Page 71 of Beast

“What did you say to me?”

“No one will trust your shit anymore.”

I lift him up by the collar. “What are you telling me?”

“That your reputation in this town is as fucked as the shit we’re dealing.”

Rage ignites in every cell of my body.

“The Psychos are using our label to ruin our drug trade?” I roar at him.

But the drugs are already taking hold of Jonesy. His eyes glaze over, and he goes limp in my arms, and it won’t be until morning when he wakes up.

If he wakes up at all.

After I leave Gambit,Bear, and Axe to continue their patrol, I ride back to the clubhouse.

Belle and the others will be home soon but I don’t go to our room to wait for her like I want to. Instead I visit the forbidden room in the west tower and close the door behind me.

My heart wants to be with Belle. To go to her when she gets home and tell her everything.

And I meaneverything.

Why she’s here.

Who she is.

And why I’m going to marry her.

But my head says to keep focused.

Especially now that the Psychos are using our logo on bad dope to ruin our phantasia trade. The impact will be huge on the club, and I need to figure out a way to stop itfast.

Yet every cell in my body wants to find Belle and to kiss her stupid until we both give into our urges, and I can spend the night making her come.

Fuck, I need to feel her beneath me right now, more than ever.

But I can’t.

Focus, goddammit.

Feeling frustrated, I bring a bottle of whisky to my lips, wanting her so bad it obsesses me.

But as I look at all the photos that line the wall, I’m reminded there is no point in starting something. Because we won’t get a fairytale ending. No matter how much I want it.

CHAPTER 26

BELLE

I stayat the barbecue until late, then help the old ladies and club girls clean up before driving back to the clubhouse with Mya and Isla.

They’re still buzzing about the engagement.

“That was quite the surprise,” Isla says as she drives.

Sitting beside her, Mya squeals with excitement. “There is so much to plan. Oh, I love weddings.” She claps her hands with excitement. “You’re going to make a beautiful bride, Belle.”

Her enthusiasm is infectious and I find myself smiling.

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