Page 128 of Shattering Nash

Cross smirked. “I don’t believe it.”

Years ago, he’d built a solid friendship with Ace and Cross. The president had already been solid with Inez, but Nash and Cross served everyone in the Underground at the time. They’d worked a few jobs with Ace taking the lead. Nash had fit right in with his love of the ride.

“We got some associates on the inside. Haven’t heard much about the cops,” Cross said.

Nash had laid out the groundwork with the help of Sullivan. It wasn’t often Rogue allowed Quinn to take part in anything associated with the criminal aspect of the Underground, but he’d made an exception. And Quinn was more than willing to help for Charley’s sake. She was able to tap into the officers’ banking accounts and drain them. It would give the illusion that they’d fled the country. It was cliché, but in the end, Sullivan drove the narrative, and everyone bought it. For extra insurance, they’d planted drugs in their personal cars and property. It was a scandal that no one in the local precinct wanted to become public. Under an alias, Quinn was able to set up an untraceable account, leaving all the cash to their children in a trust.

“We got it covered. No one’s looking for them.”

“Even if they did, they’d never fucking find them,” Wraith said, glancing across the room.

Wraith had joined the club after Nash had started working directly under Oz. He knew very little about the club’s enforcer other than his reputation. Loyal, unwelcoming, and deadly. It was a trademark for all the brothers, but Wraith was on another level within the club.

The bartender walked over, placing the beer in front of Nash. Suspicion still masked his gaze, but he didn’t say anything. If Killcreek was accepting of his presence, that was good enough for the man.

The sound of feminine giggling caught his attention, and he turned toward the door. Two women were walking in, leaving no question they worked at the strip club behind the bar. They were headed to the hallway in the back when one glanced over and immediately stopped. She whispered in her friend’s ear, and the other one looked over with a sultry smile. Nash hardened his stare, sending a clear message. He wasn’t interested. They seemed to ignore his signals and started walking toward their table. They only made it halfway.

“Fuck off. He’s got an old lady,” Wraith snapped, which stopped both women in their tracks. They quickly retreated and rushed toward the back hall, disappearing.

Old lady.It was solely reserved for women in biker clubs. Girlfriend, wife, and in some cases, property. He’d never refer to Charley as the latter, but by definition she was Nash’s. Property in the club atmosphere wasn’t so much about possession and more about protection.

“Riding solo. Where’s your woman?” Ace asked, taking a drag from his cigarette and tossing the lighter on the table.

“Working. And I don’t look forward to telling her I went out without her.”

“Likes the bike?” Ace cocked his brow.

“Yeah.”

Ace dropped his gaze to the table, but Nash caught a faint smile.

“Appreciate your help with her situation.”

“She’s a good girl. Inez fucking loves her, and we both know there ain’t many she even likes. Loyal, that one.” Ace tapped his cigarette in the ashtray and took another pull. “She outed you.”

Nash furrowed his brows.

“Told us about you taking her out and her picking your favorite bike. Your original. Is that what you’re riding today?”

Nash had contemplated taking one of the others out since Charley always opted for his original Harley. But like her, he loved his favorite.

“Yeah.”

“She good now?” Cross asked.

“Yes, she’s settled and moving past it.”

“You tell her everything?” Ace asked, knowing the answer.

Telling Charley everything would never be an option. It was for her own safety. She’d forever be tied to the Underground, but he’d shield her from as much of the danger and darkness ashe could. Trey, Oz, and even Rogue had been a good example of how to navigate the tricky waters between both worlds. It was doable.

“I told her enough.”

Nash didn’t elaborate or go into detail about what that meant. He didn’t have to. They knew exactly what he was referring to. While none of the brothers had old ladies, they had Cleo. Nash wasn’t one hundred percent sure of all the details involving their fallen brother’s sister, but she was under their protection like Charley. Cleo had more knowledge than the average person involved with the club.But she doesn’t know everything.

They finished the beers and engaged in small talk. They’d be meeting up in a few days for the meeting with Inez, but Nash had no intention of bringing it up. That wasn’t the reason for his stop. This was. Cross finished off his beer, slammed the bottle down on the table, and wiped his mouth with his sleeve. He folded his arms, sat back in his chair, and eyed Nash.

“Taking a ride through the valley.” Cross smirked. “Think you can keep up?”

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