Page 17 of Salvation/Mamba

“That’s not all. When I get back to Searchlight Marita’s waiting. The tweaker must’ve told her my reaction cause she’s acting all sketchy like she owns me now. I tell her I don’t want the money, but that’s not good enough for her.”

“Ohhh, man. This is bad.”

“Ya think? I’m fuckin’ screwed.”

“You gotta tell Cobra.”

“She also threatened my family if I don’t do it or try to involve the Serpents.”

“You need some help from me and Nick?”

“I’ll let you know. Mandy and I are heading up to Cobra’s cabin in Mount Charleston this weekend. Give me a chance to sort this shit out.”

“You better make sure whatever you do is permanent. Take her down in a way there’s no coming back.”

“Hey, boss,” Jax entered the office. “Nick wants you both in the VIP.”

“Problem?”

“Nah, he just wants to make sure everything’s in place for the big blowout the mayor’s planning for tonight.” Jax twisted his lips. “Gotta keep the city council happy.”

“Abso-fuckin-lutely.” Samson and Mamba exchanged a look then followed Jax out of the office.

* * *

The next day,Mandy arched her back then pushed away from the desk in the back of the salon and stood. She paced the small cubicle she used as an office pressing her palms against the small of her back hoping to relieve the muscle spasm that developed over the last hour.

She loved her business. Being creative with all the new nail techniques and making her customers happy filled her with pride, but the paperwork and business end filled her with anxiety. Quickbooks was the demon and although she understood the program and made it work, it simultaneously bored and frustrated her. After her first nine months she eked out a profit, which was considered good for a new business and after a year she was making a continuous monthly profit. Also good.

Mamba had Boa, the Serpent’s tech genius, set up her business account with the bank and social media, then he gave her a crash course in Quickbooks and basic accounting. The guys ribbed Boa about being a techie and a computer nerd, but the man knew his stuff. At six-foot-six he looked like a Viking warrior, but spoke to Mandy in an easy, calm way making learning from him easy.

“Girl, you look exhausted.” Mitzi stood in the doorway giving her the fisheye. “Are you getting enough sleep.”

“Yes.” Mandy cocked her head. “Well, maybe not last night, but—”

Mitzi’s eyes narrowed and Mandy braced herself for her friend’s sometimes sassy and always naughty comments.

“Did that biker keep you up last night with that big dick of his?”

“Mitzi!” Mandy could feel the heat traveling up her neck.

“Well, you’re the one who’s always bragging about how big it is so . . .”

“You are impossible.”

“So, spill. I need a good story. I’ve just spent the last hour listening to annoying Mrs. Hanson describe her gall bladder surgery in nauseating detail.”

“If you must know, yes, Mamba was especially—”

“Horny, insatiable, ready for a good fuck?”

“Yup, to all three.” The deep, rasp rumbled behind Mitzi.

Mitzi turned to face a smirking Mamba not the least bit embarrassed at their sex life being bantered around.

“Don’t wear my boss out, she still has a few more weeks to go, and I’m not looking forward to running this place any sooner than I have to.”

“Hey, I can’t help it if my woman’s hot as fuck. Shit, most times I’m walking around with half a hard on.”

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