Just as he motioned toward the Toyota, several motorcycles roared down the street, more men with red bandanas riding them. A black muscle car followed them.
I tensed, my gut lurching. I’d know that shape anywhere. I’d been inside it more times than I could count.
My voice came out thin. “That’s my father’s car.”
Kaige rejoined us, and we held our ground around the Toyota. The motorcycles formed a semi-circle around us, but if we’d jumped into the car and gunned it, we could have crashed through them. I could tell from the set of Wylder’s shoulders that he had no intention of running scared, though.
The car pulled up across the street from us. The windows were tinted so it was impossible to see who was inside. Then the door opened and Colt stepped out.
My blood started to boil, both at the sight of him and the fact that my murderous ex had commandeered Dad’s car. I took a step forward automatically, but Kaige caught me by my elbow.
More of Colt’s men leapt out of the car. I recognized one of them as one of my father’s associates, Mr. Jenner. The sinewy-limbed man with graying jowls had come around the house once a month or so to report to Dad and take new orders.
I gaped openly at him. He had switched sides already? Un-fucking-believable.
Colt stayed where he was by the driver’s side door. “I heard there was a major disturbance going on and thought I’d better deal with it myself. I’m going to ask that you go back to your pretty palace in the city and leave my men and my streets alone.”
Wylder scoffed. “Your streets? All of Paradise Bend answers to the Nobles. The fact that you’ve forgotten that is exactly why we’re here.”
Colt feigned a look of surprise. “I had no idea the Nobles were even interested in the Bend. I thought you deemed all of us beneath you.”
As he spoke, another car had parked behind his. A few men got out, staying a little to the side of the confrontation. More bodyguards, I assumed, but something about their stern expressions and confident poses sent an uneasy tremor through me. They weren’t wearing the Steel Knights bandanas on their arms.
Who the hell were they?
“You are beneath us,” Wylder said flippantly. “And that’s where you should stay—under our heels. Do you think we don’t know everything you’re planning? Consider this a warning and back off now.”
Colt’s eyes flashed. The newcomers didn’t stir, seemingly content just to watch. They looked almost bored.
No, they weren’t bodyguards. I frowned. It was almost as if they were supervising the situation rather than participating.
My ex-fiancé crossed his arms over his chest and flicked his icy stare toward me just for a moment before turning back to Wylder. “Am I to take it that you’re siding with the Claws, then?”
“We’re enforcing the power of the Nobles and the respect we’re due,” Wylder shot back.
“The Steel Knights have been instigating violence all over the Bend,” Rowan said more evenly. “That isn’t good for anyone—except maybe you, for now.”
Colt chuckled darkly. “When was the Bend ever free of violence?”
“There used to be a lot less,” I snapped.
Beside me, Kaige flexed his substantial muscles. “And it doesn’t belong to you. You don’t get to make decisions like that.”
“Yet,” Colt said. “I’m not a ruler. I definitely do not rule these men, if they happen to take offense.” He gestured to the biker gang members flanking him. The threat was clear.
“But they wear marks of loyalty to you, so we’ll hold you responsible all the same,” Wylder replied. “And that includes my father. But if you’d like to have Ezra Noble and his full force cracking down on you within the hour…”
Colt’s smile froze on his face. “I’m sure that won’t be necessary today. You’re always welcome to visit the Bend as you please. I have nothing but respect for the Nobles.” He shifted his gaze to me again. “Rats are a totally different thing.”
He made a brisk gesture, and some of the motorcycles eased out of our way. “You’re free to leave.”
Wylder’s jaw ticked, but he didn’t say anything. Picking a fight after Colt had stood down would make us look like the bad guys in this scenario, and we’d have a hard time winning anyway when we were so grossly outnumbered.
“I appreciate your recognition of what we’re owed,” Wylder said, and motioned to us. He stood there with his gun in his hand, never letting his attention waver from Colt while the rest of us slid into the car.
Only when Rowan had ignited the engine did Wylder come around to his seat. We cruised through the opening between the motorcycles—not too fast so we didn’t give the appearance of running away. Colt even waved at us mockingly, but I saw the way his gaze remained on me, full of venom.
“Why did he let us go?” Kaige asked.