Page 11 of Stone

Smoke quickly ran through everything. Our favor to Cannon, the president of the YOMC Florida chapter, was in play. Johnny Bravo, otherwise known as JB, was set up in the private quarters at Velvet Reds, and so far, other than the two club members that act as security there, Smoke and Scarlett, who manages the place, no one else knows that he’s here. Even the girls working at Velvets have no clue about their guest. If kept under wraps, there’s less chance of Scarlett or the girls getting caught up in any crossfire.

“So, what’s the update on the situation back in Florida?” I ask.

“Cannon, and his brother Mammoth are on it. They have a contact that’s pretty good at finding dirt on those who hide behind their position of power. It’s only a matter of time until they find something and then threaten to release it to the tabloids and their peers,” he smirks. “You know what these assholes are like, they think they’re untouchable.”

“Well, I hope that it’s sooner rather than later,” I nod, agreeing with everything he says. Politicians, cops, the majority are dirty, willing to flaunt the laws and decency if it means they can get further up the pecking order, or extra dollars in the offshore bank account. “The last thing we need is their crap on our doorstep.”

“Cannon assures me that they’ll have everything under control soon, and they’re keeping a close eye on what the Chief and his minions are up to. So far, they’ve been clueless as to where JB has vanished to.”

“Good, let’s hope it stays that way.” We’re not far from home, and Sasha is still fast asleep. “Any news on the Irish? Has Jimmy surfaced yet?”

“Not a word.” Smoke is one cool dude. Don’t get me wrong, he has the temper of the devil and will wield a fist of iron if needed. But with the way he shuffles in his seat, his hands gripping the steering wheel like it’s fighting against him, tells me that waiting for the Irish to make their move, and they will eventually, has him scared. “They’ve gone underground, chances are they’ve shipped back to Ireland to lick their wounds and regroup.”

“Well, we did hit them hard, took out half of their flock.” The fight with the Irish was brutal, and we had been lucky to come away relatively unscathed. “They’re probably recruiting as we speak.”

I glance down at Sasha; fear creeps up from my very soul, my brow creasing as I look at her, so innocent, so young. Bringing her into this life could be the biggest mistake I’ll ever make. The risks, the danger, what the hell am I doing?

“You can wipe that thought right out of your head,” Smoke hisses, instantly picking up on my change of demeanor. “What would you rather do, let her get swallowed up in the system? Fuck knows where that would have taken her. You know how that shit can go.”

“She could have been one of the lucky ones,” I sigh heavily. “What if I’ve taken away the only chance that she has of having the perfect life with a happy family?”

“What if… Stone, it would eat away your very soul from the inside out not knowing where she is, if she’s safe and not being able to watch her grow. At least this way you’ll be able to make sure that she does have a family, MC family might not be what some consider the best, but fuck them. We take care of our own even if our lives depend on it.”

“It’s so fucking unfair,” I groan out. “She’s lost her parents, Smoke.”

“I know,” he replies softly on a sigh. “But she’ll never be on her own. She has you. She has me. She has the whole goddamn club here to protect her, and you have my word that you’ll have all the support you need to ensure that she’s safe and wants for nothing.”

“You’re right.” I straighten up in my seat, seeing the high gates that secure our land up ahead. “She is my family and so are the YOMC.”

ChapterNine

Stone

When we get to the gates, Smoke punches in the six-digit code on the electronic keypad that releases the twelve-foot, solid iron gates rather than waiting for the Prospect that’s on duty. Once open, he steers the vehicle inside, then waits until they are securely closed before continuing to drive the rest of the way up towards the clubhouse. Instead of stopping, he follows the uneven track that runs past it, taking us directly to the cabin.

With the trucks movement over the bumpy road, Sasha stirs, her sweet little face tilting up to me, her sleepy eyes glancing around, taking in her surroundings. Her hand still fists my T-shirt, she pushes herself up to take a better look when the building comes into view.

Damn, it’s unrecognizable.

What was previously a dwelling that looked like it was beyond rescue now would be the house of the month on any real-estate website. The exterior was clad in dark wood, the roof a mix of slate gray and green. Three wide steps lead up to the two-storey building with a large deck at the front. Two large windows sit at either side of an equally impressive solid wood door. The land immediately around the property had been cleared, levelled and covered with fine gravel.

“Quite a transformation, yeah?” Smoke says proudly as he pulls the truck to a stop.

“Sure is,” I gasp out. If the inside is anything like the outside, this is going to be perfect.

“Look,” Sasha squeals, her tiny finger pressed against the window at the thick, dense trees arching around the back of the house.

“Hey, baby girl,” I kiss the top of her head. “You, okay?”

“Out?” she wiggles in my lap when she sees that Smoke has already opened his door and is stepping out. While I unbuckle my belt, Smoke walks around and opens the passenger door. Sasha is bursting to get out, so I hand her over to Smoke, giving me the space to get out myself.

As soon as her feet hit the ground, she’s off towards the steps. Leaning forward, she drops her hands to the first step and makes to go up on all fours, the quicker option. I quickly step over to where she is, and with my arm around her tummy, I scoop her up and place her back down on the deck at the front door.

Smoke comes to my side, his hand holding out a key between his thumb and forefinger. Another key hangs down from the ring it’s on, along with a Harley Davidson leather fob. “The locks front and back are top notch but for extra security I’ve added cameras at strategic points and a security alarm. The code is one-two-three-four.”

“Very inventive,” I snigger as I place the key into the lock and turn it.

“I’ll show you how to change it. It’s up to you who you give it to, but I better be one of the few,” he shoulder nudges me.

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