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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Dix
I walk into Church, the atmosphere tense and heavy. The dimly lit space is packed with my brothers, all sitting around the long table that’s seen countless meetings like this one.
Banger’s eyes light up as he spots the snacks on the table. “Who brought snacks?” he asks, grinning.
“Letty couldn’t sleep last night,” Shades replies, groaning as he drops into his designated chair, rubbing his face with both hands. “Something's up with her, but she says she’s fine.”
“Late-night baking is rarely a good sign,” Preacher chimes in, his tone hinting at the authority he carries. “Either she’s pissed off or pregnant.”
Wild Man grins and leans back in his chair. “Yeah? Well, which one is Gia?”
“Both,” he growls, but there’s no hiding the smile that spreads across his face.
Coop yawns. “That sums up being a parent. Pissed off because you’re tired and smiling like a fool because your kid is the best.” He shakes his head and reaches for a large square of brownies.
I snatch a brownie for myself and take my seat, waiting for Ace to arrive so we can start the meeting. “Damn, those are good. Tell Letty thanks, brother.”
Shades nods, his brows etched with worry.
Ace finally arrives, and the tone in the room shifts instantly. He looks angry or worried. I have no idea if something is going on with him and Kenna or if this is MC related.
“All right, close the door,” he grunts and looks around the room. “Everyone here?”
“Yeah,” Shades assures him. “Prospects are filling in where they’re needed while we’re all here.”
Ace nods, his expression still gruff as he calls the meeting to order.
“New business?”
For the next five minutes, we update each other on all the shit that’s been happening with our businesses and other interests. Business is booming, and our pockets are getting fatter. Without the Iron Kings around to cause trouble, the money and drugs keep flowing.
“That’s good to hear.” Ace nods, and his expression finally shifts to one that looks like pride. “Now that’s out of the way, we have a bigger problem.” He turns to me with a scowl. “Where the fuck you been lately?”
I blow out a sigh, knowing this conversation has been a long time coming. I know my brothers are concerned about me dipping off in the middle of the day when they’re so used to having me around, but that’s my business.
“I’ve been doing shit. Shit not related to the MC.”
That’s all I’m willing to offer about the subject. I know it’s not good enough. I dig my feet into the floor, surreptitiously bracing myself for their anger and frustration.
Banger speaks up. “Valentina is that chick you fucked in Costa Rica, isn't she?” He’s the one I thought would understand and have my back,
I spit out, “Mind your fucking business, kid.”
Banger’s eyes narrow in suspicion. “That who you’ve been spending your time with?”
I bristle at his question, but I don’t answer because I don’t fucking answer to a kid who’s worn the patch for less than a year. “I said, mind your fucking business, kid.”
To his credit, Banger doesn’t shrivel at my tone or my suggestion. He folds his arms and glares at me. “It is my goddamn business if you’re fucking the enemy. It’s all of our goddamn business!”
The enemy. My blood boils when I hear Banger call Valentina the enemy. I stand and shove him, getting right up in his face. “You callin’ me a traitor, Banger?”
Without flinching, he spits out, “No man, of course not. Fuck.” He takes a step back. “I just want you to be sure you ain’t being played by a gorgeous piece of ass.”
I bark out a laugh and shake my head. “That’s not what’s happening. Trust me.”
Ace's voice stops us. “Then tell us what is happening.” He’s deadly serious and concerned. "Just tell us the truth."
I grit my teeth and look away from Ace, my oldest friend, and my leader. Despite all that I’ve done for them, they question my loyalty. “Fine, you all want to know the truth so fucking bad? Yes, I’m seeing Valentina.”
I lie straight to their faces. “I'm pumping her for information, making sure that LTC doesn't double-cross us.”
Shades snorts, and it infuriates me further. I step up to him and demand, “Say that shit to my face, fucker.” We bump chests like two wild animals trying to prove our dominance.
Preacher quickly moves between us and keeps us civil. His voice is stern as he scolds us both. “Don’t be assholes, either of you.” He pushes Shades and then me, daring either of us to fight back.
“Jesus!” Coop roars. “Sit the fuck down. What the actual fuck are you guys thinking?” He takes a bite of brownie. “Dix, man, have you gotten any useful intel from her, at least?”
Shit. That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? I think hard, through all of our naked, after-sex conversations, to produce any intel she’d given me that my brothers would find useful without coming back to bite her. I wrack my brain and come up empty.
