”

Since the next stop on Lucia’s road trip was in Texas, I was hoping that was a sign that she was making her way to Nevada. And if she was, it would probably be within the next couple of days, maybe a week at the most.

Instead of going to the compound, I decided to check out our nearest safe house to see if it was stocked and ready for a hostage. It was about an hour away, in the middle of the desert.

We had several safe houses around Laughlin, at least one on all of our frequently traveled routes for runs. Most were abandoned buildings of some sort, mainly gas stations, but the one I had in mind was an old house my dad had bought when the club first started. It was a two-bedroom house on about ten acres, so it had plenty of space and privacy.

This safe house was the one that we used when we needed to hole up for a few days or if we didn’t want to keep a hostage in the compound or at our warehouse. With the cartel always hanging around Laughlin now, I felt like that particular safe house would be the best option.

When I got there, I went inside and took stock of what we had. Whenever one of the Forsaken used the house, they were supposed to restock with two weeks’ worth of supplies for two people, but some of the guys were lazy and didn’t always do it.

I made a list of things we needed, then headed to the compound to switch out my bike for my Tahoe so I could load all the supplies and transport them. Then I headed to the grocery store to get everything, and once I finished, I took it back out to the safe house and unloaded the haul.

I’d picked up several cases of bottled water, a variety of canned goods, and toilet paper. Once I organized everything, I decided to head to the strip club to unwind.

When I got there, a few other Forsaken were there at the bar, so I joined them. After a few beers, one of my favorite strippers tapped me on the shoulder.

I turned around, eyeing her up and down. She wore a maid’s apron, but her tits were out, and she had a feather duster with a whip at the other end. “Want to come get dirty with me?”

Lucia’s face flashed in my head, but I pushed the image aside as I smirked. “Sure thing, sweetheart. Lead the way.”

After we checked out of our hotel in New Orleans the next day, we stopped at Cafe Du Monde to get beignets and coffee before getting on the road.

“I can’t believe we’re going to meet Sapphire Knight tomorrow!” I practically squealed, excited to meet one of my favorite authors.

Elise giggled. “I know. And we’ll get to meet so many more, too. Have you read any of the other Mayhem Makers authors?”

I nodded. “A few. Chelsea Camaron, Winter Travers, and Ryan Michele.”

Since I’d barely been allowed to go anywhere or do anything, reading was my escape. And the only thing my dad didn’t control. I loved losing myself in a new world every time I opened a book since I was trapped in mine.

The signing was in Frisco, Texas, at the Dallas Cowboys headquarters, and we were staying at the hotel where the eventwas being held. I was excited to meet other book lovers and the authors who created the stories I loved.

Elise drove the last leg of the trip into Frisco. I was looking at an old-school road map and trying to plot the rest of our trip.

“So after Frisco, we’re going to Roswell, right?” I circled the city on the map when Elise nodded. “Then the Grand Canyon and Vegas.”

“Yes, yes, and yes,” Elise answered. “Then after Vegas, we’ll visit the Santa Monica Pier, then head up to San Francisco.”

I circled the various cities as she listed them. I tapped the pen against my lips. “Then after that, Portland and finally, Seattle.”

I drew a line connecting all the stops, then set the pen down and looked at our route. “I can’t believe that two days ago, I’d never left Florida, and now we’ve driven across four states.”

Elise chuckled. “I know. It’s crazy, right?”

I was definitely crazy to be doing this against my cartel lord father’s wishes. “Very.”

Elise glanced at me, then placed her hand over one of mine. “Are you doing okay with all this? I know it has to be a lot for you.”

I sighed. “It is, but I’m doing okay. This is what I’ve always wanted, and I’m trying to enjoy it without getting overwhelmed.”

She squeezed my hand. “Well, I’m here for you, whatever you need.”

I smiled. “I know. I’m glad we’re doing this together.”

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