Page 59 of Steel

“All those girls do is give me a fucking headache.”

“That’s because you don’t use ’em like they want you to.”

“Like they wantyouto,” I remindhim.

The girls at Sapphire Rise treat Chaos like he’s a god, and given how he looks after them, it makes sense. But I’ve got enough to worry about without adding the club’s strippers to the list of my problems.

Chaos narrows his eyes, scanning me over. “What’s got you so fucking uptight? You’d think you’re the one in the jumpsuit.”

“Ghost still can’t crack the drive.” I dip my chin, shaking my head. “And the Iron Sinners showed up at the compound to send another message.”

“What the fuck?” Chaos’s eyes burn with rage when I look back up at him.

“It was just a couple of guys on the perimeter, shooting the dirt to get our attention. Still. Too fucking close.”

“No one got hit?”

I shake my head.

Havoc leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest and smirking at me.

“Don’t fucking start,” I say, already knowing what Havoc’s thinking.

“Start what?” Havoc smirks. “I’ve never seen you so protective, Prez. Knight in shining armor if I’ve ever seen one.”

“Oh shit, is this about the girl?” Chaos rests his elbows on the table, leaning forward.

I haven’t mentioned Tempe to Chaos, but I’m not surprised he’s heard about her when Soul likes to gossip.

“I was doing my job and making sure they didn’t get shot.”

“A little too well I hear. Playing house with her and the kid.” Chaos shakes his head. “How hard did you get hit in the head when you took down the Sinners at the strip club? I’ve heard your bed at the clubhouse has been empty.”

“I’m staying at my house. Didn’t know it was such big fucking news.”

“I’m not complaining.” Havoc grins. “I’m happy to keep Reina’s mouth busy while you’re gone.”

“Fuck, that girl can give head.” Chaos rubs his hand down his face.

“Are you two done reminiscing about blow jobs or are we here to talk business?”

“Can’t we do both?” Chaos looks at Havoc, who shrugs. “Besides, this isn’t about blow jobs, Prez. This is about you. We’ve protected plenty of people, but you’ve never put them up in your house.”

“She has a kid.”

“Exactly. Fuck that shit. Kids are—”

I slam my fist on the table, cutting him off. “Don’t.”

Chaos leans back, grinning before pretending to zip his lips. “My bad. Didn’t realize I hit a sore spot.”

I hate that he’s calling me out.

Even more, I hate that he’s right.

There’s no shortage of people who the Vegas cops don’t give a shit about. We’re always protecting our community. We do the work the law won’t. But I’ve never let anyone stay in my house before. I’ve never cared enough to.

I’d like to think I still don’t.

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