Page 55 of Bonita Brynne

“Ava said they agreed on using Libby as bait.” He lifted his drink to his lips. “Whatever it takes to bring Raymond home is fine with me. I just want this shit over so I can marry my woman.”

“Yeah, we could all use some good times, a celebration.” I had missed the days when our only problems were little gangbangers and druggies.

“Arctic, gimme a shot. No, two shots.” Art sidled up on the stool beside me. “The Fallen Soldiers arrived, and Jack is with them.”

“He is the VP.” I sipped my beer.

“And Sugar’s ex-lover,” Ire muttered.

“You just had to go there.” Art tossed back one shot, then the second. “We don’t need their help.”

“Brother, I disagree,” I told him. “Cobra couldn’t bring his crew out because they have their own territory shit going on. Mitch and his club were available.”

“We’re also down five members,” Ire said.

I grunted. How could anyone forget Copper and Ryder were in cells? And Espada and Cash had stayed in Montana, and Wolf had left yesterday to continue his search for Rosa. We fucking needed all the help we could get.

“Art, can I speak to you, please?” Sugar gestured with her finger for him to follow.

“I’ll be back.” He left with a scowl on his face.

“Tattoo artists are too emotional,” Ire muttered.

“Most artists are.” Art may not be the most vicious, not even close, but he’d lay his life down for any of us.

Storm entered the bar with the Fallen Soldiers: Mitch, Jack, Deacon, and Maverick. They gathered at a long table against the wall. Arctic carried a tray of beers to them.

“How long before you think Dorian will call?” Ire asked.

I glanced at my watch. It was twelve o’clock. “I imagine it’ll be before supper. The women should be filing in shortly.” Per Tina and Brynne’s request, with the support of all the old ladies, the club would wait for Dorian’s call together.

“I don’t like having my woman involved. She’s stronger than ever, but I want to keep her out of the club’s business. She should only be thinking about our wedding, nothing more.”

“Yeah, well, they wanted to be included.” I certainly wasn’t thrilled about their involvement either. Brynne’s mental health had taken a beating. Sure she was feisty and stubborn, a fierce force. But everyone had their breaking point. I wanted to do everything possible to keep my woman from shattering.

“Joseph.” Her sweet voice tickled my ear as her warm lips kissed my lobe. “I’m here.”

Damn, I wanted her this second. “Hi, baby.” I wrapped my arms around her. “Do you want something to drink?”

“No. I don’t want to be running back and forth to the bathroom.” At night she got up three to four times to pee. Tina had told us frequent trips to the toilet were typical in the first trimester.

We watched the other women go to their men and the rumble of conversations increased. It reminded me of our club parties.

“Do you think we’ll be here long?” she asked.

“I have no idea.”

“Looks like everyone is present,” Storm said in a booming voice. “Nobody hates waiting on others more than me, but we have no choice today.” He stared at Maddy and handed her a microphone. “Now listen to my queen. She’s the spokesperson for the old ladies.” He muttered what I could only imagine was profanity as he sat down.

“Thank you, Storm.” She stroked his arm, appreciation in her eyes. “I’ll get straight to the point.” Her songbird voice filled the room. “We voted the way the club votes, and it was unanimous. Libby will dress up to look like Brynne for the trade.”

Grizzly launched to his feet and turned toward Libby. No words. Only a furious glare.

The kitten didn’t react or rush toward him. Everyone in the club knew of their closer-than-usual relationship. But not one of us knew what went on behind Grizzly’s closed door. Honestly, I hadn’t given it any thought. What they did and what they were to each other was their business.

“Sorry, Grizz.” Maddy scrunched her face. “Of course we don’t want anything to happen to our caring and courageous friend.” She pointed around the room. “We know you’ll protect her when you draw out Dorian with her as live bait. And when you do, we expect every one of you to pounce on that fucker and end him.”

“What about Raymond, Angel?” Storm asked.

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