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I didn’t tell them because it is none of their business. Clearly, Zander doesn’t give a shit as he spreads rumors about me all over town.
Forcing a smile, I ignore the anger bubbling in my chest. “Because we’ve got it under control. It’s just paperwork and technicalities.”
That’s a lie, and I hate the smug grin on Zander’s face because he knows it.
“Excuse us.” I grab Zander’s arm and pull him to the side so we’re out of earshot. “My bar’s finances aren’t anyone’s business.”
He shrugs. “I was just making small talk.”
“Make small talk about yourself. Leave me out of it.”
He plants a hand on the wall behind me. “Come on, Harloe. Aren’t you done with this nonsense about proving yourself yet? You got things up and running. Your brothers are helping out while the insurance company holds up the payout—”
“Don’t you mean: while your cop buddies hold up the investigation?”
He fakes a frown. “It would be a disservice to Lanceleaf if they weren’t thorough. I’m sure it’ll work out. But this has got to be hard on your brother when he has all that stuff with the ranch to worry about.”
“Stuff you’re responsible for.” My teeth grit.
“I don’t know who is filling your head with lies, but I don’t control what his neighbors do. And can you really fault them when they’re getting older and can’t manage that workload? I might give them options, but I don’t force their hand. I’m just helping out the people in this town who need an opportunity.” He offers a slimy grin. “You know I can help you too.”
“I don’t want your help.” I back up when his hand brushes my arm.
“Because you have a felon biker protecting you? How is that working out?” Zander’s gaze turns lethal. “Someone lit your bar on fire, Harloe. And then the thing they pulled at the farmers market—”
“The farmers market was just some kids messing around.”
Zander cocks his head. “Shane didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?” I regret the question the second Zander’s smile grows.
“Whoever fired those shots left a message for you on the side of one of their trucks. I figured Shane would have shared that information, but maybe he’s hiding more from you than you think. Whoever set the fire isn’t done with you yet.”
My head spins with what he’s saying. Shane and my brothers were weirdly protective after the farmers market, but I figured it just shook them. I didn’t realize someone left a message for me.
“Why do you think he keeps these things from you, Harloe?” Zander asks, touching my arm again, but I’m too frozen to pull away this time. “He’s not the hero. He’s just another problem bringing more shit to our town. I can help you with the bar, your brother’s ranch. We fight for our own around here. Let me help.”
I shake my head, trying to process everything as I drag my fingers through my hair.
“Harloe—”
“No.” I step back. “I don’t care what he’s done or who is after me. I trusted you for the last time, Zander. Even if Shane is the bad guy, you’re not any better.”
Instead of looking pissed, he grins, just as the hum of a motorcycle comes from down the street. He cocks his head toward where Shane rides toward us, his smile growing. Finally, he backs up a step.
“I tried, Harloe. You want to be stubborn, fine. But don’t come running to me when he leaves you with another mess you can’t clean up.”
32
SHANE
The second I saw Zander standing over Harloe, I sped up, knowing he was likely starting shit. When I pulled to a stop, Harloe let Elsie know she was leaving, then climbed onto the back of my bike and told me to drive.
From the way her fingers dig into my stomach and her body tenses instead of wrapping around me, I sense Zander isn’t the only one she’s angry with.
Which is why I take the turn out of town that leads the long way to Ironside Ridge.
Steel is waiting for me, but I’m not going anywhere near the bunkhouse until I figure out what pissed Harloe off.
