Page 93 of Reaper

Taking a deep breath, I sit down in my chair and rub my hands on my thighs. Closing my eyes, I think back to my meeting with the madam.

“How did you get them to respect you?”

“I didn’t give them an option. There is a fine line between letting them voice their opinions and letting them walk all over you. In the end, it’s your call because you run the show.”

“I’m the new girl though.”

Before I even finish the sentence, Stefanie is shaking her head. “Doesn’t matter. Your man put you in charge because he trusts you. Own it and when you doubt it remember he has enough faith in you for the both of you.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Just remember, I’m only a call away. Hell, I’ve always wanted to see what happens inside a real clubhouse.” She winks, making me laugh.

“There you are,” Harrison says, pulling me out of the past.

“Hi. What are you doing?”

“I was looking for you.” He looks around the room. “I was going to help you set up but it looks like you have it all covered.”

“I got a little excited.” I shrug, fighting back a smile.

“You don’t say,” he teases as he walks up behind me.

He starts massaging my shoulders, making me sigh.

“I thought you were going to make yourself scarce and let me do this.”

“I am, but I’m going to let them know that you have mine and Wrath’s backing. I know once I bring it up to the council, they will back you too.”

My heart warms at his words. To know I have such support. It’s refreshing to be encouraged to do something I want instead of beat down and talked out of it. Harrison set up the meeting for me where I really don’t know any of the girls and honestly, I couldn’t be more thankful.

I reach up and grab his hand, squeezing it. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

The sound of footsteps coming down the hall has me sitting up straight. All at once the club girls file into the room.

“What’s going on?” one asks.

“Sit down, everyone, please.”

Jacob and Wrath step into the room as the last of them sit.

Wrath winks at me, and Jacob tosses me a thumbs-up.

Shaking my head, I smile. “Thank you all for meeting me here today.”

Daniela sneers. “Like we had a choice.”

Harrison tenses. “Listen up. Things are changing around here. Natalie is going to put everything in motion. I want you to sit here and listen to her. I think you’ll like what she has to say. Offer up your opinion when she asks.”

“Come on. What does she know about club life?” Daniela rolls her eyes.

“If you won’t respect my woman, then there’s the door.” He points toward it. “You can leave at any time. Just know if you do, we'll know.”

Daniela stands. “Whatever, I don’t need this. Come on, Becky.”

As Daniela marches toward the door, Becky scrambles after her, mouthing sorry over her shoulder.

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