Page 62 of The Echo of Violence

I make my way to the bedroom, ignoring the weight that feels like it’s pressing down on my chest. I strip out of my clothes and freshen up before swapping out my legs for my blades.

“Go big or go home,” I mutter to myself.

I dress in a pair of fitted tactical shorts. They make my ass look great, not that anyone will notice when they see my blades. The last time I went in for Scooter, I was trying to blend in. Now, I want to stand out. It’s the easiest way to keep the others distracted and give me an advantage.

A white tank top and my bulletproof vest on top complete the outfit. I move to the mirror and pull my hair up into a sleek ponytail before smoothing a little product over the flyaway ends to keep everything in place. I apply a light layer of makeup just to hide the dark circles under my eyes, not wanting anyone to notice. It’s not a vanity thing. I just don’t want the B-team thinking I’m not on my game tonight. As much as I know they’ll have my back, they won’t waste an opportunity to bitch to Nico if they think I’m too tired to pull my weight.

Waking up all hot and bothered because I keep picturing a certain trio of men doing various wicked things to me has taken its toll. But after tonight, I can say my dreams are as close as I’ll ever get to that reality.

Walking back to the bedroom, I clip the gun belt around my hips and slip my Glock into place. My Taser sits on the opposite hip. I shove a tactical knife and some plastic restraints into one of my pockets before adding a set of handcuffs and some pepper spray to the other pocket. I grab Rex’s oversized hoodie off the back of the door and carry it out to the living room, where Toto waits for me.

“Come on, baby. Let’s get this shitshow over with.”

I open the door and wait for Toto to pass me before locking up. I take a deep breath and blow it out as Toto stands beside me. I slide my hand down his back, taking comfort in the familiarity, before I cluck my tongue, and we both walk toward my SUV.

I open the back door and wait for Toto to jump in before closing it. Climbing into the driver’s seat, I open all the windows and let the warm evening air blow through. Reversing out, I drive to the compound. I don’t hit a stop sign or encounter any traffic, which never fucking happens. I can’t decide if the universe is fucking with me or trying to cut me some slack.

I spot the truck that the B-team favors, with the stupid teddy bear attached to the grill, and shake my head. After watching the Toy Story movies, I always get the willies when I see it. I pull up behind them and climb out, walking to the driver’s side door.

Jake turns his head when he sees me and offers me his trademark smile that makes me want to punch his teeth out. It’s a look that says he thinks I’m inferior because I have boobs. Boobs that he likes to stare at while he talks to me.

And this is why he’ll only ever be on the B-team.

I hold out my hand for an earpiece and microphone.

“You sure you don’t want us to go in? This isn’t the kind of place for a woman. Well, unless you’re planning on getting down on your knees.” He chuckles. I look from him to Bill in the passenger seat, who shakes his head but doesn’t tell him to shut up. Bill’s reason for being on the B-team is that he’s a yes-man. He might not agree with what Jake says, but he doesn’t have the guts to stand up to him.

When my hand doesn’t move, Jake sighs and drops the earpiece and mic into my palm, stoking his finger over my skin. I grab his pinky finger and twist it, making him curse.

“If this place is only interested in pussy, you’d have no problem getting in.” I lean closer, keeping a firm grip on his finger. “You have no idea how an MC works, so how about you do your job and back me up?” I let him go and step back.

“You’re a loose fucking cannon, Jinx,” he snarls.

“Oh, Jakey boy, you have no fucking idea.”

I walk back to my SUV and climb in. Leaning back, I take a few calming breaths. Sensing my frayed patience, Toto leans through the gap in the seats and licks my face.

I chuckle despite my mood. “Thanks, Toto. You sure know how to treat a lady.”

I slip the earpiece in and stare at the mic, contemplating smashing the fucking thing, but I know that would just be my pride reacting. I don’t want these assholes to hear anything that goes down, but despite what anyone might think, I don’t have a death wish.

“I’m ready,” I say into the mic after I clip it to my tank top that’s mostly hidden behind my vest.

“About time,” Jake snaps in my ear.

I ignore him before reaching over for Rex’s hoodie and slipping it over my head. It covers my vest, making me look bulky, but it should be enough to get me through the gate.

I turn to look at Toto. “Hide.”

He jumps down from the seat and squeezes into the rear footwell with his paws over his eyes. My lips twitch even as I marvel at how he squishes himself into such a small space.

I drive around Jake’s truck and head down the road toward the compound. When I pull up to the gates, I recognize the prospect. He gives me the once-over before walking over to the window.

“I’m here to see Scooter.”

“Scooter’s busy.”

“Look, I’m not trying to cause a problem, I swear. I…” I bite my bottom lip and let it wobble before looking into his eyes.

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