Page 20 of Draco

“I guess there’s a lot we have to get used to. Now, tell me about the offering.”

I stared at Frankie, realizing there was still so much I had to explain to her.

“Go get dressed, Nugget.”

“You did it again.”

“You didn’t ask a question,” I said while walking off to keep from sucking on her bottom lip. Before I started up the stairs, my limbs went stiff as a question hit me. “Why didn’t you tell the police you were being held against your will?”

“Because I’m not. Our blood ties us together. The law can’t keep us apart.” She paused. “After last night, I believe that more than ever.”

Once I made sure Frankie had a bankroll in her pocket and a blush swallowing her face, I got on the road.

Me and my brothers raced through traffic like the speed limit didn’t exist. We had been riding bikes for as long as we’d been in Blackstone, each gravitating to the steel and the community attached for different reasons. I hated to wear a helmet, but I didn’t feel like dealing with the police. The logo on my leather jacket was already a bullseye in the city.

The Sons of Eshu started in Silk Hills, a city a few hours from Las Vegas. The president, Shiloh Sharp, created the car club close to twenty years ago, and his cousin, Swag, expanded the club and made his branch predominately bike riders. When me and my brotherswere approachedabout joining the club, we told them to move around. However, after the group had our backs during some beef we had with another club, we chose up. Granted, we didn’tneedtheir help, but witnessing their brotherhood and loyalty made the human in me crave the connection. Lately, my club stayed out of the way and made plays when necessary. After years of turf wars and fist fights, we focused on securing property in the city.

As we pulled up to the clubhouse, I quickly shut off my bike and snatched my helmet off.

“You’re a dumb ass!” I mugged Zo. “Are you trying to get us caught up? Keep the tricks for night riding.”

He fixed the chains resting on his chest before waving me off. “Whatever! I get sick of hiding who I am to appease the nextnigga.”

“The next nigga? I’m your brother. I wouldn’t tell you anything wrong, Zo.”

“I don’t want to hear that shit. Give that energy to the snake in the grass.”

Knowing exactly what he was referring to, I growled internally. I had killed more people than I would like to admit, yet none of them were a part of my brotherhood.

“Stop arguing like a pair of nightcrawlers, and let’s get this over with,” Quadir declared as he walked up behind us and looped his arms around our shoulders.

I pushed his arm away. “We’ll handle one thing at a time.”

A group of motorcycles ranging from Harley-Davidsons to Yamahas lined the walkway leading to the metal door. Like many clubhouses, ours resembled a bar filled with round tables and a small stage. We hadn’t buried many members, but helmets of those we had lost hung on the wall like retired jerseys.

I waited until the room of sixty settled down before I proceeded to the front of the crowd.

Just like any organization, there was a hierarchy of power within The Sons of Eshu. Shiloh sat at the top, but down in Blackstone, Swag called the shots, and me and my brothers made sure the ruleswere enforced.

“Aww shit! Big dawg running shit today!” Rattle joked, not understanding this would be his last day telling one.

I slipped my hands in the pockets of my jeans and focused on everyone but Rattle.

“Swag is out of town, so he asked me to run the meeting. Jamie said she emailed everybody the agenda, so let’s get down to business. Durk’s engagement party is a month from today. You should have a map outlining the route we’re taking.”

Rattle lifted his hand, garnering everyone’s attention. “Why are we riding out for the engagement? We can wait until the wedding.”

“Youdon’t have to go nowhere!” Zo hiked up his pants as he stood up.

“Fuck off, Zo! You always running your mouth.”

“And your bitch loves it.” My brother grinned.

I grimaced at the childish pair before continuing with the meeting. We went over the map and pit stops we’d make during our four-hour ride. Some members had questions and others were just excited about turning up with our brothers.

Bear, a man I trusted as much as I did Quadir and Zo, cleared his throat.

“Are we still on the hook for providing security for the Black Heroines?”

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