Page 72 of Graveyards & Greed

Axel ran a hand down his face. “You’re a fuckin’ idiot. We started this mess when Eightball and Carver raped one of the employees’kids. We need to cut ties with Whitlock and make peace with the Spades.”

More shouting erupted, and LeBaron stepped forward. “I haven’t seen my son since just after he fucked that little piece.”

“Herapedher, man,” Axel bit out. “Even if she agreed, which we all know she didn’t, it’d still be statutory rape.”

LeBaron ignored Axel and stared at Billy with dead eyes. “He said she was willin’. If the Club doesn’t avenge him, I will.”

Grolier’s eyes narrowed and several men shifted nervously. I could finally see why Grolier was their president. “She was barely fifteen years old, there’s no fuckin’ way she said yes to being gang raped.”

“You callin’ me a liar?” Terrance asked softly.

Grolier didn’t flinch. “I’m callin’ your son a liar. Are you defying me, Terrance? And if we do take on the House of Spades, are you ready to tangle with The Firm as well?”

Terrance stared at Grolier, hate and frustration burning in his eyes. “No. But Iamreminding you that Samuel was your MC brother.” A few men muttered, but others nodded. Lines were being drawn, and I wondered how long before their club imploded from the inside.

“Drakos Creed ain't gonna do shit,” Terrance sneered. “He’s using her. Sylvie Spade is a witch and a harlot. Besides, he spends most of his free time chasing premium grade tail at that fucking club. He’s not gonna give it up for some creepy bitch who plays with dead bodies, no matter how good-looking or tight her ass is.”

My hands clenched, and I struggled not to punch the computer screen. There was something ugly and unsettling about having my life denigrated by that Bible-quoting, psychotic gang member.

“I’m going to kill that fucker one day,” Drakos murmured softly.

Ivan glanced at me and patted my shoulder. “His information about Drakos and The Emporium is old, and you’re not creepy.”

“But I’m a bitch?”

He grinned. “Don't let him get under your skin.”

Drakos wrapped his arm around me from behind. “I have a plan, and you’re going to agree.”

I relaxed into him as we watched the bikers wrap up their meeting. “You already have Milo watching out for me. My family and I will figure out the rest.”

Ivan ended the video, and Drakos turned me around and took my hands. “We’re getting married.”

The words hung in the air between us. Maybe I’d misunderstood.

“Married?” I couldn’t wrap my mind around it. “That’s an interesting joke to play at a time like this.”

He shook his head. “It’s not a joke.”

“You think us getting married is going to deter them?”

“I do. Symbolically, it's a powerful statement and gives you the added protection of The Firm. It worked for Roman and Luna, and LeBaron would have to be suicidal to still come after you.” I was so shocked, I just stared up at him with my mouth open.

“Why… why would you do this?” I finally choked out.

“Because it’s the best way to keep you safe, and it shows them you have our full protection.”

If that was the reason he wanted to marry me, we were doomed. “No way, not like that. It’s ahorribleidea, and what happens after the threat is over?” Memories of my mother's multiple marriages and my father's treatment of her swirled in my mind. The last thing I wanted was for Drakos to feel forced into being with me.

His blue eyes went flat. “This is about your survival. And this way, we can’t be compelled to testify against each other if it comes to that.”

“You want us to get married so we have spousal immunity.” My heart squeezed. Drakos only wanted to marry me so we couldn’t be forced to testify against each other? Ivan let out a sigh and gave Drakos a disappointed glance.

I pulled away and looked down to hide my hurt. Straightening my shoulders, I turned back to him. “I appreciate the offer. But marriage? That's like fighting fire with gasoline. I've seen how marriages end, Drakos, and it's usually not with 'happily ever after.'”

“Roman protected Luna by marrying her and tying her to us. I’m going to do the same for you. Before you say no, think about it.” His face was blank.

Fuck! Tears pricked the backs of my eyes, but I wouldn’t let him see me cry. I nodded, suddenly needing time and distance. Anything to get away from him.

---