“My image is out there for everyone to see!” I choked at Shotgun. Shotgun yanked me into his chest, held me tightly, and stroked my hair. The door banged open, and Alice entered, followed by Diesel.
“We need to get Bunny somewhere safe!” Alice exclaimed. Her hands rubbed my back as I gasped for air.
“Bunny’s fine here,” Diesel rumbled. Alice spun on him.
“Is she?” Alice snapped.
“Alice, they put Janet Revers’ picture up. Janet is nothing like Bunny. No one will link them together!” Diesel retorted as I burrowed into Shotgun.
“Diesel, how many of those patrons tonight are regular customers? Half of those out there don’t even ride a fucking bike. The bar’s hot at the moment because of the fire and rescue of Logan. I don’t recognise most of them, Diesel, and it takes one asshole to work out who Bunny is, and the shit hits the fan!” Alice whisper-shrieked at Diesel. My fists clenched in Shotgun’s tee as I panicked.
“You’re panicking her!” Diesel accused Alice, who went toe to toe with him, to my surprise.
“Bunny should be terrified. She needs looking after. Bunny’s not safe with her picture plastered all over the media,” Alice fired back at Diesel. I’d never heard Alice so animated, and I curiously lifted my head to see her standing with hands-on-hips, on tiptoes, going eye to eye with Diesel. Surprised, I looked up at Shotgun and saw a faint smile on his lips. Shotgun offered me a wink and moved me to one side.
“Let them two fight it out. Now, girl, Pyro’s on his way. He’ll stay upstairs and hobble down to the bar when you’re in it. Magic will watch your back during the day, and some of Hellfire will be stationed here permanently. We’re taking twelve-hour shifts. Nothing’s gonna change. You’ve changed your image so much you’re not identifiable as Janet Revers.”
“Shotgun, I need to get my tattoos refreshed in a few days. I had to cancel my previous appointment, but I can see them fading,” I whispered, one ear on the argument between Diesel and Alice.
“Huh?” Shotgun asked and studied my arms. “That’s fake ink?”
“Yes, it should last six to eight months, and I’m over six, so I’m pushing it. It’s nearly seven, actually,” I replied.
“That’s some good fucking work. Levi needs to see this shit, except he’s gone fuckin’ walkabout again,” Shotgun grunted.
“Walkabout?” I asked, confused.
“Yeah, Levi disappears every so often, and this fire last week tipped him into disappearing. He’ll be back when his head’s on straight. Don’t worry, Bunny; we’ve grown used to this over the years. I’ll get Fanatic and Wraith up to go to your appointment with you. Fanatic needs a break from his creations. Chance is pulling his hair out with him.”
“Fanatic is that bad?” I asked, thinking of Chance’s nephew and welcoming the distraction.
“Yeah, boy’s addicted to design and churns out great stuff. Fanatic is gonna have a bright future. His builds and designs are already bringing us in some big names. But Phoe wants to see her son and is kicking off, so Chance attempts to limit Fanatic’s time on the forecourt. And failing.” Shotgun smiled, and I saw pride for Fanatic in it.
“I’m happy for Fanatic,” I said, my attention wandering back to Alice and Diesel. My mouth dropped open as Diesel clearly decided he’d had enough fighting. Diesel hauled Alice to him and sank a panty-melting kiss on her lips. Shotgun chuckled.
“That’s one way to end a fight,” Shotgun commented. I nodded mutely. Alice melted into Diesel’s arms, and I began tugging Shotgun from the kitchen. Our movement broke the kiss, and I winced at the smug smile on Diesel’s face. Alice’s little hand slapped him straight across his cheek, and she stormed out. Diesel shook his head and turned, grinning at Shotgun.
“Alice has claws,” Diesel purred and walked out after her.
“Oh boy. Can we at least finish yours and Pyro’s crazy dance?” Shotgun almost whined. I patted his muscled chest.
“Never mind, honey, your turn will come soon.”
Shotgun looked appalled and then laughed. “Mine’s going to be a sweet little homemaker, ready to wait on me hand and foot.” Shotgun grinned, and I rolled my eyes.
“And you’d be bored within hours. You’re going to get a hissing, spitting kitty cat.” I snickered as Shotgun led me out of the kitchen.
Drake and Inglorious stood by the bar as we exited. Both of them shot me searching looks, and then Drake, to my surprise, sent me a wink. Inglorious leaned over and ruffled my hair.
“Rage and Unwanted Bastards will be putting a brother on the bar each night. Tell Chance to keep Pyro, and another inside and send the third out to patrol with us. Nothing will happen, Janey, we swear it,” Inglorious said, and my stomach sank. Shotgun hauled me into his side as Diesel paced after Alice.
“Bunny, we knew from the moment your poster hit the bar. We can keep secrets, girl, so just carry on but know the allies have your back. Psych saw a Fallen Warriors member hanging out early this morning, so we figure Lance worked shit out. And we’ve no doubt the others have guessed in our alliance. Pyro wouldn’t suddenly stop searching for Janet Revers unless he’d found her. Tell him that was a fuck up!” Drake smiled. Shit, the entire time, the allied MCs had known who I was, and we’d fooled no one. Maybe it was time to run.
“Don’t even think about running, Bunny. We’ll have someone inside at all times from each allied club. You’re safest here,” Inglorious warned me. Shotgun nodded.
“You spoke to Chance and Magic?” he asked.
“No, until we’re on our home turf, don’t know who’s listening here,” Inglorious muttered, glancing around.