Page 94 of A New Era

“My family has held power in London for many years. Before I handed it down to Ritchie, I was more than content with the East Quarter. It gave us all this and much more. My boys always wanted more. From the deals you’ve made since taking over from your father, you know what I mean.”

“I do.”

“My son Jamie in particular is the most cautious and he’s the one who has vowed we can trust you. Is he misplaced?”

I lean over and place my empty glass on the fancy glass table.

“I admit when I first took my father’s patch, I considered moving away from your family. The club isn’t about accumulating large wealth. We’re happy as long as we have the road and cash for beer most of the time. The brothers over the years have been content to do the minimal and keep the enemies at bay.”

“But you want more?”

I nod. “I’m not greedy. I already have more than I thought I ever would. But we both know in our world, waking up the next morning isn’t a given. If I’m put in the ground, I want to go out knowing my old lady and my kid will never have to worry about money. I want my club set on top financially. Above all, I want to grow my club.”

“I see why my brother likes you. Though you seem more level-headed, you have the same ambition as him.”

“My brothers rely on me to take us in the right direction and for them to have good lives, this partnership between us needs to take the club in the right direction. You have my word that I will do anything to make this work.”

“As will we.”

Jamie Boy knocks at the door and then walks in, letting me know, “Holly’s here.”

“Thanks.”

I look to Jack, and he stands as do I. “Here’s to a long and fruitful relationship.”

I shake his outstretched hand.

“May the money roll in.”

His laughter follows us into the kitchen, and I relax having Holly back in my sight.

“You have a lot of bags,” I point out, wondering how hard my credit card was hit this afternoon.

“The stores here are amazing. And each boutique we went into, they closed the store for us.”

My brows lift and I’m not sure what to say to that. Yet, I’m still not surprised when it comes to the Haywards.

I snort. “I doubt Rainy will shut her store for you when we’re home.”

“Once we’re home, I’ll stick to online shopping,” she promises.

I help store her bags in the fancy-ass living room and Flo calls dinner is ready.

“How was your day?” she asks as we walk back to the biggest kitchen I’ve ever been in.

“There was nothing out of the ordinary.”

As Flo serves dinner , we’re introduced to the Hayward’s wives and kids. Holly instantly makes friends with them all and I admit, it’s not as bad as I was expecting.

“Uncle Ritchie says you ride a motorcycle, is that true?” one of the kids asks. I believe his name is Felix.

“It is. Do you like motorcycles?”

“I think they’re so cool, but my mum says I’m never allowed to have one. She says they’re too dangerous.”

Grinning, I tell him, “She’s right, one time when I was younger, I was racing my brother and skidded a half mile down the road. I couldn’t move for days.”

Instead of scaring the kid, his eyes light up and excitement washes over him.

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