He leaned back, taking a swig from the beer. “Dusty is Roar’s boy.”
“And that monster’s son will help me get my sister his father kidnapped?”
“Not exactly, but I have a plan if you’re willing to listen.”
CHAPTER 7
Dusty
Bodyguards in Italian suits crawled inside the Belle View, stiffening the air. I might have been out of Roar’s lifestyle, the MC and its affiliations for the past couple of months, but I still recognized mobsters when I saw them.
I downed my beer as the Lanza twins entered and headed straight toward me. This was no random night out or a coincidence. They came here to meet me.
One of them—the capo, Cosimo, I guessed as I could never tell them apart— opened his arms, with a wide smile, as if I were his long-missed friend, and gave me a hug. “Dusty, welcome home.”
I plastered a smile, too; his brother was watching me like a hawk. “Thanks. It’s only been two months.”
“Too months too long for a mother whose only son disappeared without a single phone call.”
I broke the embrace, fighting not to roll my eyes. “So it’s Mama who told you I was here?” The Lanzas and the Night Skulls were allies and had tons of business together. Mama and Roar were personal friends to Giovanni Lanza and Cosimo, his son, after he took over when Giovanni died. Did she reach out to the Lanzas to track me down and bring me back to Rosewood? After what happened that night, I swore I’d never go back. Not even the Mob could force me to return to that hell pit. “What else did she say?”
“C’mon, Dusty. There’s nothing that happens in this city that we don’t know.”
“Not just this city,” his brother, Enzio, said, resting his elbows on the bar top. “We heard about your little escapades in Europe. Looks like you enjoy it there since you only came home for one night two months ago and rushed back there. Are you planning to stay longer this time or heading back so soon?”
My eyes narrowed at them. I wasn’t sure where this conversation was heading. “Looks like we’re gonna have a long night. What can I get you, gentlemen? It’s on me.”
Cosimo took a seat next to mine and folded an arm around my shoulder. “Before we have a drink together, I wanna make sure you understand something. Our families go way back, Dusty. We don’t want anything to disturb our friendship, right?”
I looked him in the eye, clenching my jaws instead of breaking his arm. This wasn’t a friendly visit as I thought it’d be. This meet was set to intimidate me, but I wasn’t sure why. “Yeah.”
“Allora, I heard a little rumor that you had a falling-out with Roar. I get it, trust me. Fathers,” he chuckled, “they have their moments. Mine and I didn’t always see eye to eye, but at the end of the day, we were always,always, family.”
“What’s that got to do with me, Cosimo?”
“I’m sure it’s just another little rumor that you left the MC.”
Mama wouldn’t have told him that. Was it Roar? He was the kind of father that wouldn’t hesitate to send his mobster friends to straighten out his boy into falling back in line. But no, he was too arrogant to involve someone else in our fight. He’d have just sent some brothers. The Lanzas weren’t only here as a favor to their friends. They were also here to protect their turf. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business, but you’re right. It’s just a fucking rumor,” I lied. “I’m still wearing my cut, aren’t I?”
“And that visit to your rival MC in Italy, the Wicked Warriors?” Enzio asked.
“I see what this is all about now.” I shrugged Cosimo’s arm off me and drank my beer. “I’m still a member of the Night Skulls.” Even if I wanted nothing to do with them anymore. The tattoos on my body would never be inked out. They were my family after all. I’d never put them in any kind of danger. Loyalty went beyond code. “You think I left to prospect for another club, but I’m not. You can assure Roar and Mama I’m loyal.”
“Then what were you doing with the Wicked?” Cosimo asked.
What I saw the night I decided to leave Rosewood and go back to Europe even when I’d just returned sent me on another quest to find answers to this life we led. I visited the Wicked Warriors to know if all MCs were the same. If it was Roar that was evil or the lifestyle itself that corrupted every member beyond retribution.
I couldn’t tell them that, though. I couldn’t tell them I only wore my cut so that the world would think I was still loyal to the Night Skulls. No one should know I left the MC two months ago and swore never to go back. I couldn’t give any rival or the pigs any opportunity to think we were falling from within or that I, the heir to Roar’s throne, disagreed with his ways.
I smiled at the brothers. “They throw crazy parties, and that was all I was about in Europe. I’m sure you heard of that, too.” I took another swig from my beer. “And to give you even more peace of mind, I’m not planning on starting my own club or acting based on any of those shitty rumors you keep hearing. You and Roar can keep your turf. No one is setting to take it from you.” I finished the beer. “I’m a Night Skull for life.” Bitterness filled my throat with the reality I couldn’t change. “I’m having another beer. Are you joining me or should we spend the rest of the night drinking Lanza wine at one of your fancy restaurants?”
Cosimo chuckled as he left his seat. “Another time. I had the restaurant booked for a private party for two, if you know what I mean. I’d better not be late.”
Enzio followed him. “You’re sure she’s coming?”
“I ran out of patience. She doesn’t have a choice anymore.” Cosimo buttoned his suit jacket and patted my shoulder. “Dopo, Dusty. Ah, and call your mamma. She’s worried sick about you.”
CHAPTER 8
