Page 88 of Injustice and Absolution

“And I take it Drew knows who you are and probably doesn’t like or trust you, so you can’t go in undercover and check the club out?”

“Yeah,” I confirm. “There’s already been one incident there. And Delilah wasn’t too happy with me by the end of it either. And as she knows all of my members, I can’t risk sending any of my men in. It would only cause alarm.”

Chainz turns to Tank, and the two of them communicate silently with one another. A series of cocked eyebrows, smirking, and head tilts ensues before they turn their attention back to me.

“I have an idea of how we can scope the place out for you from the inside.”

“I’m listening.”

“We’ll go in with our ol’ ladies, do a little recon. Tank and I know what the warning signs are, and Raven and Angel can be quite resourceful as well.”

The extra step they’re taking to help us—me—is effort that will not go without repayment. No matter if they gather helpful information or not.

However, if I find out Drew has any hand in something nefarious like prostitution or trafficking, I’ll fucking kill him.

And this time, it won’t be quick, like what happened with Delilah’s father.

I’ll take my time and savor every sliver of pain I cause him until he’s begging for mercy.

And I’ll grant him none.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

DELILAH

Along week has passed since the aftermath of the incident with Royce.

Things are mostly back to normal with Drew and I, but an awkwardness still lingers between us. He’s told me several times he’s forgiven me, but every now and then I catch him staring at me when I’m at a table.

The hurt I still see in his eyes kills me.

What’s worse is when he watches me, I feel as though he’s assessing how I interact with the patrons. Like he’s making sure I’m not overly flirtatious more than I need to be in order to guarantee a hefty tip.

I've wondered more than once this week if I should find a new job. One where I’m not half naked around other men so often. But I haven’t mentioned anything to Drew. I don’t like to admit it, but I’m scared he’ll think I’m trying to get away from himorhis watchful gaze.

“Here you go!” I shout over the music when I reach my table. Situated in the back corner of the club, they have a view of all the action from here.

Setting down four waters, I take in the sight of the two couples sitting in the half circle booth. There is something almost familiar about them, and I wonder if I’ve seen them in here before.

But the longer I look, the more I realize they remind me of the MC family that I’ve ultimately lost. Between their steely demeanor, black leather, and tattoos, they look like almost every member of the Royal Bastards I’ve ever met. Sure, when you get to know them you realize they aren’t as fierce as they look.

Unless they have to be.

I allow my heart to weep for the briefest of moments before locking my emotions back down, deep within the pits of my soul. Even though the man with the lethal face reminds me of Royce so much, I can’t continue to dwell on what I never had.

I’m with Drew now, and he makes me feel wanted and desired.

Focusing on the man’s dark hair, I realize the way he carries himself pairs well with his full-sleeve tattoo—featuring guns, knives, and thorn-covered roses—and the interesting chains he wears around his neck. They’re certainly not something you see every day.

The other guy doesn’t appear quite as hard when you first look at him. Maybe it’s due to his blond hair or the fact that his eyes are lighter. But once you catch a glimpse of the tribal tattoos running up both of his arms, it causes you to pause.

And the women who are with them are gorgeous.

One of them has short black curls that frame her face perfectly. She’s absentmindedly fingering the gold bracelet she wears. She was doing the same when I came over to greet them earlier too. When it catches the light, I notice the name “Paige” engraved on it.

The other girl has longer, dirty blonde hair and tattoos up and down her arms like the man she’s holding onto. One of them stands out to me more than the others: the letter with angel wings and a tipped halo inked on her inner forearm. It’s a beautiful tribute.

“Is there anything else I can get for you right now?” I question, desperately wanting to put some space between me and them.

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