Page 11 of Barron

“I stopped by on the way here. The warehouse conversion is almost complete, thanks to Cabo. He and Lobo are supervising the conversion plans and making sure we get everything we want and need. I’d say in another week, we can start taking clients.”

“Outstanding.” He rocked back and forth. “Thanks, man. When you go out, tell the brothers I’ll join them in a minute. I have a couple of calls to make.”

That was a clear dismissal. Pushing off the chair, he walked to the door. “I’ll see you.”

“Yeah.” Blade waved absently. His attention was on two side-by-side documents on top of the table. Evidently, he preferred to remain in the church room.

None of my fucking business, Barron thought as he stepped into the hallway and quietly closed the door. He followed the sound of laughter and voices out to the main room.

His Spawn brethren had gathered around the bar, and everyone was talking at the same time. A great deal of congratulatory back-slapping, beer-drinking, and toasting to the new sergeant-at-arms/enforcer was going on.

Johnny Gun saw him and waved a full bottle of beer. “Beer’s getting warm, man. Join us.”

Barron made his way through the group and grabbed his bottle from Johnny G. “You’re always looking out for me. Thanks, dude.”

Johnny G chuckled. “It’s what brothers do.” He downed a long gulp, and Barron joined him with his. He wanted to go over and congratulate Little Billy, but the guy was surrounded at the moment.

Barron put his bottle down. “Guess I’ll have to wait to congratulate him.” He jutted his chin toward the group. “I’m just glad Blade didn’t put me in a tough position.”

“Meaning?” Johnny Gun asked.

“For a while there, I thought he was going to nominate me to Cutter’s old job.” He shook his head. “Keeping the MC’s rules and the brothers in line ain’t my jam. Too much responsibility. I can’t even keep my own life straight, let alone anyone else’s.”

“You didn’t mind going on Weaver’s assignments,” Johnny Gun said. “That was some heavy shit.”

“Yeah, but once I come back, I dump whatever I learn either on Blade or Weaver, and I’m done, finito, no more.” Finishing the last gulp of the beer, Barron tossed the empty bottle into the open recycling bin.

Wonders never ceased: these days, the Devil’s Spawn recycled. Ever since Blade went legit, the club’s internal attitude and culture had changed dramatically. Too fucking much for him. Barron was neat and clean on the outside. But inside, an obscene, down-and-dirty Daddy Dominant raged. And he loved every bit of who he was. On that note…

“I’m not going to wait for an opening to congratulate Little Billy. I’ll catch him tomorrow and buy him a drink.”

Johnny Gun tilted his head. “Are you going somewhere?”

“Yep. I need to release the beast, and Nightshade is calling my name.”

“Fuck, I can get into that. I’ll go with you.”

“Not the way you’re dressed, you’re not,” Barron argued.

“I’ve got clothes here. Give me ten minutes.”

Barron gave his friend a full up-and-down inspection andshook his head. “Really? I don’t see how. You got five minutes, and then I’m gone.”

“Hold that thought.” Johnny Gun tossed his bottle in the bin and walked away without glancing back.

Barron dropped his elbows on the counter, checking the poorly stocked liquor shelves above the double refrigerated section. The current prospect—he didn’t know the guy’s name—worked nonstop filling orders. Spawn brothers were huge beer drinkers, but on occasion, a gin and tonic, vodka on the rocks, or a scotch neat would be a nice change.

A hard hand fell on his shoulder. “I’m ready.” Johnny Gun spoke from behind him.

He turned and gave a low whistle. Leather pants and a T-shirt, both in perfect black, had replaced his friend’s regular torn jeans and greasy T-shirt. His long hair was combed and pulled into a low ponytail. The steel-toed boots remained, but those had been polished, and they worked with the outfit and the club’s kinky atmosphere.

“Well, I’ve never.” Barron arched an eyebrow. “Son of a bitch, you do clean up well.”

Johnny G grinned. “When I’m in the mood, yes.”

“Let’s go,” Barron said. “Tonight, I need to find me an experienced submissive.”

“I hear you, brother. I’m right there with you.”

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