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The other man chuckled as he held his hands up, like it was all one big joke. It didn’t feel like Atlas was kidding, but I didn’t know him. I held on to the belief that there was no need for deception from Atlas at this point. He had me where he wanted me, so I had no choice but to believe in him. Otherwise, what was the point of worrying? I was dead already.
“Just think we need to talk before we leave you to your own devices. I mean, even you’ll admit havin’ her show up on a closed road when we were meeting and discussing sensitive material is suspicious.” The man’s features hardened. “Makes me wonder if the two a’ you’s in cahoots. Tryin’ to fuck with us.”
The night got quiet. Every man in the area held their ground like they didn’t dare to move. I saw several of them glance at each other, but no one moved or spoke.
“I suppose if you believe I ain’t on the up and up, you should take your shot now.” Atlas didn’t move his weapon. “Still don’t change the fact I’m gettin’ you first.”
Again, Dutch chuckled. “Come inside. We’ll stash the bitch, and you and I can chat. You knew it would happen.”
Atlas gripped my knee gently, a warning to stay silent. Which I knew meant he was going to give in to Dutch. I whimpered but quickly buried my face in his wide back. He rubbed my knee slowly up and down in a soothing manner. This was going to be a serious test of my trust. Or my intelligence. Because I wasn’t altogether certain I’d done the intelligent thing so far.
Without looking back at me, Atlas held out his hand. I took it as my cue to get off the bike. One hand on his shoulder, one in his hand, I swung my leg over, careful of the pipes. Atlas didn’t let go of my hand as he dismounted. He also kept his gun in his right hand, even though he’d lowered it.
He followed Dutch inside, keeping a firm grip on my hand. There were several men inside along with three women who were either completely or mostly naked. The men called out a greeting to the group entering the room. Dutch ignored everyone, moving through the room at a brisk clip. Atlas kept up with him easily, but their long strides caused me to have to jog to keep up. Catcalls broke out around the room.
“We all gettin’ a piece of that. Right?”
“Nice little innocent. You’re ’bout to have your world rocked, little girl.”
Catcalls followed me as I was practically dragged across the room, but I had my instructions. Not one word. And, really. That was sound advice as well as an order. The only thing speaking would do for me was piss off the wrong people or make them even more determined to have some fun with me. For the first time since I’d left home in Rockwell, Illinois, I understood why my mother and adopted father hadn’t wanted me on my own. Alexi was used to this world. He lived in it when he interacted with the various MC’s he supplied with smart weapons. Giovanni made the weapons using the tech created by Argent Tech, an international juggernaut. They didn’t make the weapons, but the tech that went into them. Anything the Shadow Demons supplied to the motorcycle clubs/paramilitary organizations in their circle was created by Giovanni. I was also deeply regretting getting rid of the expensive phone Dad had given me in favor of a cheap version that was functional but free of Giovanni’s meddling.
“The boys’ll look after your new toy, Atlas.” Dutch grinned as he unlocked the door to what looked like an office.
“You know that’s not happenin’. She stays with me.”
“No can do. And if you’ve already made her privy to our secrets…”
“I don’t work that way, Dutch. She doesn’t know anything about our business, and I’ll keep it that way. But I’m not leaving my woman in the tender care of the club men.”
Dutch raised his eyebrows. “Your woman? You didn’t mention anything about having a woman.”
“Not your business.”
“It is when she compromises a secret meet.” Dutch looked from Atlas back to me. I did my best to follow Atlas’s command and keep my eyes down, but it was hard. If the other man came for me, I wanted to have time to react. The last thing I wanted was for him to get his hands on me. I had a feeling I wouldn’t survive it.
“She didn’t know there was a meet… until you told her. Nice job, prez.”
Dutch lunged for Atlas, swinging a punch. Atlas didn’t even flinch, catching the man’s meaty fist in his hand with an audible slap. I flinched, but kept my gaze on the floor, hoping not to catch Dutch’s attention after his show of temper.
