“I know,” I whispered, looking back out the window towards the front gates, blinked, and then dove for the floor as I shouted, “Incoming!”
THIRTY-ONE
REMI
“Are you sure it looks okay,” I asked Mia as she drove through the back gates of the compound, needing to stop by Ghost’s house for something before we headed back to the clubhouse.
“Girl, you look freaking awesome!” Mia said, turning into the driveway of a beautiful ranch house. I look to my left and saw Max’s home and wondered when we’d be moving in there. The house was ready, according to Shamrock. Everything I’d ordered had been delivered. Sham told me that he and a few of the brothers set everything up for us. All we had to do was move in. “I’ll be just a minute.”
Nodding, I patiently waited as Mia ran into the stunning ranch home. Touching my hair, I didn’t know what Max was going to think. When Mia suggested going to the salon, I didn’t want to. I knew there was nothing anyone could do. My hair was gone. But she assured me that beauticians were miracle workers and to trust her. So, I did.
Looking at myself in the mirror, I had to admit it looked damn close to my original. Not as long, but the color and feel were about right. The only significant difference was the curls. There were none. It looked as if I flat ironed my hair that and the bangs. Why I let Mia talk me into them, I would never know. I hated bangs.
Mia jumped back into the large SUV and smiled. “Okay, Chica. Let’s go show that lug head what a beautiful woman he has!”
I laughed as Mia pulled out of the drive and headed down the hill towards the clubhouse. The compound was beautiful, with homes spread out over the hills, looking down into the small valley where the clubhouse sat, along with a few small club businesses and two barns. The place was covered with plentiful fruit trees, tall evergreens, and lush green grass. With the ocean to the west, the area looked like the garden of Eden. It was stunning.
Mia parked behind the clubhouse and shut off the engine. As we both stepped out, I spotted the trailing SUV as it came around to park next to us as Sham, Viper, Grimm, and Chisel got out, stretching as they did so.
“I hate driving a cage,” Viper groaned.
“Next time we take our bikes,” Sham said, as Chisel nodded. His throat was still healing from the knife that Snake used to slice his throat. He was lucky to be alive, and though he hadn’t spoken a word since, he didn’t let that stop him from living his life.
“Damn babe, you look fucking hot,” Viper purred, coming up beside me. “Are you sure Reaper’s it for you? Because if you want to change your mind…”
Grimm punched the obnoxious brother in the gut shutting him up immediately. “Damn it, Grimm, I was just joking! Viper said, coughing.
“Remi doesn’t look good. Is that what you're saying, Viper?” Mia challenged.
“Don’t you start Tyrant? You know damn well what I meant.”
“So, you do want to fuck my brother’s woman?”
“I didn’t say that!” Viper yelled, getting to his feet. “You are putting words in my mouth. Anyone ever tell you that you are mean?”
“I am not. I’m honest!”
Rolling my eyes, I looked at Grimm, Chisel, and Shamrock as Mia and Viper continued their tirade as we all walked into the kitchen. Placing my bag down on the counter, I motioned to Shamrock, telling him that I was going to go find Max. Sham nodded, smiling, watching the Mia-Viper show.
Leaving the kitchen, I had just entered the common room when I heard Max shout, “Incoming!”
Instantly loud pops started hitting the front of the clubhouse, breaking through the wood siding, shattering the glass windows as brothers ducked for cover. I didn’t understand what was going on. It was like one of those movies I watched with Ink, where everything slowed down. Bullets pierced and pinged all around me. Men were shouting something as they pulled guns out and started firing back.
I didn’t understand what was going on.
A loud explosion rocked the clubhouse, making me jump. Turning, I saw Max running for me, right before tackling me to the floor, covering me with his body.
It was then I understood.
Someone was trying to kill us.
I didn’t know how long it lasted. It seemed like hours. Yet it was more like mere minutes, but the fact of the matter was it did happen. Someone was trying to kill us. Max looked down at me, fear emanating from his eyes. “Are you hurt?”
Shaking my head, I tried to form words, I couldn’t. He helped me to my feet as I surveyed the damage while Max took it upon himself to check my body himself. Before I could think, he grabbed me, hugging me to him. “God baby, you scared the fuck out of me. I didn’t think you’d be back so soon. When I saw you standing there. I lost it. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“I’m fine Max,” I whispered, seeing the damage done to the clubhouse. “But the others?”
“I know. We’ll take a headcount.”