Page 48 of Sinful
"Whatever you need," I say. "Men, weapons, money. We're in this together."
"Good." Runes stands. "We will reconvene tomorrow morning. Same time. By then we shouldhave new intel. Until then, everyone stays alert. Los Coyotes know we're meeting. They might make a move."
The meeting breaks up.
People file out, talking in low voices, already planning and strategizing.
Helle moves toward the door fast, like she can't get out of here quick enough.
I follow.
I catch her in the hallway. Semi-private, but members are still moving around. Close enough to hear if voices are raised.
"Hell," I say.
She stops. Doesn't turn around.
"That's not my name."
"No? Then what is? Helle? Ivar's daughter?" I move closer, keeping my voice low. "Raiders of Valhalla royalty?"
She turns then, and her eyes are blazing.
"What do you want, Bravos? An apology? Congratulations on fucking the Road Captain's daughter without knowing it?"
"I want to know why you didn't tell me."
"Why would I? You think I walk around introducing myself with my pedigree?" She laughs bitterly. "Hi, I'm Helle, I betrayed my family, and got my father tortured. Want to get a drink?"
Several people glance over at her raised voice.
I step closer, lowering my voice even more. "Keep it down."
"Don't tell me what to do."
"Never took you as the kind of woman to sleep with the enemy," I say.
It's the wrong thing to say.
I know it the second the words leave my mouth.
Her hand comes up fast—I could block it, but I don't—and the slap cracks across my face hard enough to snap my head to the side.
The hallway goes quiet.
Everyone's watching now.
"I didn't know Andrés," she says, voice shaking with rage. "I knew Andrew. From sociology class. A boy who said he loved me. Whousedme. Who destroyed everything." She steps closer, getting in my face despite the fact that I'm a foot taller and a hundred pounds heavier. "And you're not my enemy. You're just another Nomad passing through. Just another man who'll fuck me and leave. So, don't you dare stand there and judge me for sins you know nothing about."
She turns and walks away.
I stand there, cheek stinging, aware of every set of eyes on me.
Fenrir appears at my elbow. "Want to tell me what that was about?"
"Misunderstanding," I say.
"Uh-huh." He doesn't look convinced. "Bravos, I don't know what happened between you two, and Idon't care. But Helle's been through hell—literally and figuratively. She doesn't need more shit from visiting club representatives. Clear?"
