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“You’re right,” he laughs. “I ran away, well, more like my pops forced me to run away. But you know what, Willow? Being here is fine, and I still get to be in the thick of things, but it doesn’t make me rest easier. I’m still looking over my shoulder, wondering if every stranger I see is someone sent to kill me. It’s a shitty way to live.”
I turn slowly to face him. His big body leans against the doorframe as if we’re just having a casual conversation. “Would you change things? I mean if you could?”
“I mean, I’m fine with how things played out. What was done had to be done, and I was the only one who could do it. But those actions have consequences, which is why I’m here today. I’d rather be home with my family and my brothers, especially if these past few weeks or months will be my last. Ya know?”
I know what he’s saying, but that’s not the only thing that matters. “You left because it kept everyone, your family, and your brothers safe. So why is it wrong when I do it?”
“No, I left to keep me out of prison. But Jesus, fuck. Wouldn’t you rather be here with Joaquin if you don’t have a lot of time left? In his bed and laughing with your girlfriends?”
“Yes,” I nod. “But I would rather live knowing that everyone I love is alive, too. Even if I have to live alone.” The last thing I want is to be alone, but if it means everyone gets to live, I can live with that.
“Your best chance at living long enough to find out what happens to your friends, and your heart, is to stay here with the Reckless Souls. Don’t sell them short. They’re as smart as they are ruthless.” He pulls out a cigarette and lights it. “You know I can’t let you leave,” he says, smoke curling from his mouth.
It’s not a question, so I don’t bother responding. He could let me go if he wanted, but I don’t want Stone to get in trouble because of me. “Fuck,” I groan and slump against the wall.
Stone laughs again, the sound deep and bellowing, like a man twice his age with a big fat belly and a corn cob pipe. “If you run, Joaquin will come after you, which won’t just put you both at risk. It’ll leave the MC without him and, therefore, more at risk. So basically, you’re fucking up.”
I want to tell myself that he’s just trying to scare me, that he’s full of shit, but I know he’s right. “So, I’m just supposed to sit here and wait to die?”
He laughs and offers me the cigarette. I take a puff, and he continues, “We’re all waitin’ to die, sweetheart.” He nods in the direction of the sanctuary. “Your life, your future is in there. Don’t fuck it up, Willow.”
As much as I appreciate Stone’s pep talk, I walk away with a heavy heart and heavier legs.
“Cheer up,” he whispers. “I’m under strict orders to keep you safe by any means necessary. I chose my charming personality instead of brute force.”
“I am both appreciative and pissed, Stone, so thank you but fuck off.”
His deep laughter sounds behind me as I go to the bar, fully on board with drinking away my sorrows.
At least until tomorrow.
If tomorrow even comes.
Chapter Thirty
Joaquin
Ace looks around the room at all the brothers gathered in the MC’s sanctuary, particularly those with voting power, and smiles. “I have personally nominated Joaquin for the position of Road Captain. He has served us well, and I think, no, I know he will do us proud.”
Dix says, “I second that.”
“All in favor of Joaquin becoming Road Captain, say aye.”
I hold my breath as I wait for each brother to cast their vote. Why the fuck is it so nerve-wracking when I know we need a Road Captain, and I can do the job. But yet here I am, worried out of my fucking mind.
My head is on repeat. What if these guys think I’m a shit-for-brains and can’t do the job? What if they doubt my skills? My loyalty?
“Joaquin? You listening to us, brother?” Dix flashes a wide grin like he has a secret.
I blink and swallow around the lump in my throat. “Yeah, I’m listening,” I lie.What did they say?
“Then you’ve heard the results. Congratulations, brother. You are, officially, our babysitter on the road. Brothers, show some love for our newest Road Captain, Joaquin Gomez!”
I can feel the smile splitting my face, the warmth rushing through my veins at the confidence placed in me by my brothers. “Shit. Thank you all. I promise I won’t let you down.”
“No shit,” Shades replies with a crooked grin. “And by the way, can we get this fucker a road name? Joaquin is a fucking mouthful.”
I smile. “That’s what all the ladies say.”
