“It’s lies. All of it is lies.”
“I’m guessing this has to do with your little problem.” He pointed at the casted leg. “Preacher’s work.”
“I will have you fucking arrested for possession and distributing if you don’t do as I say.”
Drawing out his knife, Reaper pressed it to O’Klaren’s throat. “Don’t even think to threaten me.”
“My leg is because of the girl. She’s a weakness, I’m telling you the truth. You take the girl, it will tear the club apart.”
“And what do you get if I take the girl?”
“I get him out of town.”
Reaper didn’t like being ordered around. Instead of answering him, he stepped out of the man’s house. He’d already seen the woman cowering in the kitchen.
He hadn’t brought his bike, and, per O’Klaren’s request, he didn’t wear his leather cut. Being without his patch wasn’t something he was used to, and he certainly didn’t have any fear with walking through Preacher’s turf.
Walking down the street, he didn’t draw too much attention to himself.
He knew a great deal about his enemy.
Being in his town now, it was a risk, but was there a chance Preacher had a hard-on for the kid? Robin Riley wasn’t anything special. He had the full intel on all the club. None of his men interrupted his thoughts as he looked around the town.
A couple of women were giving him fuck-me eyes, but he ignored them.
There was only one way to find out if Preacher liked the girl. He’d have to take her and test those boundaries. It wouldn’t take a whole lot to get Preacher riled, but Reaper really did enjoy pushing the bastard to the brink, and for too long, Preacher hadn’t been able to be hurt. Now, he may have finally found a way.
Chapter Eleven
Resting her chin on her hands while they were flat to the table, Robin stared at the single cupcake with the candle.
Today was her birthday.
Eighteen.
School had been canceled due to some kind of gas leak.
She’d been home on her own since the moment she woke up.
Her dad had called to make sure if she was okay and to wish her a happy birthday. Bishop was nowhere to be seen. He’d made a call to tell her he was busy doing stuff and he’d see her later.
Preacher wasn’t there either.
“Married, pregnant, and alone. Welcome to eighteen, Robin.”
She sat up about to light the candle when she heard the door open.
“Hey, anyone home?” Preacher said.
“Just me. I’m in the dining room.”
She waited, wondering if she should hide the cupcake.
He stepped into the room, looking at the cupcake, then at her. “Have I missed something?”
“No, nothing.”
“Why the cake with a candle?”
She rolled her eyes. “It’s my birthday. I’m about to light the candle and make a wish.”
“I thought Bishop was hanging around with you today.”
“He had things he needed to do. It’s okay. I don’t mind.”
“You mean to tell me you’ve been on your own all day?”
“It’s fine. I don’t mind my own company. I’m used to it anyway.”
Preacher’s teeth clenched.
“Please don’t be angry.”
“I’m getting sick and tired of that boy doing whatever the fuck he wants.”
“It’s fine.”
“You’re giving in too often.”
He pulled out the chair closest to her. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small velvet box. “I didn’t forget, Robin. I had a few things to take care of.” He put the box in front of her, taking the matches.
“You didn’t have to get me anything.”
“I didn’t? I think it’s a given to give the woman of my child a gift.”
Don’t be embarrassed.
“Open it,” he said.
“Oh, yes, of course.” She picked up the box and slid it open, gasping when she saw a pair of diamond earrings. “They’re beautiful.”
“Put them in, let me see.”
She’d had the same tiny loop earrings for years. She rarely changed them.
Sliding them out of her ears, she put in the ones he’d bought her, and smiled. “What do you think?”
“Beautiful. More than beautiful. You’re stunning.”
“You think so?”
“Yes. Now, for the cake.”
“Have you had anything to eat?”
“A sandwich,” she said.
“What kind?”
“Lettuce.”
“Is that all?”
“No one has gone to the store. We’re running low.”
“Ugh, this is not good enough. Get up, come on, we’re heading into town.”
“What? Why?” she asked.
“It’s your birthday, and you’re eighteen. It’s only fair for you to have a decent meal. Come on.”
She quickly grabbed her jacket and joined him out in the truck.
Robin expected him to head into town, but he didn’t. He went in the opposite direction. “Where are we going?”
“I know a great Italian place.”
“O-kay. Are you sure we should be seen out together?”
“It’ll be fine. Don’t freak out. So what did you do today?”
“I read a lot, studied. Watched a couple of movies.”
“Without me? How dare you.”
Preacher had become her movie buddy. He didn’t seem to mind her obsession with romantic films. He hadn’t asked her since the first night why she loved them so much, and she suspected deep down he enjoyed them as much as she did.