Page 35 of Everest

“You, Tony?” Riggs asks. Over his shoulder, I notice Wick, Nova, Fender, and Kiwi standing beside their bikes, each man on alert and ready for anything.

“That’s me,” Tony replies.

“Well, Tony. You mind tellin’ me what the fuck is goin’ on and why our girl is standin’ here with you outside a titty bar?”

“I called you because I know what London is to the Kings,” Tony boldly admits.

“Again, you wanna tell me how it is you know that, seeing as I don’t know you?” Riggs counters.

“It’s my job to know everything about my girls. Knowin’ means I can do my part in keepin’ them safe. Keepin’ them safe means when London gets stun-gunned and kidnapped on my watch, I call you.”

Everest’s back goes ramrod straight. “The fuck you just say?” he spits, his tone lethal. I also notice the other guys' demeanor shift.

Tony switches his attention to Everest. “That’s right. Shit went down about fifteen minutes after you dipped.”

Stunned by his last statement, I whip around and snap, “What are you talking about, Tony?”

Tony nods toward Everest. “Your man. He’s been here every night.”

My mouth falls open.Everest knows. And just like that, I see red. Stomping over to Everest, I point my finger at his chest. “Have you been following me?”

Everest grinds his jaw but doesn’t say anything.

Tony, however, does. “A man has to keep an eye on his woman. That’s the way of things. I don’t like boyfriends hangin’ at the club while their girls work, but I was makin’ an exception.”

My head rears back. “I amnothis woman,” I shout at Tony.

Tony doesn’t look convinced. “She yours?” he asks Everest.

“Yes,” Everest answers at the same time I say, “No.”

“Are you high?” I gape at Everest.

Again, Everest ignores me. Instead, he demands more answers from Tony. “Where the fuck was Royce when London was taken?”

Tony’s expression turns to one of guilt. “He was handlin’ somethin’ for me. I told the girls to wait before leaving, but I should have known London wouldn’t listen. She’s good atnotlistenin’. I take full responsibility.”

“You know I am right here, and I am a grown-ass woman who’s responsible her own actions,” I interrupt.

“Now is not the fuckin’ time to be throwin’ your personal brand of sass around, London,” Everest growls.

My fists ball up at my sides. “You’re not the one being talked about like you’re not standing right here, Everest. And you are not the one who was stun-gunned and kidnapped tonight either. So, excuse me for being just a tiny bit pissed off.”

“That’s enough!” Riggs barks. “Tony, I want you to brief me and my men on what you know so my club knows what the fuck we’re dealin’ with.” Riggs looks at Everest. “Brother, go sort your woman out.”

“Prez.” Everest jerks his chin.

Without another word, Tony leads Riggs, Wick, Kiwi, Nova, and Fender inside the club, leaving me standing here with Everest. “I don’t care what Riggs said, I don’t need to be sorted out. As soon as I find my keys, I’m going home.”

“The only place you’re goin’ is with me,” Everest informs.

“Go to hell,” I sneer, fully aware I’m being a bitch. I can’t help myself. I’m embarrassed, scared, and confused. Being a bitch is all I have to hold on to at the moment.

“London, if you don’t get your ass on the back of my bike, I’ll put you there myself. The choice is yours.”

Everest and I stare at each other in a silent battle. The truth is, I know he’s not bluffing.

“Fine,” I concede, snatching the helmet from his grip before climbing on behind him. “I hate you,” I mumble.

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