“Got it. What’s the best way of removing me from the club without requiring a vote?” Grant asked.
Bull sat back and stared at his brother.
“Taking drugs?”
“No, several of the guys took drugs when I took over. I didn’t allow for their removal. They underwent a lot of rehabilitation.”
“A rat?”
“That would get you killed and you know it.”
“How about confirmation of me talking to the cartel?” Grant asked. “Only talking with a hint of possibly taking over.”
“You know that’s risky,” Bull said.
“Life is risky. I don’t imagine this shit is going to be waiting around for too long. You’ve got to get a lead on this Vito situation. Julio isn’t going to be in the dark forever.”
Ranford wanted to take the war to Julio, but Bull had convinced him to wait, to lay low. To allow the Vito Crew to get comfortable and then they would become sloppy, and together, they’d make their move.
So far, Julio was smart. He hadn’t done anything to warrant suspicion.
Bull looked at his brother. This was dangerous because the club could seek vengeance.
“When do you want to start this?” he asked.
“Today,” Grant said. “Let’s face it, I came to you and asked for a word. It could be the final straw. The guys wouldn’t request a vote. I’ve been a pain in your ass, if you count me calling you out.”
“Are you a good enough actor?”
“The best.”
Bull got to his feet. “You better keep her fucking safe.”
“Will do. It’ll be a piece of cake.”
“Good.” He grabbed his brother’s arm, opened his office door, and threw him out. Bull had never considered himself much of an actor. Life rarely gave him chance to, but when it came to Maddie’s safety, there was no taking risks. He had to do what was best to protect her.
Grant landed on the ground.
“You give me that cut, you piece of shit.”
“No, it’s worth taking a vote for,” Grant said, spitting up at him.
Bull smiled and drew his foot down on Grant’s balls. His brother curled up in a ball, groaning.
“I know none of my guys want a piece of shit who would consider selling out his club president, let alone his own brother to the cartel just so he could overthrow him. If you don’t like the way I run things, then you can take your dick to the streets.” With that, he pulled the leather cut from his body. “This is showing you mercy. If I see your face again, you’re not going to like what I do to it.” He spat on the ground, and Grant didn’t argue.
He rushed away, going out of the garage. and Bull watched him go.
Pat, Sweet, and Rip were in the shop, and they all came toward him.
Bull didn’t say a word as his club brothers surrounded him. He had a feeling Pat probably knew what had gone down, but as for the rest, they only saw a traitor.
He hoped Grant knew what he was doing.
****
One week later
It had gone from three runs a week with Jase, to six, and she was still only seeing him at the gym three days a week. Her body ached, but it was in a good way. She was so happy because the uniform Beatrice and Carl had given her finally fit. Jase had told her when she started to change her habits, she would see a quick change, and that would peter out and slow down. She didn’t mind. Maddie loved the fact her uniform wasn’t gaping.
She hadn’t dared go on the scales, nor use a measuring tape to see if she’d lost any inches. So, instead, she was just happy about her clothes.
“You look happy,” Beatrice said when she entered.
“I am. I feel good.”
Even though she was running every single day, she was still collapsing at the end of it, causing Jase to give her legs a small massage. She didn’t like his touch one bit, and it often made her even more tense than the run.
Pulling her hair back into a ponytail, she wrapped a band around it.
This was a good day. Nothing was going to upset her.
Wrapping the apron around her waist, she walked into the main dining room to see it was busy. Beatrice was ahead of her.
“No, hell no, you and your trash can get the hell out of my diner,” Beatrice said.
Maddie tensed up. She couldn’t help it.
Nibbling on her lip, she walked past Beatrice to see who was causing her stress, and she was shocked to see Grant sitting at the bar, all on his own, which made no sense.
“I’m not here to cause trouble.”
“Where is that bastard brother of yours?” Beatrice asked.
“I have no idea. You will have to ask him.”
Grant glanced at her, and his eyes seemed to go wide for a second, and then he looked her up and down. “Maddie,” he said.