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“How’s Teagan? Is our story still holding up?”
Ari carefully climbed off my lap and walked to the door. She flipped the locks in place before she returned.
“Yeah. She doesn’t suspect anything especially since we talk every day. It’s the most normal thing I can do with her, ya know? If I had cut off communication, she would call Theo and our cover would get blown.”
“I agree. Plus, I never told Gunner you and Teagan were in touch, so I would keep that between us.”
“I figured. Not to mention, he’s dictating everything we do. I’ll be damned if I can’t talk to my bestie. It keeps me sane while we’re hiding.”
“Me too. I’ve messaged Anderson and Quinn a few times. Guys don’t chat as much, so it’s not suspicious to message them every few days.”
Ari propped her feet on the coffee table. “Jag, how is this going to play out? I know you and Gunner are close, and I’m guessing you two have discussed the strategy at length.”
I massaged the back of my neck, where a nagging pain began throbbing. “You and I will let the MC deal with Psycho and Crimson. The guys will close in and take them out the second they step onto the property. It will be quick and over with.”
Ari stared at me, burning a hole in my head. “Let me get this straight. We’re just hanging out here? I feel I should be doing something for fuck’s sake. Sitting here is driving me insane.”
“No. I would much rather you stay safe right here next to me. Let them handle it. Our hands will be clean if it goes down the way we hope.”
“Other than we’re an accessory to murder, but lately that’s not a big deal.” A faint smile curved her lips. “You’re rubbing off on me. I was shocked about Peter, but relieved. Now, I’m like, let’s take Psycho and Crimson the fuck out.” She slapped her palms over her face and groaned.
“If I hadn’t dealt with Peter, he would have come after you again. The more those asshole men are pissed off, the more they take it out on the girl. Couldn’t have that. Eventually, he would have broken you and maybe killed you.”
She gulped. “I know. And I’m grateful to you for taking care of him. I really am.”
“As for Psycho and Crimson, they’re not human. They’re fucking evil walking this earth hurting innocent people. We take care of them, and when we do, we save a ton of lives in the process.”
Ari turned toward me and tucked her leg beneath her. She propped her elbow on the back of the couch, her blue eyes locking on mine. “I know. It’s why I’m on board.” She paused and reached for my hand. Averting her gaze, she worried her bottom lip with her teeth. “What if we could speed up the plan?”
A bark of laughter tore from my lips. “Are you saying what I think you are?”
She gave me a shrug. “Since your shoulder is healing, I’ll volunteer as bait. We know Psycho is headed to Montana, right?”
I frowned. “How long were you listening to my conversation with Gunner?”
Ari twisted her mouth. “Most of it. In my defense, if you two wanted to speak in private, then you shouldn’t have had an important conversation in the middle of the living room. Just sayin’.”
“You’re not going to be bait, Ari. Forget it.”
A crease dented the smooth skin between her blonde eyebrows. “It’s not your decision,” she snapped.
I shot off the couch and stood, hovering over her. “You’re cute when you’re feisty, but I said no. You are not going to offer yourself up as a goddamn target to crazy fuckers. End. Of. Discussion. I will tie you naked to the bed for a week if you test me.”
Her face glowed as she pinned me with a hot glare. I knew she was about to go behind my back, so I would have to take extra precautions and not let her out of my sight. Even if I objected, Gunner might go for her idea. That shit couldn’t happen.
Ariana only spoke to me the rest of the day if she had to. I wouldn’t admit it, but I enjoyed dancing on her nerves. Everywhere she went in the house, I was right behind her. When she tried to shut me out of the bathroom, I shoulder-checked the door and pushed my way in. She yelled at me that she couldn’t pee in front of someone, so I turned my back to her and stood next to the window she could have climbed out of. Gunner had been in and out all afternoon, and we could smell the grill starting up. It would be easy for her to crawl out, find him, and pitch her plan. Not going to happen. My work was cut out for me during dinner and card games, though. Even then, I refused to let her outsmart me. I knew exactly how to handle her.
* * *
Ariana rubbed her stomach and grinned at the guys. “I ate too much, but it was so good. Thank you for cooking, Tiny.”
Tiny beamed at her, stood, and bowed. “You’re welcome.”
Laughter erupted, and I relaxed for the first time since Ari had come up with her stupid idea. Maybe it was the food or the beers I’d had. I made sure to pace myself with the alcohol but continued to pour Ari’s drinks. Once she was drunk, I could tuck her into bed and cuff one wrist to the bedframe. From how she slurred her words, I was close to achieving my goal. When she passed out, I would talk to Gunner and make sure he didn’t agree to her putting herself up as bait.
Three poker games later, Ari’s eyes were glassed over. Guilt elbowed me in the side but I ignored it. I intended to keep her safe and would do anything to make that happen.
“It’s only eleven, but I’m so ready to go to sleep.” She yawned then glanced at me. “I’m drunk.” Her giggle made me laugh.
