Page 19 of Cutter

“We get them…all the time. These two.” Diesel hiccupped again. “Got more than they asked for.”

“That means you do not know them,” Chema said more than asked.

Blade sent Cutter awatch outlook. An air of tense wariness emanated from Chema and Rulo. Going by their body language, they didn’t approve of the situation. Any stranger to the Chaos, man or woman, was a source of concern for them. Did their suspicions include the Devils’ Spawn?

“What’s got your panties all in a twist?” JT entered the conversation. “This is a biker bar. Chicks like us. They come and go.”

“My panties? You forget yourself, JT. I tolerate your poor manners because of our pending business. We do not allow any strangers in our places of entertainment. Everyone is thoroughly investigated,” Chema said in a smooth voice. He played with the circle of condensation under his glass with such detachment, Cutter got goose bumps. The guy embodied menace.

Chema locked eyes with Cutter. “We cannot afford to be careless. You read books, right? One harmless-looking Trojan horse defeated a mighty city. No one gets a free pass with the Oquendo. Even our whores’ families are vetted. Our associationwith the Sons of Chaos elevates the club’s ranking above other mediocre MCs, and such a rise can and will attract undesired attention.”

“You should be straight with your words,” Blade grated. “Say what you mean. Are you referring to the Spawn?”

“Our group is highly selective,” Rulo said. “The riffraff never make the cut. If you feel addressed…”

“You demand good manners, but your comments are offensive,mister.” Blade stood. “I don’t care who you are. I don’t have to sit here and take your innuendo and half insults.”

“Hey! Wait a minute, Blade. We invited you.” JT spoke again. “Diesel, say something.”

Alcohol had impaired Diesel’s mental sharpness. His head bobbed loosely. Somehow, he managed to hold a hand up as he tried to speak. “You…You can’t…treat the Spawn this way. They have a…solid reputation.”

Blade released a sharp breath. “Good to know you feel that way. We’re leaving.”

Slapping a hand on the table, Diesel glared at Chema. “See what you did? The… The Spawn are cool. Could be partners.” He turned to Blade. “Stay, man, have another beer. With me. Not them.” He waved a dismissive hand at Chema and Rulo.

“Nah. I’m done for the night,” Blade said. “But if you mean what you’re saying, and as a sign of good faith, I’ll allow my guys to stay. If they want. Breaker is our VP, and Cutter is my right arm. I trust Johnny Gun and Barron with my life. Don’t worry, Diesel. The afternoon wasn’t lost. We had a good, productive evening until these guys came.” He sneered at an unperturbed Chema. “Here’s my unsolicited two cents: be careful. Some of your friends could be deadly.” Changing direction, he spoke to his men. “Guys, are you staying?”

Son of a gun. Cutter had to hand it to Blade. The way his friend had taken offense and manipulated Chema’s commentshad been brilliant. Suddenly, the Devils’ Spawn had risen in status from a barely known and possible rival MC to a trusted club. Blade’s offended attitude had opened the door for Cutter to hang out at the Dirt Road Saloon without creating suspicions or being thrown out. Might even win him an invitation into the very heart of Chaos, their home clubhouse.

As Blade walked past Cutter, he bumped him slightly on the shoulder. “I’m beat. Why don’t you stay? Johnny Gun and Barron will hang out.”

Cutter hesitated. The opportunity to openly infiltrate The Chaos was wide open. He could start making his connections, especially with Beast. The guy was as simple and dumb as he was big and dangerous. But letting Blade ride alone to the clubhouse was out of the question.

“I’ll ride back with you,” Breaker said. “I promised my ol’ lady I’d be home early tonight. And you know how pissy Rose gets.”

“There you go, Cutter. Breaker has my six.” Blade winked. “Stay and play nice with the other boys.” Blade chuckled as he walked toward the door.

“Hey, guys, it’s party time! Where’s my beer?” Cutter shouted, walking back to the table.

Whoops and laughter answered him. At the center of the group sat the serious, superior-looking duo. Chema and Rulo wouldn’t stay much longer. This environment wasn’t up to their standards. They tolerated the scene because it worked for their business.

However, Diesel was drunk and had gone beyond holding his tongue. The conditions were perfect for a mistake on his part. With a little luck, an important detail might slip out: a transaction, a delivery, the reason for the royal duo’s visit to the Saloon. Cutter just had to be patient, stay within earshot, and wait. A small clue would put Emily’s investigation on the right track.

As Cutter pulled his chair to sit, Nails spoke behind him. “I know you’re up to something, asshole. I’m watching you.”

Ah, shit!

He turned to answer. Nails had walked away.

Chapter Five

Emily opened her eyes to a pale bluish light streaming through the window shades. That was weird. She forgot to close her shades last night…

Last night?

She bolted upright. A dizzy spell struck her, and she had to drop back down. Emily squinted as the bedroom gave a vicious spin and her stomach lurched, threatening to throw up.

What the heck is going on?

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