Page 127 of Twisted Fate

Guilt nipped at my chest sharply, but I jolted out of it as Diesel walked over with the bandage, giving me a small smile.

“Found one. Hold your arm out and I’ll wrap it right around for you.”

I did as I was told, avoiding his gaze the whole time.

Did anyone blame me for Slash’s choice?

If I’d just stayed away from Skeeter’s life like he’d asked, would it have kept everyone safe?

Once Diesel was finished, he tilted my chin up with his fingers, forcing me to look at him.

So many emotions swam in his worried hazel eyes, but his voice was calm and balanced.

“Everyone copes with loss in their own way. Trust me, I know. You do whatever you need to in order to get through this, but I’ll be here whenever you want to just talk, okay?”

“Who’s going to lead the crew now?” I asked, changing the subject to avoid my buried feelings.

I knew I’d cry again, and I was sick of feeling so helpless and weak.

He shrugged, not seeming fazed.

“We’ll figure that out later tonight. For now, Skeet will step up. Chances are high that he’ll just take over. Most of us knew he would eventually if Slash were to ever step down. Stick by him, alright? He’ll probably need a hand dealing with it all, and you keep him strong. Also, Hunter was looking for you before, so probably go and see him at the warehouse later, yeah?”

I nodded as I climbed off the desk, earning a sly smile from him. “Then again, maybe the guys will want you to lead?”

“Doubt it,” I snorted, making him chuckle as we wandered back out into the main room, where I ran right into Skeeter’s chest.

He gave me a naughty grin, teasing in his light green eyes.

“I know you can’t keep your hands off me, but we have things to sort out, baby girl. You’ll have to be patient.”

I playfully swatted his arm but rolled my eyes.

He wasn’t that irresistible.

Then again, I was always down for a quickie.

“I know. Were you listening to us? Stop loitering around the door like a creeper.”

“Trying to hide things?” He asked as his grin widened, but I motioned to my fresh bandage, my voice sarcastic.

“Not likely. He was just patching me up so I don’t bleed all over the cement.”

“Drama queens, the both of you,” he retorted, turning and sauntering back to the bar.

We hung out with the other crew members for a while, until Skeeter silenced everyone, getting our attention.

“We’ve suffered a major loss to our family, and we will be retaliating. The Soldiers are staying just outside of town, and the Devils are keeping an eye on them for us so we can continue on with everything in the process. One of the first things we need to discuss is leadership.”

One person spoke up, suggesting Skeeter just stayed in charge, most others nodding in agreement.

Diesel on the other hand leaned against the bar, cocking his head thoughtfully, not being able to resist stirring the fucking pot.

“I vote for Donovan.”

Quiet chuckles and whispers went around the room as Skeeter raised an eyebrow at him.

“Rory? Why the fuck would you vote her in when she hardly knows how we run, let alone how to actually lead a crew? We’re about to go to fucking war, dick head.”