Page 36 of Reaper's Rage

I smile at them and nod. This is the dress. I can’t wait to see Reaper’s expression when he sees me in it.

“Shoes.” Desdemona says before leaving the store and returning a few minutes later with a store clerk carrying three boxes.

“Stunning.” The clerk says as she lowers the boxes to a nearby table. “I have just the shoes to go with it.” She pulls out a pair of high heels that make my feet ache to look at them. However, they are the same shade of bronze as the dress and look amazing next to it. I slip them on, ready for the pain, but I’m pleasantly surprised when they actually feel comfortable.

“These feel amazing, they’re comfortable.” I say with surprise, and the clerk grins.

“They are, aren’t they?” She says, giving me a wink. “The designer’s name is Vega. She’s fairly new to the business, but I think she’s going to be a great success. Her designs are sexy, but since she’s a woman, she insists on them being comfortable as well.”

I remove them, and as I hand them back to her, I spot the price tag. My heart sinks. They’re much too expensive. I’m sure the dress is as well.

“I don’t think I can afford them.” I say, trying to keep the sadness from creeping in. I know Reaper gave me his credit card, but I can’t imagine spending this much on one outfit.

“Nonsense.” Alisa says. “Puma is paying. He told me to buy whatever you wanted for your birthday. So wrap up the shoes and the dress. No way are you leaving here without them. I know Puma would agree. But we aren’t done.”

“No, we have to be done. I feel guilty enough. The makeover, the dress and the shoes…” I shake my head. “This is all too much.”

“One more stop. It’s a necessity. You can’t wear this dress without getting waxed!” Desdemona says, as if she’s offering me a treat instead of a threat.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: REAPER

Before we leave Church, Scar turns to Puma and asks him about Alisa and Elina and if there has been any movement from Juan Gutierrez.

“Juan’s been silent since our return from Yuma.” Puma tells him. “It’s possible he doesn’t know Alisa is here with me. Although, she doesn’t stay in the clubhouse all the time. She and Desdemona go out quite a bit. So it isn’t like she’s in hiding. I think Juan’s father, Sal, is keeping him on a short leash.”

“What about Diego?”

“He’s here. He lies low because he doesn’t want the cartel to know he’s still alive. Alisa has power of attorney over her father’s assets, so she’s handling his businesses and investments for him. We’re hoping it keeps the cartel, and especially, his brother Don, from figuring out he’s alive. Although, I think Sal knows the truth, and is ignoring it for now.”

“Why would he do that?” Dante asks.

“We move large quantities of his product and he knows he can trust us. This makes him less inclined to cause us problems.” Puma says. “However, it won’t last long because we’re making a move. Our club took a vote after Yuma to turn legitimate. We like what you guys have in San Diego. We’ve established several new businesses. Profits increase each month. The casino is our biggest draw and its earnings are almost enough to replace the income from selling drugs. We aren’t ready to pull the plug yet, but we’re close. I’m expecting to lose Sal’s support when we do. Which means Juan will come hunting for Alisa.”

“You think Sal will retaliate? You have our help if you need it.” Dante offers and Puma nods in thanks.

“I have a plan that will hopefully keep Sal from turning on us. We owned the drug trade in Vegas, but we’re now working with another MC to have them take over. The Shadow Borns sell the drugs that we buy from the cartel. We’re vetting them so Sal doesn’t have to do it.”

“Shadow Borns? Their President is Trouble, right?” Chaos asks.

“You know him?” Puma asks.

Chaos nods. “Yeah, I do. He prospected for Acid when I was in high school. They didn’t get along. In fact, Acid is the one that gave him the name Trouble. He told him he was nothing but trouble.”

“That could be good or bad.” Dante says with a laugh. Chaos nods while Puma smirks.

“His club isn’t like ours, that’s for sure, but he seems trustworthy. I’ll let you know how it goes.”

“But you think once you’re no longer in business with Sal, that he’ll give the green light to Juan to go after Alisa again?” Scar asks.

Puma scowls. “I don’t know. If the bastard comes near her, I’ll kill him. If she would just agree to be my Old Lady, this wouldn’t be a problem.”

“You’ve asked her?” I ask in surprise.

“I’ve suggested it, but she doesn’t think it’s necessary.” Puma admits.

“Do you love her?” I push.

“Hell, I don’t know. She drives me crazy. Every time I think we’re making progress, she puts the brakes on. Sometimes she even reverses. She can’t decide if I’m offering her my help just because Scar asked me to do it or because I really want to help her. Then she can’t decide if she’s asking too much of me by forcing me to settle down. I get it. She knows I’ve had more than my fair share of women. Not only did I have all the pussy I wanted while playing ball, but I get even more now that I’m the President of this chapter. No matter what I tell her, though, she doesn’t get that she’s it for me.”

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