Page 27 of Jake's Angel

“Not personally, no.” Gabe says.

“But Pop is still worried about Sadie’s safety. Why?” Something in my gut tells me there’s more.

“Russell’s granddaughter and Sadie went to high school together. They were pretty close and have been seen hanging out together from time to time.” Gabe pauses, his eyes shifting to where Caleb sits with his elbows on his knees and his hands folded together in front of his mouth. “Marco Cusenza has made a threat toward Russell’s granddaughter.”

“And you think he might use Sadie to get to the girl?” Hawk’s head pops up from his computer screen, giving Pres his full attention as he awaits his answer.

“It’s possible. Not likely, but we still need to be careful. Diligent in keeping her safe. Everything is precautionary at this point on our end.”

“Who was the arresting officer?” Declan switches the subject. Probably a good thing, since the vein on Hawk’s forehead looks ready to burst.

“Captain James Swanson.” Hawk replies. His forehead crinkles as he taps his keyboard furiously. “He’s been the arresting officerevery time.”

“Maybe he’s looking to get promoted and this Cusenza guy is his big fish to help him get it,” Jameson suggests. “It would make sense for him to go after the head of an organized crimefamily. His popularity points would skyrocket if he could land the bastard in jail.”

Heads nod in agreement around the room.

“So, what help does Mack need from the club exactly?” Ethan rolls his neck. The cracking sound it makes when he quickly turns back to Pres sounds painful.

“For now, he wants Hawk to keep digging. Pass along anything you find on this guy. As for the rest of us, we need to keep an eye on Mack’s family. He wants all the women protected, which means Jake, you’ll need to step up and get them all in line with the club and keeping tabs on them.”

“Because Sadie doesn’t already have issues with Hawk’s stalking ass.” I chuckle, but inside I’m seething. Gabe telling me I need to step up leaves a nasty taste in my mouth. I’ve been the man of the house, watching over my mom and the girls since Pop took the special assignment for West Enterprises sixteen years ago. I’ve never let my family down, and I won’t now.

“Just get her to agree to accept it for the short term. Once we know everyone is safe, and Mack comes home for good, she’ll be free to do whatever she pleases.” Gabe snickers. “Well, whatever Mack decides is within reason. But then she’ll be his problem again. Fair enough?”

I nod, and Gabe slams the gavel, putting an end to church.

CHAPTER NINE

AVERY

“Okay, first things first!”Jayde spins on her heels, clapping her hands. “There’s a vintage shop over there and Sadie tells me you love Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page. Am I right?” I nod enthusiastically. “Well, then, shall we?”

“Oh, wow.” I gasp. This is the most spectacular boutique I’ve ever seen.

Her smile widens as she smacks my ass.

“Let’s do this.” Sadie rubs her hands together, and I’m not sure if I should be excited or frightened by the gleam in her eye but decide to just go with it.

We spend the next four hours picking out outfits and trying on clothes. We must’ve gone into fifteen different stores trying on clothes, examining ourselves in the mirrors, and being chased down by salespeople who didn’t want to lose out on their commission. Skyler tapped out an hour ago and had Ethan come pick her up. She was looking a little under the weather, but I didn’t mention it since she seems to not want anyone to know about her condition yet. I wish I had someone to pick me up andtake me away, but Sadie’s my ride and she seems to think this is a shopping marathon. She just keeps going, from store to store.

“My feet hurt. My stomach is rumbling. Our late night and lack of sleep has finally caught up with me. I’m exhausted,” I whine.

“Okay, last stop and then we’ll get you home,” Jayde tells me as she drags me by my arm into Night and Day, a cute little dress shop.

“You’ll need a few dresses when we go out for Bella Noche and the parties at the clubhouse. You’re coming to Sadie’s graduation party this weekend, aren’t you?”

“No. I don’t think that’s a good idea. Not yet anyway.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. You’ll still need something to wear out to the local nightclub. Sadie and I go whenever we can. It’s eighteen and over. You can’t drink, but the DJ is good and the guys who pass through on the weekends are nice to look at.” She winks.

I’m so tired, I don’t care to look at another dress. I just want to take a shower and pass out in a soft bed. Jayde grabs piece after piece off the racks for me to try on. I groan in exasperation, but she doesn’t care. She laughs at my expense and shoves me toward the dressing rooms.

I try on every dress and skirt she throws my way, passing them back and forth through the dark curtain. I choose two and am about to come out with them when Jayde throws a short, black leather dress at me. She takes the two from my hands and, without further explanation, shoves me back into the dressing room stall with the little black number.

“Try it on, and I want to see it.” She orders.

It’s got spaghetti straps and fits tight across the chest with a slight v in the cleavage. It’s form fitting to the waist, then it free flows out, stopping at just above the knee.

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