“Don’t you think you’ve had enough today, Valan? It’s only noon and you’re barely able to stand.”
He glared at her, daring Sammie to deny him. “I ain’t no eejit. Just pour another one.”
“Seriously. Go eat something. You won’t be able to stand soon.”
He stared her down and didn’t move. “Jameson. Now.”
She sighed and filled his glass, slamming it down and sloshing the amber liquid on the bar as she turned in a huff to another of the Riders, whispering under her breath. “Grumpy fucker.”
Valan picked up the shot and tossed it back. “She’s a gobshite.”
“Maybe,” I agreed, slapping him on the shoulder. “She’s not wrong though. You’re gonna have a hell of a hangover later.”
“Get up out of here, R.J.” Valan’s loud laugh rang out. “Quit taking the piss.”
His expressions never ceased to amuse me as well as the rest of my brothers. “I care about you, brother. Let me get you some food and put down the alcohol for a bit. Yeah?”
He grumbled under his breath but agreed.
Fifteen minutes later he was staring at the plate I set in front of him, shaking his head. “Who made this?”
“Neveah. She said you like corned beef.”
He grunted. “I do.”
Shrugging, I pulled out my cell as he ate, scrolling through my messages. I was almost disappointed that there wasn’t anything from Cara, but no news was good news. At least that meant she was safe and unharmed. She promised she’d call or text if Max tried to hurt her again and I had to trust that she would. Even so, I still worried. That wasn’t gonna change until I met Maxwell Forman and set him straight.
I couldn’t wait for Saturday.
Valan stood and rose unsteadily to his feet. “Think I need to have a sleep.”
He was drunk off his ass. I don’t know how he kept that sandwich down.
I supported him as he stumbled through the clubhouse, down the hall, and up the stairs to his room. Once he collapsed on the bed, I turned to leave.
“She’s good for you.”
Pausing, I wasn’t sure if he was coherent or talking to ghosts, but his gaze was fixated on my retreating back. “Oh?”
“You take Cara if she makes you happy. Don’t wait to long and lose everything.”
He was speaking of his dead fiancé, the ol’ lady that was killed a few years back. Sad story. Valan never got over her or the fact that he blamed himself for not being there the night she died.
“Thanks, Valan.”
His eyes were closed, and he snored loudly, already asleep.
Smirking, I left and made sure the door was locked behind me. Out in the hall, I snagged one of the prospects. “Keep an eye on Valan. Don’t want anyone fucking with him right now.”
Junior nodded. “You got it, R.J.”
MACK BANGED THE GAVEL down as soon as my brothers were seated around the table. I sat a few seats down from my pres and made sure everyone was present. Every seat was occupied but one. Valan, our SAA, came stumbling in a few seconds late, cursing under his breath.
Mack folded his arms across his chest, lifting his chin at the Irishman. “You ready to join us, princess?”
“Aye, fuck, pres. I ain’t been sleeping well.”
“Get over your shit, Valan. I need my Sgt. At Arms alert.”