Page 6 of Puma's Pride

I grin at him. “I knew I liked her.”

Reaper snorts, but then glances at Dante. “Prez?”

“Go. Scar, you go with him. The rest of us will be right behind you.” Dante says.

Reaper punches my arm before saying. “Congratulations. Can’t wait to hear the details.”

I frown at him. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“You’ll see.” Is all he says as he and Scar hoof it out of the building.

I turn to Dante. “Do you know what the fuck that was about?”

Dante nods slowly. “Yeah, but it’s not my story to tell. You’ll know soon enough.”

I frown at my President but don’t push it. Instead, I grab Josef by the lapels of his silk suit. “Before you go around accusing others of trying to murder your father. Think about this. Sal never, and I mean never, sits in a car when someone turns on the ignition. That’s how his father died, so he’d never make that mistake. Whoever set that bomb either doesn’t know Sal very well or they weren’t after him.”

I watch the realization dawn on Josef just before I push him away. “Let them go.” I tell Chill, who’s standing over the guards with their arms tied behind their backs. Chill frowns but leans over to slice them free. She removes one of their guns from the waist of her jeans, but I shake my head. “Take the weapons. They’ll serve as payment for my inconvenience.” It’s then that two facts dawn on me. “Where the fuck is my bike?” I see the guards wince and I’m seconds away from telling Chill to shoot them when Wildcard answers.

“It’s out front. We dropped Smooth off to get it.”

I glare at Josef. “I’m sending you the bill for any scratches.” Leaving without waiting for his agreement. Because I don’t fucking need it.

I turn back to Wildcard. “Corinne.”

“She’s safe. She’s at the clubhouse.”

“Why?” I ask. “What’s her story?”

Dante claps me on the back. “She has a few stories for you. Best get back to the clubhouse so you can hear them.”

CHAPTER FOUR: ALISA

As Diego and I stand in Spark’s office, we receive the news we’re hoping for. They found Puma and everyone is on their way back to the clubhouse. Byte gathers his laptop and heads for the door.

“Need to catch up with Ashlyn.” He explains. “We’re on our way back to San Diego to check on Flame.”

“Please let us know how he’s doing.” I request. “If you need anything…”

Byte grins at me. “We know who to call. Thanks for the hospitality, Alisa. You make an excellent First Lady.”

I know I’m blushing as I shake my head. “Puma and I aren’t…” I start.

“No. You and Puma are, you just haven’t realized it yet.” He grins as he walks out the door.

I shake my head, turning my attention to Spark and my father. They’re both staring at me. “What?” I ask and they both laugh.

“He’s right, you know?” Diego tells me.

“Puma and I are not a couple.” I stress.

“Hate to break it to you, kid, but you are. Byte is right, you’re an excellent First Lady. Puma’s lucky to have you.” Diego says with a grin.

“Men.” I growl as I leave the room. I need to let Corinne know Puma is alright and on his way back. As I head down the hall, I consider how best to introduce Puma to his son. Whichever way they meet is going to cause shock waves. As much as I don’t want to see Puma hurt, I know Mal is the most important player in this little drama. I know Puma is a good man, one of the best. But he’s a man with a temper and he doesn’t always control it. He’d never hurt Mal or Corinne, not physically, but he may say something out of anger at the betrayal that he can’t take back. I care about him too much to let that happen.

I enter the lounge to find Corinne watching the movie with the kids while Showtime now sits by the door.

“They found Puma.” I tell her.

---