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Chuckling, Rubble couldn’t help the pang in his chest at the thought of his own old lady being a sassy know-it-all who he’d have to punish in his own special way. If he let down the walls around his heart, he wasn’t sure he’d survive. Rubble exited the clubhouse and lit a cigarette, the frigid breeze taking his mind away from whatever happily ever after he refused to admit he wanted.
Stepping under the awning, he inhaled and let the nicotine calm his nerves. It wasn’t working tonight.
“What the hell are you doin’, boy?”
Glancing over at Reaper, who was walking up from the tattoo parlor, he held up his hand. “Gotta smoke, Prez.”
“In this shit?” He coughed, years of nicotine lingering in his lungs. “Can’t blame ya. Every now and then I get jittery and a good light is all I need.”
Rubble handed him one and the club president inhaled a moment later. “That’s the stuff.” He checked over his shoulder. “Don’t tell Queenie, yeah?”
Rubble flicked ash into the snowdrift. “Tell her what?”
“Good man.”
They stood in the cold another minute before Reaper spoke.
“You gotta be careful with Jupiter. She’s had it rough lately. Don’t think she’s ready for any kind of romance.”
Cocking his brow, Rubble laughed. “I don’t do romance, Prez. You know that.”
“No man does romance until he meets the right woman.”
The door squeaked open behind them as Hawk and Cueball came out for their own smoke break.
“Later, boys,” Reaper called, patting Rubble’s shoulder.
The cold finally catching up to his fingers, Rubble tossed the butt to the snow, hearing the small sizzle before he reentered the clubhouse’s warmth. He ran a hand over his beard then his head. He needed a cold shower and sleep before seeing Jupiter Quinn again.
* * *
The shooting rangeoutside Snowshoe was for Macha club members only. Locals tried to pay their way into the range, but the club wouldn’t allow it. There was just something about the wooded space that was sacred, untouched by the rest of the town. It was the main reason Rubble tromped out there no matter what the weather to clear his mind. Ever since seeing Jupiter’s bruised face, he’d been itching to let off a few rounds into the nearest target.
Loading the black 9mm, Rubble made sure no one had walked into the area before he aimed at the large target downwind. He squeezed the trigger, expiring the entire magazine. Despite his ear protection, he could almost hear the dull thud each bullet made in the hay bale. The range had plenty of different targets to choose from, and he typically started with the larger ones and digressed to the smaller, more difficult ones in order to hone his aim.
He put the safety back on the gun and placed it on the tree stump next to him. Pulling out his safety earplugs, Rubble started walking toward the hay bale. His phone starting ringing just as he arrived in front of it.
“What’s good?”
“I’m bringing Jupiter out to the range in a few.”
Rubble scowled at Dolly’s matter-of-fact tone. “Why? She doesn’t need a gun to work in a bakery.”
“You don’t know that. Don’t leave until we get there.”
He crouched down and examined his marksmanship. “How do you know I’m even there?”
“Cuz one of the nymphs told me, duh. Honestly, Rubble, you should know better than to tell a nymph where you’re going. The girls tell me everything.” Her voice lowered. “Everything.”
Holding in a growl, Rubble stood and stalked toward the gun stand. He needed to shoot a few more things before the nosy madam got there. “I’m leaving in twenty minutes.”
“We’re pulling in now.” Dolly disconnected before he could respond.
Reaching his gun, he didn’t hesitate before adding another magazine and firing. Joshing with Dolly was one thing, but being around Jupiter put him on edge. He wanted to kiss her and shake her at the same time. Neither one seemed fitting for the gun range.Though it would be fun to fuck her behind the—
“Walking on.” Dolly’s voice sounded over the hum of his gun and interrupted his train of thought.
Clicking the safety in place, he placed the gun in its holder and turned to face the two women walking his direction. Both were bundled up thanks to the cold weather. He couldn’t help but notice Jupiter’s slender legs sheathed in black leggings, her feet covered in thick boots. The puffy pale gray coat hit her mid-thigh, hiding her ample breasts and equally squeezable ass.
