Page 100 of The Echo of Violence

“We won’t. It’ll be bought under the corporation my father set up. We’ll tell everyone we’re renting the space until we’re sure we can finance and staff the place successfully.”

“That would work. As supportive as my guys are, I think part of them thinks this is all just a phase. That eventually I’ll get bored. I think they assume that’s why I’m doing it to begin with.”

“Well, then we’ll just have to prove them wrong. We have a lot of work to do, though. Are you still up for it with a baby on board?”

“Absolutely. And I know just who to ask for help.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Knight

“I’m not sure how this place became our meeting spot, but I have no complaints.” I shovel a forkful of eggs into my mouth before sipping my coffee.

“Speak for yourself. I feel like I’m cheating on Jinx by being here with you without her knowing, especially since we’ve been on a job and haven’t seen much of her lately,” Rex grumbles before taking a drink of his orange juice.

“Look, we’re not trying to be dicks here. We just have no idea how else to approach this without pissing her off. I figured if anyone could talk some sense into her, it would be you.” Splinter sighs, leaning back in his seat.

“What is it exactly you want?” Nico asks, his arms folded over his chest.

“Has Jinx mentioned anything about what she’s doing at the club?” I ask. She must have said something because she wouldn’t be able to maintain full hours with these guys and prospect simultaneously.

“You mean watching over Mercy or setting up a center for women?”

“You know about her being a bodyguard for Mercy?” Eightball leans forward.

“Of course. She asked to be taken off the roster. Technically, she can come back whenever she wants, but between us, I think she’s had enough. She’s been restless for a while now. Being a bodyguard for Mercy will be a nice change for her.”

“Wow. I thought you’d have been pissed,” Eightball says, surprised.

I’ll admit. I expected more of an explosive reaction.

“I’m her family, not her keeper. And she is more than capable of looking after your president’s old lady, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“It’s not. Well, it is, and it isn’t. We know she can hold her own, and Mercy is a skilled fighter herself. They wouldn’t be easy targets on their own, but together, they’ll be a kick-ass team.”

“Then what’s your problem? Please, God, tell me you didn’t call us here for relationship advice. I suck dick, in case you haven’t noticed. Dating women is outside my area of expertise.”

Splinter chokes on his coffee, wiping his face with a napkin as he shakes his head.

“Did she tell you she’s a prospect for the Chaos Demons?” I blurt out.

Rex’s fork pauses in the air. Nico sucks in a sharp breath. “What did you just say?”

“You heard me. She’s guarding Mercy as a prospect for the MC.”

“Of all the stupid ass fucking—”

Rex grabs Nico’s arm and cuts him off. “She didn’t need to be a prospect to guard Mercy, but the prospect patch offers her protection and the backing of your whole MC.”

“You sure know a lot about MCs.”

Rex and Nico look at each other for a moment, having a silent conversation, before Nico’s shoulders drop in defeat. “Because we were once in an MC.”

I tense, noticing Eightball and Splinter do the same. “Does Jinx know?”

Rex rolls his eyes and mutters something about idiots. “Of course she knows. She was a part of the life too.”

I rub my hand down my face. “You better start explaining, and fast.”

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