Page 114 of Bronco

“Ryder’s comin’, and Pipes,” I say.

“Jett would come too, but Summer is workin’ night shift, so he’s waitin’ around the hospital until she finishes.”

“Thinkin’ four of us will be enough.”

“Hey.” We both turn to find Stella leaning against the doorway. “Heard you’re getting out of here. Any chance I can come with you?”

Silence ensues for a few seconds before me and Rock both burst out laughing.

Stella immediately bristles. “What’s so funny, asshats?”

“You think your old man is gonna let you outta here when we’re on lockdown to go to Baton Rouge?” I balk.

“Wait, you’re going to Baton Rouge? What for?”

Great, me and my big mouth.

“Nothin’,” Rock says. “Mind your business.”

She flips Rock the bird. “I meant to go get some clothes. Dad literally threw me and Kai in the car and I was barely able to get anything. It takes work to look like this.”

“Don’t need to look good for anyone around here,” Rock mutters.

“Twenty goin’ on forty-five,” I agree.

“Why does everyone around here treat me like a little kid?” she whines. “I’m almost legal enough to be in a bar, and a grown adult.”

I smirk. “Tell that to your pops. He’s the one who’ll hunt any one of us down if we let you come with us.”

She ignores that completely. “So tell me about Baton Rouge. What’s taking you all the way up there?”

Rock glances at me. “You started this, brother.”

“Hey, I’ve got ears.” Stella waves her hands. “Stop bein’ asswipes and tell me, I’ll find out anyway.”

“Don’t you have somethin’ else to be doin’?” I thumb over my shoulder. “Pretty sure Manny’s lookin’ for someone to help dish up the grub.”

She places her hands on her hips. “So right away you try to put my ass in the kitchen?”

“He’s one of your best friends.” I shrug. “Don’t go gettin’ all worked up over it.”

“Can see where she gets her temper from.” Rock smirks.

She shoots daggers his way. “Fine, don’t go gettin’ your panties in a knot when I tell you what Cale Callaghan told me.” She turns to leave, clearly knowing she’s got our attention.

Cale Callaghan is one of the detectives always breathing down our necks. The very second he can pin something on this MC, he’s here like a dog with a bone.

I frown. “Since when have you been talkin’ to Callaghan?”

She shrugs. “He comes by the bakery.” I notice the little smile on her lips.

“He’s bad news,” Rock reminds her before I can. “Don’t go tellin’ him shit about nothin’ to do with this club, Stell, you hear me?”

She sighs loudly. “As if I would. Not dumb, Rock. I know my place around here. At least Indigo treats me with respect, unlike all of you.”

“Since when has anyone not treated you with respect?” I’m intrigued now.

“Tag’s always telling me off when I try to help. Dad treats me like I’m a teenager with pigtails, and he’s always getting Kai to spy on me, even though Kai is younger than me.”

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