Page 16 of Arrow: Riding Rebels MC

“Anyway. He took me to Annapolis, and I got lessons. I fell in love immediately. The more and more I practiced, the better I got. I couldn’t compete, but Boss made sure to perfect my skills in different ways.”

I looked in Charlie’s eyes, saying what I couldn’t out loud, and she nodded.

She didn’t know club business, but baby girl wasn’t stupid. My attraction to her went up a few notches, and it burned my chest. Charlie wanted out, and I didn’t want to pull her into my world. What woman would accept a violent mate after leaving one? I was trying to convince myself to let this woman be, but I knew God made her for me.

Now I just had to decide how to turn this temporary situation into a permanent one.

“Sorry to cut into the love fest, but I think my nephew just blew up the clubhouse. Come handle this, or he’ll be sitting outside waiting for y’all.”

I forgot Boss had been on the phone. He must have had me on mute the whole time.

“Crybaby, we’re on the way back.”

“Hurry up, bitch.”

The three beeps sounded, and I took my cell phone out of the pocket on my vest.

It was cold out here, but since Charlie had my jacket, I would have to suffer through. We left the shed, and I locked up. The walk back inside the shop was quiet, and I reveled in the space of silence.

I was looking down at my cell phone when I ran into the back of Charlie.

“My bad. You good?”

“I have a question.” I inclined my head, and she said, “Arrows aren’t common. If you have to use one, how is it not easily traced back to you? Aren’t you worried that someone will put your name with the crime?”

I chuckled and used my hand to push her forward slightly.

“Assuming that I use my choice of weapon in crimes… I would never shit where I sleep. Now, let’s go because, from experience, Boss is ignorant enough to sit the baby outside.”

He wouldn’t, actually, but I needed her to beat her feet.

Charlie didn’t need to be asking questions like that, so there was no point in entertaining it. Since the clubhouse was only a few doors away from my shop, it took us no time to get back. Charlie opened the door, and before she could even blink, Hendrix was back in her arms. Once his body landed against hers, I turned my nose up because, how was it possible for a baby to smell like that.

Since knowing them, Charlie had been exclusively breastfeeding, so whatever she ate wasn’t agreeing with him.

“Ooh, somebody needs a bath?—”

“Or an enema.”

The way Charlie’s mouth turned down, I could tell she didn’t want to laugh, but it happened anyway.

“See, asshole. Come on, papa. Let’s get away from your haters.”

I watched her walk away, and Boss hit me upside the head.

When I turned to face him, his face was blank. Without him opening his mouth, I knew he would be on some bull, and I didn’t want to hear it. No matter Boss’s role in the Riding Rebels, he would always be my big brother first. He wanted to talk, so I followed him back outside. Boss leaned up against the side of the building, pulled out hismedicineand lighter, then fired up.

I didn’t like my reality distorted, so I never indulged, but I didn’t judge those who did.

“Why you playin’?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I looked off toward the road before I looked back at Boss. “I’m not playing. I just want to give her something I can tell she ain’t had in a while if ever. We all deserve peace at least once in our lives. I will get him, but right now, she’s existing in a world free of turmoil. I ain’t ready to snatch that shit up yet. But you know when it’s time, we up.”

“Oh, for sure. My sis-in-law won’t ever have to look over her shoulder again.”

I waved him off because he was trying to get me to admit that Charlie was here for more than information on her husband.

Any other time, I would have been breathing down a shorty’s neck because I hated repeating myself, but for Charlie, I let her make it. Tech hadn’t popped up with new information, so I figured I had more time to pretend. Honestly, it was better for everyone if things continued at its current pace.

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