Page 16 of Reckless Vengeance

“Even if no one backs him, the damage would be done,” I growled, considering risking it by just killing Matteo. I’d be executed, but Rory would be safe.

“Listen to me,” he said slowly, holding my gaze. “Don’t make it known that you know. That way we can try to catch him out and punish him properly.”

“You know what that shit did to Sasha. She⁠—”

“For now, everyone’s loyalty remains with Skeet. They won’t touch her just because Matteo said so. That girl’s tough, and she’s been through a lot of shit already. What happened to Sasha won’t be repeated unless everyone turns on Skeet. Even then, a lot of us are younger and prefer the new ways over the old. It’s only those like Matteo who think that kind of punishment is okay,” he reminded me.

“What if he acts alone? He could have her for hours before anyone⁠—”

“We’re on lockdown with a buddy system in place. She won’t be alone, so someone would notice her missing. I’d never touch that girl, and if I hear of any plans that someone else is going to, I’ll come to you and Skeet. Promise,” he insisted, pulling his phone out to check. “Skeet texted. Meeting tomorrow.”

I checked my phone too, finding the same message, so I replied with an okay so he knew I’d seen it before pocketing it again.

“Probably to plan the funeral,” I mumbled, glancing back up at Brick. “Any idea where he’d like to be buried?”

“Put him near your girl. He’ll protect her up there,” Brick said without hesitation, and I gave him a grateful smile.

“Don’t be mistaken. He’s gone in the opposite direction to Sasha.”

“I have a feeling his last sacrifice was enough to give him a pass,” he shrugged, getting to his feet.

I stood too, knowing we had a job to do today. I’d told Skeeter we’d handle today’s meeting with Archer since the prick got under his skin so much.

“Do you think Hendricks wants to work with us on this? Or do you think he’s teaming up with the Soldiers to take us down? Could be an ambush,” I suggested.

“I considered that too, but I think Hendricks would rather die than side with the Soldiers. They’re too close to the Kings, and you know how much he hates those fuckers. Could be a good alliance.”

“Until Skeet talks shit about Lexi,” I snorted, knowing the chances were high.

“Look, we’ll see what he wants today and go from there. Hopefully, he just wants to know what’s going down so he can protect his own crew,” he said as he walked off to find his keys, leaving me to rinse our cups.

“I highly doubt Slash left his legacy to you. Where’s his bitchboy?” Archer asked as we stepped through the door of the closed strip club.

Wet Dreams rarely had drama, it was a safe zone for crews, as long as they spent money while they were there. Apart from the Demons massacre, bullets never flew here.

Wasn’t exactly great for business if it did.

“If you mean Skeet, he’s busy. You wanted a last minute meeting, so this is what you get,” Brick grunted, motioning to the bar. “I have a feeling we’ll need a beer for this.”

Archer nodded to Milky, who started grabbing beers from behind the bar, and once we all had a beer in hand, we moved to the corner booth and got comfortable.

Music played low and the lights were turned down, so at least I could fucking think.

I hated meetings late at night here. It was too loud.

“So, what did you want to discuss?” I asked as I sipped the cold beer, eyeing Archer.

I needed him to see me as the person in charge, so having Brick do all the talking wasn’t going to work.

Archer checked his phone, taking his sweet time in answering me.

“The Soldiers. What do they want?”

“They came for Donovan. No idea why,” I replied, his eyes lifting to mine with a grin.

“Why’s that bitch so popular? She give the best blow jobs in Ashburn or something? Tell her we’re hiring.”

“She’s Skeet’s girl. Have some respect.”