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“We let you down, brother,” Ace says quietly. “We should have helped you.”
“You couldn’t,” Preach says. “I wouldn’t have let you. I’ve got demons that chase me, Prez, and those demons have plagued me for years now.”
I nod. “Time to sort those demons out, brother. You’re not who those cunts tell you you are. You’re a Viper, Preach. That’s exactly who you are. Remember that.”
He pulls in a ragged breath. “I know.”
“Good, ‘cause you’re an ass,” I hiss. “Did four years and not a fuckin’ word, brother. You’re my brother, closer than fuckin’ blood, and not a fuckin’ word.”
Ace grins. “That’s fucked up, Preach.”
He holds his hands up. “I know. I’m sorry. I couldn’t bring myself to face you. I truly am sorry.”
I nod. “Apology accepted. Now, I’m out. I’m goin’ to be ensurin’ that you’ve got your shit sorted. I’m not goin’ to let you drown again.”
Preach chuckles. “Wouldn’t expect anythin’ less from you, man. You’re an asshole, but I know you’re just doin’ it to help.”
I smirk. “Or payback,” I quip, and watch his shoulders shake as he starts to laugh. “Now, how about you tell me what the fuck I’ve missed. Why is Pepper actin’ as though she belongs to me?”
Ace and Preacher share a look.
“We believe that they’re jealous,” Ace tells me. “That they want to become an old lady. And they’re tryin’ to do everythin’ they can to achieve that.”
“Fuck,” I snap. “Who’s they?”
“Bubbles and Pepper,” Preach hisses. “We’re not sure which one of them is worse. Both are drivin’ us insane, and I know that a lot of the brothers aren’t going anywhere near them ‘cause of it.”
I grit my teeth. Fuck. “Someone should have told me before I fucked the crazy bitch last night.”
Ace’s lips twitch. “Twice from what I recall.”
I flip him off. “Anythin’ else that I’ve missed?”
They shake their heads. “It’s been quiet, brother. A little too quiet,” Ace sighs.
I laugh. “You miss the action. Why not do somethin’ then? Have you thought more about expandin’? I know before I was sent away, we spoke about opening bars and clubs.”
It’s a great way for us to make more money, and a bar is something we can’t go wrong with. We’re known for our parties and how wild they can be. If we opened a bar, we’d have people flocking to it.
“Not yet. Now that you’re back though, it’s a good thing to get back into the mix. It’s gonna be a lot of work, especially with the auto shop bringin’ in more clients than ever before,” Ace tells me. “When you’re ready to get back to work, let me know. I’ve got a few people who need help rebuildin’ their cars.”
I nod. “I’m good to start next week.” I’ve always loved rebuilding shit. Since as far back as I can remember, I would always pull something apart just to see how to put it back together. Cars are no different. I learned from the age of seven upward about cars and how they work. My uncle—the only family member I liked—taught me everything I know, and now it’s something I love doing.
“Good, then we’ll call church tomorrow and put it to the brothers,” Ace says. “Go,” he tells me. “Get out of here. Enjoy your day before work begins.”
I chuckle as Preach and I leave his office. The reason he kicked us out was for Andromeda, who’s standing outside waiting on him. Prez is about to have himself some fun.
CHAPTER2
ESME
Ihear keys jingling in the door, and my body tightens. I hate this time of day. I'm never able to gauge his moods before he walks in the door. He could be the happiest man in the world, and we'd have an amazing night. When he's in a foul mood, it can become one of the worst times of my life.
Four years ago, I was on cloud nine. I was beyond happy. I finally thought I had found my happily ever after. But now, it's become something I dread. The thought of marrying my fiancé turns my stomach and makes me feel claustrophobic. I'm scared for what the future will bring.
The door slams shut, and I release a soft sigh. He's pissed. This is something that happens more often than not.
"Hey," I greet softly, knowing that if I don't, he'll lose his mind and start an argument. "Dinner is about to be served. Would you like to get changed before I serve up?"
