Chapter 25Lynch
“Report,” I demand as I fall into the chair at the head of my table.
“The numbers from Spring Break were better than we anticipated. The guys who focused on the beaches during the day were extremely successful,” Boston begins.
“We should consider doing the same thing, maybe expanding for 4/20,” Briar adds.
With my arms crossed over my chest and tight against my body, I turn in his direction, suspicious of where the conversation is going to go.
“Expand?”
Briar nods, looking around the table at the group. “We focused mainly on Annapolis and Virginia Beach for Spring Break. We could easily go further south.”
“Like Miami?” I specify.
He requested to go down there once before, and I can’t help but think he’s using the success of one weeklong event to entice the others to agree with him. It’s a sneaky, devious way of trying to get what he wants.
He doesn’t shift or seem uncomfortable under my scrutiny.
“I was thinking the Outer Banks and possibly Myrtle Beach.”
“Myrtle Beach is off the hook for Spring Break,” TJ interjects.
“Hornet?” My Road Captain will know more about the logistics.
“I’ll have to do some checking, see what’s already going on down there, but it’s possible. Expansion for certain events isn’t a bad thing.” He looks over at Chains. “Do you foresee any issues?”
Chains shrugs as he leans back in his chair. “There might be a few small time guys there. They wouldn’t be my concern, but you never know who has the same idea as us. Groups from as far as Dallas or New Orleans could be moving in.”
“So there’s no way to be one hundred percent sure?”
“Right,” Chains says, his eyes growing serious as he looks over at me. “If we go and there are issues, we can’t just walk away. We’ll be forced to engage.”
“We’re not ready to claim territory that far,” TJ says. “We haven’t even secured Pittsburgh, yet.”
“It was just an idea,” Briar says.
“Let me feel it out, Prez,” Hornet insists. “I wouldn’t send anyone down there for a battle they aren’t prepared for.”
“Anything else?”
The guys around the table shake their heads.
“I’ve been thinking about Hornet’s bitchfest.” My Road Captain snorts at me but doesn’t say a word. “I felt his pain when we had to load up the other day in Worcester, so I’m thinking bike modifications may be the way to go. It’s the only thing I can think of that will keep us out of the cages for long transports.”
A wide grin spreads across Hornet’s face.
“It won’t stop us from using them like we had to the other day.” The guys around the table nod with excitement. “But it will limit it some.”
“There’s a couple of shops around that probably wouldn’t question a biker’s need for compartments,” Chains says. “I know of one in Worcester and another in Providence.”
“Let’s start in Providence. I’d like to keep things further away from the clubhouse. Anything else?” Heads shake all around the table. “Church dismissed.”
Briar stays behind. It’s not unusual for him to stick around, and the guys leaving don’t question it either.
“What’s up?” I rub at both eyes, somehow exhausted despite sleeping all damn day.
“How was your ride?”
“I’m not a fucking woman, Briar. You don’t have to butter me up and make me think you’re interested in me.”
He snorts. I don’t know that the man would remember what it was like to have a woman under him. Sad bastard.
“Speaking of women.” His hand tugs at the back of his neck.
“The guys are wondering when you’re planning to release Candi.”
I could cut a motherfucker right now.
“Something you need to tell me, Brother?” I’m more concerned that this is the second goddamned time I’ve had to ask this question today.
“What?” His eyes snap to mine. “Me? Are you fucking kidding?”
If he had any idea what Candi’s pussy felt like, he wouldn’t question why I was wondering. If there was one cunt on earth that would make him forsake his vow of celibacy, it would be hers.
“My dick stays in my jeans. You know that.”
“So long as it isn’t focused on Molly either,” I warn, remembering how close they were standing on the front porch earlier.
His eyes never leave mine, but his throat works on a rough swallow.
“As far as Candi goes, the guys just need to give up on that. It’s never going to happen. When I’m done with her, she’s gone. They won’t even get a chance.”
“I’ll let them know,” he says placing his palms flat on the table and pushing himself to stand.
I follow him out and into the living room. I know if I stay in the chapel, if I get one second alone, I’ll withdraw the whole rest of the night. My bike ride was cut short only forty-five minutes in because I felt like I couldn’t stay away.
Ronan serves Briar a beer at the bar, but after my VP walks away Ronan’s eyes dart right back to the cluster of women near the dart boards. I know Candi is there without even looking over. Her presence glows in his smile, and my own body, so attuned to her, hums at being this close to her.