I scratched my beard. There was one guy I could call who was a genius with security systems. He flew all over the world, setting up systems for major corporations. I hadn’t spoken to him in over a decade, since the day before my dad sent me here to live with Uncle Matt and Aunt Eve. But I knew if I called him for help, he’d come.
Then I could avoid contacting my old man.
My chest tightened as it often did when I thought about the past. Did I want to open the vault from my former life? Did I even have a choice? I needed to protect my territory, amp up the security at the clubhouse and the club’s businesses. I also needed to keep Madeline safe.
A shitstorm was coming…
I leveled my eyes on Track’s. “I’ll make a call. Not sure how soon he can be here, but I’ll call him.” I glanced at Boxer. “In the meantime, I want boots on the ground in Winters. Eyes on Madeline at all times. Make your rounds to the local businesses under the club’s protection.”
“Got it, Prez.”
“You’re not bringing her here?” Apparently, Track had a death wish.
Raul and Hero, my Sergeant at Arms, sat stoically as usual. Hearing Track’s question made Raul’s eye twitch. I knew they weren’t happy with me being gone all weekend. But they’d never call me out on it in front of anyone else. Raul was the best VP. Knew when to keep his mouth shut and when to speak. Unlike his son, Track.
Hero was the strong silent type. His job was to protect me when needed. When he wasn’t running the gunshop, he also managed the club’s small armory of weapons and our runs along with Track.
“No. Not even sure if I’ll continue seeing her. If the Hunters think she’s important to me, they’ll use her to get to me. Can’t risk it.”
“You’re wrong, brother. You’re fucking wrong this time.” Track dragged his hand across his cheek. Clearly he was exasperated with me. “By not claiming her, you’ve left her exposed and vulnerable. What are you afraid of? This can’t be because of the boy. The second I saw you this morning, you looked happy as fuck. It’s because of her. She makes you happy.”
“Enough.” I slammed my hand on my table, leaning forward, huffing like a bull ready to charge. I wanted to knock his goddamn teeth clear across the room for mentioning the boy. “We’re through here. Call church.”
“Stubborn son of a bitch,” Track muttered, getting to his feet and exiting the room.
Track couldn’t tell me he’d willingly bring a woman into this mess. My road captain’s heart was just as stone-cold as mine. Or, more like how mine used to be before Madeline melted it.
Angel sure made me feel good inside and kept my demons away. When I held her in my arms throughout the night, I slept. I didn’t have a single nightmare. When my cock was buried deep inside her, our eyes connected, I couldn’t imagine life without her.
But at what cost?
The club was on the brink of war with the Dirty Hunters. If my gut was right, it was going to be a bloody war. Madeline was safer without me.
Before Raul or Boxer could say anything, my phone rang and I answered.
“Sugar, everything okay?”
My aunt laughed. “Honey, we’re just fine. How’s my prez doing?”
I flicked my eyes to Raul and Boxer. “I’m good. Where are you?”
“Niagra Springs. It’s amazing. This whole road trip has been fantastic. I wish you could’ve come with us.” Aunt Eve was such a sweetheart. Had I gone with her, I would’ve never met Madeline.
“Sounds great. So when do you think you’ll be back?”
“Not sure yet. Maddox and Markey are having the time of their life. They’re not ready to return.” Sugar sounded relaxed and happy.
“Stay gone as long as you like.”
“Why? Is something going on you’re not telling me about?” Shit, she was sharp as a tack, just like Uncle Matt.
“The twins will be seniors this year. Once they graduate, you may not be able to get them to leave the club again. Uncle Matt would want you to enjoy yourselves.”
She was silent for a long second. “He would want us to have fun. But I have a bad feeling, Storm. Are you hiding something from me? You sound different.”
“Just have stuff on my mind. Nothing you need to worry about on your road trip.”
“Hmm…”