Page 14 of Falling for Her Protector

“Meeting. Five minutes. Anyone who’s not here needs to get their ass back,” I growl, tipping my head in their direction.

“I’m pretty sure everyone’s here, Pres.,” Pax offers as he stands and starts moving towards the meeting room.

Using club money requires a vote, plus I want at least two of these guys with me when I ride into the Viper’s den to make the drop. I’m sure the boys will vote yes, but if any one of the fuckers decides to vote no, I’ll have no problem using my own cash. This wasn’t her mess and she shouldn’t be responsible for her dad’s debt. And there is no fucking way I will ever let Grady attempt to collect from her the way he wants to.

I watch the boys file into the room and take their seats, filling the sacred table.

“What’s up?” Mikey questions.

“I just got off the phone with Grady,” I start.

“What the fuck did that prick want?” Pax questions, interrupting me.

“First off, I know you all know the rules, but before I say shit, I need you all to remember that nothing we discuss at the table leaves this fucking room,” I remind them. I glance around the table and they all offer a quick nod of confirmation. “He knows that Vanessa is here. The fucker was holding her up at his compound because her dad owes him money. He was using her as...” my voice cuts out and I slam my fist down against the table as the anger consumes me.

“It’s okay, boss. We get it. How much do you need?” Griz asks, reading my mind.

“Twenty-five hundred and the debt is paid,” I spit out. I watch in awe as every hand around the table raises without me even asking the question.

“Thanks, boys,” I acknowledge their gesture before focusing my gaze on Pax. He’s club treasurer, so that makes him in charge of the money coming in and going out.

“Pax, go pull the cash from the safe and get it ready for me,” I instruct before turning to Griz and Mikey. “I need both of you with me,” I point a finger in their direction and they each nod.

“I’m riding too, Pres.,” Stone offers as he stands from his seat and I give him a nod. I won’t turn down the extra muscle.

* * *

Riding into the Viper’s compound, we’re quickly met with a welcoming party. These assholes are so fucking shady. I just want to get in, deliver the cash to Grady, and get the fuck back out. Rick, one of Grady’s right-hand men, steps up in front of me. He lifts his hand, but I roll right up, my front tire almost touching his boots before I finally stop. He makes a quick slashing motion across his throat, and I cut the engine.

“What the fuck are you doing here, X.?” he questions roughly.

“Grady’s expecting me,” I inform him.

“I’ll get him,” he turns and disappears through a large garage door.

Rick reappears only minutes later with Grady at his side. He’s a few inches shorter than me and not nearly as much muscle. His greasy, chin-length hair hangs in his eyes, and he pushes it to the side, meeting my gaze as he walks towards me. His worn leather cut hugs his torso, mirroring my own, but it’s about the only thing we have in common. A President patch is sewn on his chest and I know his back holds a large red snake stitched into the leather. It makes me sick to think that this crew actually looks up to this guy. And I fucking hate the fact that I’m about to hand this dirty motherfucker a stack of cash that my boys worked hard for. I have to remind myself that it’s for her. If this cash means Vanessa is completely free of this monster, then I have no hesitation.

“Well, I don’t see the girl, so I’m guessing that means you decided to bring me the cash,” Grady’s lips curl into a snake-like smile.

“Twenty-five hundred, as agreed,” I extend my arm, holding out the envelope of cash for him to take. His fingers curl around the white paper and I watch his grin grow as he lifts the flap and peeks inside.

“Nice to see so much green without having to lift a fucking finger. You even delivered it right to me,” he laughs and I force myself to crack a grin, knowing that Grady and all his boys are watching my reaction.

“The girl is clear now. This squares her dad’s debt. If he comes back and racks up more, that shit better not fall back on her,” I lift up in warning. I know we’re on their turf, but I’m not leaving here without making it perfectly clear that Vanessa is completely clear of this shit.

Grady slips the envelope into his cut and brushes his hands together, but the gesture isn’t enough. I want to hear this fucker say the words.

“That’s cute, but I wanna hear you say that shit. She’s done. You and your boys stay clear of her,” I growl.

“X., she’s all yours,” he grins at me and I feel my chest tighten. “I’ll make sure all my boys get the fucking message,” he adds.

“That’s all I needed to hear,” I tip my head in his direction before moving back to my bike, bringing the engine back to life. Business is handled and I’m ready to get the fuck out of this shithole.

* * *

As we roll back through the gates and into the lot at the clubhouse, my eyes catch on Lacey’s car parked at the end of the lot. Stepping inside, I lift my sunglasses, letting my eyes re-adjust.

“Hey Pres., how’d it go?” Pax questions from behind the bar. I narrow my eyes and take in the room, knowing that Vanessa might be here with my sister.

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