Page 40 of Reckless Vengeance

“I will,” I promised as I opened the door and hauled myself out, holding onto the car to make sure I had my balance when everything spun a little.

“Hey. What happened?” Caden asked as he climbed out of his car, the others starting to pull in a second later, and I winced at the sun.

“She got between me and Hunter,” Skeeter said with a cringe, putting his window down to talk properly. “I didn’t realize she was even there. I just kept punching him until I heard Marco yelling at us that Rory got hit.”

“You hit her?” he bristled, walking around the car to slide an arm around my waist.

“It was an accident. I need to get back to the Shed. We can talk about it later. Right now, she needs to lie down in a dark room and rest. Make sure she ices it. She’s got a nasty concussion.”

“Why the fuck aren’t you coming in? This is your fault.”

“I’d much rather be here than the shitshow that’s currently happening at the Shed, but I can’t. If I don’t handle business, Matteo’s going to push me out and take over. I don’t think you understand how bad that would be,” he explained, reaching over to grab the tools off the floor and handing them out the window . “Please. I need you to look after her until I can get back. Baby girl, you know I⁠—”

“I know. Go. Don’t give Matteo more ammo,” I said as I waved a dismissive hand at him. “I’ll go lie down.”

He nodded and drove off, leaving Caden and the guys to fuss over me.

Thankfully, they snuck me past Josie and told her I had a headache so I was going for a nap.

CHAPTER SEVEN

SKEETER

“Nice of you to join us,” Matteo said sarcastically as I walked into the Shed, but I ignored him and headed towards the bar. Diesel frowned as I grabbed a bottle of whiskey and poured a large glass before downing it.

My phone buzzed, and it was a shock to see Marco’s name on the screen, despite knowing he was going to text me. It had been a long time since we’d texted last.

I opened it, finding nothing more than the video I’d asked him to send me.

“What happened?” Diesel asked quietly, knowing I’d run out of here because of Rory.

“Who here was involved in Savage’s human trafficking scheme?” I asked bluntly, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Diesel pulled back in surprise like I knew he would, a few others whispering among themselves, while others either looked mad at me, or not surprised in the slightest.

I turned my attention to Matteo, the lack of surprise on his face as expected. Of course that piece of shit would have been involved.

“He was bringing me in but then he died. Don’t get on your high horse, Maddox. You were the one transporting them,” he bit out.

“We’ve always had a strong stance on staying the fuck away from the skin trade. As far as I was concerned, I was transporting weapons and drugs. You know how I fucking feel about that shit,” I spat, and he rolled his eyes.

“Not my fault you were too blind to see it. Who’d you get in a fight with?”

I was probably bleeding and bruised. I’d forgotten all about it when I realized I’d punched Rory.

“Had a run in with Rivera.” I opened the video, pressing play and showing Diesel. He flicked his gaze to mine, obviously seeing who’d sent it to me. He knew I’d had that fucker blocked since I was seventeen.

“You’re sure the video’s from one of our hauls? He could be lying.”

“I’m sure. This is the truck and the warehouse in Riverside from the machine gun haul. I remember it because it was one of the bigger hauls that Savage had trusted me with. He’d driven another car and told me to take myself home when we got there,” I explained.

Brick and Samuel approached to have a look, seeming just as disgusted, but Matteo scoffed.

“You know, this is your problem. Both you and Slash were always too soft to run this crew. Savage was turning it into something great, and then you two took over and destroyed it. We’d be rolling in cash right now if he was still here. You’re not fit to lead, Skeeter. Face it.”

“You want to lead?” I bit out, looking around the room at the others. “Would you fuckers prefer Matteo lead you? C’mon, let’s discuss this. If you’ve got a problem with me, fucking say it.”

“I’d rather you lead. Matteo would have us killed within the week,” Brick said dryly, leaning against the bar.