“Your commitment to the club has never been in question,” he says in a low voice. “You’re contributing in the ways I need you to right now.”
“I’m just sayin’, I appreciate all the help the club’s done to help me adjust since I got out. You’ve called in some serious favors on my behalf. I wanna do whatever I can to give back.”
He nods once, but trouble still seems to be brewing in his hard eyes.
Brothers are still settling into their chairs when we enter the room. Rock’s more patient than I am, waiting until everyone’s seated before shattering the noise with a smack of his gavel against the hard wooden table.
“Simmer down.” He doesn’t raise his voice, but it still carries, commanding everyone’s attention. The yakking stops and everyone turns toward Rock.
“Thanks for joining us a little earlier than usual,” he starts.
“We love ya, Prez, otherwise I wouldn’t be missing my prime beauty sleep hours.” Bricks yawns and runs his hands through his thick puff of shiny black hair.
“Nah, he’s missing morning snuggle time,” Ravage sings, blowing a few kisses toward Bricks.
“You wish someone would snuggle with your gnarly ass.”
Rock stares at the ceiling for a few seconds while the guys hurl insults at each other.
“Y’all miss your daily dose of Ritalin or something?” Rooster slaps his giant palm against the table. “Settle the fuck down.”
Jigsaw snickers into his elbow. “You said y’all.”
Rooster punches Jiggy’s arm.
Rock blows out a long, slow breath. Probably counting back from ten. “We done?” he asks.
Silence.
Rock waits a beat to see if it sticks.
“All right.” Rock settles his arms against the table and stares down the length of it, meeting each brother’s eyes. “I got a call from Loco. He wants a meeting. Today.”
“Damn, that crazy bastard’s got balls.” Dex whistles.
I raise my finger in the air to get Rock’s attention. “I’m way overdue paying my respects to Loco.” I sit forward so I can meet Rock’s stare. “You mind if I tag along?”
“Loco will offer you some prime pussy on the house,” Ravage announces.
I turn slowly. “What?”
“He runs a brothel over in Ironworks,” Teller explains in a bored tone.
“Bro, just call it what it is, a whorehouse,” Stash says. “No need to be fancy.”
Rock snorts. “I think Loco would be offended. He’s gone to a lot of trouble to turn it into a ‘classy establishment.’”
“Thanks for the warning,” I grumble at Ravage. “You mind if the grown-ups have a conversation? Or you gonna interrupt me again?”
Brothers cough or laugh under their breath. Ravage grins at me. “Just tryin’ to help a brother out.”
“Yes, Grinder,” Rock says, ignoring the sideshow. “I’d appreciate it if you joined us.”
Teller suddenly seems fascinated with the table as he slowly sinks into his seat.
“T and Dex.” Rock’s gaze runs the length of the table. “I want you with us too.”
Teller groans and rolls his eyes but doesn’t question Rock today.
“Why?” Ravage moans. “None of them are gonna sample the goods.”
“That’s the point.” Rock’s tone is full of patience born from repetition. “I don’t need distractions.”
Z raises his hand. “Since I’m here anyway, I’ll tag along too. I owe Loco a favor, so if he’s asking you for help, I should be in on that.”
“Appreciate it,” Rock says.
“He give any hints about what he wants?” Rooster asks.
“Nothing,” Rock sighs. “He loves the cryptic spy game bullshit.”
“He just needs a friend, Prez.” Wrath grins. “It’s nice he’s bonded to you.”
“Careful, wiseass,” Rock growls without turning Wrath’s way. “I’m not done deciding who’s coming with us.”
“Please?” Ravage bounces in his seat and waves his arms around.
“Pick me! Pick me!” Stash mocks in a girlish voice.
“Damn right, pick me,” Rav answers.
“He probably wants to borrow some extra muscle for outcalls,” Dex says. “Malik says Loco brought on new girls. They’re meeting dates outside Loco’s place. But he wants a driver for the girls. No one goes alone.”
“While I can appreciate that he wants to keep his girls safe,” Rock’s jaw tightens with irritation, “we have enough things to handle without adding bodyguard chores. If it’s a one-off, we’ll see what we can do for him.”
Jigsaw raises his hand and lifts his chin at Z. “If Loco needs help this weekend, I’m around.”
Z nods.
“Thanks for stepping up, Jigsaw,” Rock says.
Jigsaw’s mouth curves into a sly grin. “If I’m gonna be listening to someone going at it this weekend, it’d probably be more fun if it’s strangers and I’m gettin’ paid for it.” He jerks his thumb toward Rooster.
“You could just,” Rooster strokes his hand over his beard, “oh, I don’t know, not be a fuckin’ creep.”
“I don’t think you understand how loud you two are,” Jigsaw protests.
“I mean, Shelby is a singer.” Ravage shrugs. “But I haven’t heard anything—”
“Careful, Rav,” Rooster growls.
“It’s not her, it’s him.” Jiggy elbows Rooster.
“Shut the fuck up.”
“Oh my God, all of you, shut the fuck up.” Wrath’s voice shakes the windowpanes.