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“No.”
Her chin dropped to her neck at the same time her eyebrows rose to her forehead. “No?”
He plastered an annoyed expression on his face, despite him really not giving a fuck whose cut she wore. This “putting his boot down” was all for show. She just didn’t know that.
“I swear that’s what came out of my mouth. Look, I don’t mind you being independent. I don’t mind you being a badass bitch. It’s hot as fuck. But let’s not forget the traditions when it comes to your family’s club. No point in turning over the apple cart.” And having it crush him.
“I’d prefer to whip those apples into the woods.” She shrugged. “Or make apple sauce.”
“I know you would, but can you not forget that I’m still in my probationary period?” Jesus fuck, the woman was hardheaded.
Clearly, it was in the blood.
Her head tipped to the side. “Did someone say something to you?”
“What do you think? I really don’t need them thinking I’m a pussy-assed bitch.” He frowned at her very loud snort. “That’s not funny. Your own father actually passed by me and grunted out, ‘cuck.’”
Her head snapped back. “Wait. How does he even know what that means?”
“You’re welcome to ask him.” For his own health and well-being, he’d pass on asking Diesel that question.
Her eyes scanned the courtyard, then landed on her father on the other side where he stood by the table holding the extensive spread.
As Vi began to march over there, Reaper grabbed her arm and pulled her back. “Not tonight.”
Her brow furrowed. “Why the hell are you acting so bossy right now?”
“Because like you said, all eyes are on us.”
While understanding filled her eyes, she kept it off her face. Most likely on purpose. “So, they want you to handle me, do they?”
He groaned at the possibility this display might’ve made things worse. He dropped his voice to a whisper. “Vi, I don’t want to handle you, but I need to save face.”
“You know what I find really funny?”
He sighed. “I bet you’re about to tell me.”
“You bet I am!” She swept her arm out toward the courtyard. “When it comes to their women, most of these Neanderthals only put their boot down in front of the brotherhood. Behind closed doors, they kiss ass. It’s all fucking smoke and mirrors.”
“Maybe so. That means we just need to play the game.”
“There shouldn’t have to be a game at all!” she hissed.
“I’m not arguing that fact. But the cut wearing thing is a simple fix, Vi. It’s not going to kill you to wear my cut during runs.”
“I don’t even have your cut yet.”
“Right. I plan on talking to Zeke about claiming you once we’re done talking. You good with that?”
“I am, you?”
“I wouldn’t be putting up with this shit if I wasn’t,” he grumbled under his breath. “All I ask is that you don’t make my life more difficult with the brotherhood.”
“I can’t promise you that. I’m not about to rip out my spine to appease these boneheads.”
“It’s a goddamn cut, Vi.” It was much more than that, but the cut situation was a good start.
She closed her eyes and took a few breaths. When she opened them again, she said, “Fine. I’ll wear your cut on the DAMC runs. But that’s the only time.”
