Rawlings takes back control of the conversation. “Alright, so next week. We’ll split into teams led by Joaquin, DR, and Jackson. Bring along Johnny and Matthew as well. Oh, and grab the prospects, get them to handle cleaning and stocking weapons.”
“Thursday, we ride at 8 pm,” Alexander adds to the orders.
Rawlings collapses his hands on Alexander’s shoulders, giddy as a maniacal man seeking the rage and weakness of his enemy.
“I’ll just sit here looking pretty,” I mutter under my breath.
Apparently, Rawlings heard me because he laughs. “No, my dear, you keep your head and ears down on the ground. Keep your man happy.” He peeks over his shoulder, not paying any mind to me. I roll my eyes and stomp out of the room, slamming the door behind me. I don’t look back. Am I just atoyto them?
So much for this ‘family’. So much for Alexander wanting me by his side. He wants someone who will sit down and shut up and take orders like a submissive woman. I am raging mad. I fumble with my keys. Cursing every word in the book, I go to open my door and a hand plants over me, pressing the door closed. My chest heaves out in heavy breaths.
“Don’t leave here mad.” I hear Alexander behind me.
I don't look at him. I don't do anything; apparently, I’ve served my purpose and should be a quiet, meek mouse of a woman
“Say something, please,” he whispers.
“Oh, now I’m allowed to say something?” I shove him with my back.
“I apologize for Rawlings. He doesn’t completely trust and believe that women are allowed to do business or make decisions.” I shove him completely back with my hands.
“Rawlings is not the only person I’m fucking mad at, you idiot,” I yell at him, trying to hold back the frustration and emotions I’m holding.
He hangs his head. “You’re mad at me.”
“Damn skippy I am.”
He’s putting it together. “Because I didn’t fight back.”
Damn, I’ll give him credit: he’s right.
“Yes, Alexander. You didn’t support me. Better yet, you sided with the opposition, leading people to believe I’m throwing people under the bus.”
He rubs the back of his neck, preparing his next words. Carefully. “I can see how that was bad.”
“You think? Imagine Keola or Doc not siding with you and making you look like you’re spiteful or better yet, incompetent,” I say back to him. He goes to say something but withdraws. “Imagine how it feels now that, according to Rawlings, I’m only good for one thing and everything I have done for this club now is done and means nothing.”
“Like you were a puppet again,” he adds. Correct. “I fucked up a bit.”
“Yeah, you did.”
“What can I do, then?” He comes closer back towards me, wrapping his arms around my waist.
“You can tell Rawlings that I’m more than a toy or a puppet. I can do more than just sit back,” I press him.
“I can try.” He inches closer, placing his forehead on mine.
“I mean it, Alexander. You know by now that I won’t back down from a challenge.” I flick my eyes to him.
“I know Little Cub. I will see what I can do.” He goes to kiss me, but I duck my head and slip into the car. The look on his face is priceless, the look of rejection. “Little cub.”
I turn the car on. “Fix it and I will see about that kiss.” I drive up, leaving the tall viking of a man in the rearview mirror.
Chapter 28
I’mstillwaitingonAlexander. It’s been days; he’s supposed to fix this mess, while I sit back and do nothing. I’m more useful when I get my hands in the mix. Alas, Rawlings still doesn’t trust me.
If I wanted to take down the club, I would have by now. I won’t lie: the thought’s come across my mind once or twice, but Alexander reassures me that this is the only option.Is it? Or, are you putting all your faith into a man you’re still getting to know?My mind bounces back and forth between the club and my relationship.