Page 55 of Demon's Angel

“Does it end with one man, Brother?” Red asks, his eyes lighting briefly on Titsy who’s on her knees in front of Twister, his enforcer. From what I remember of the Vegas prez, he’ll be itching to go and join in. I hide my grin as he holds up a finger to Twister. An unspoken message passes between them.

I answer his question, “That’s the only one we have issues with. Lucio is old-school, reasonable.”

“He has just one son?”

“Yeah, now. Lost his other son years back.”

Red raises his chin and continues, “So who does he groom to take over when Angel’s taken out?”

With a shrug I respond, “Way I understand it, it’s not his decision. Sure, his son’s the underboss, but that’s just the way it happened. It’s not a succession.”

Wraith’s head is tilted to one side. “Your woman Italian?”

“No,” I say, shortly.

“Lucio must be pleased his son’s risen high. Presumably on his own merits. Angel got a kid to do likewise?”

“Married, no kids.” I have a feeling I know where the Tucson VP is heading.

“Hmm,” Wraith pauses. “But your woman’s kid. He isn’t pure Italian.”

“He’s not,” I confirm. My eyes meet Wraith’s gaze, then that of each of the men at the table. I don’t need to spell it out. The worry that’s been in my head. The question I’m constantly asking.What the fuck does Angel want with Theo?

“You got plans, Demon?”

“Yeah, Drum. Need to get eyes off us first. Get him to drop his play for the kid. Then, when we apparently have no reason, kill him.”

“He raped your old lady, Demon.”

Returning Drummer’s stare with one of my own which, while not as well-practiced, is just as deadly, I say coldly, “I assure you, of that I’m only too well aware.” I tap the table in front of me. Dan runs over with a fresh beer, eyes up the state of the other bottles, assessing, then quickly returns to the bar and comes back with another half-dozen bottles. I wait until he’s left once more, then inform them, “Angel’s word is that it wasn’t rape. That she made up a story to cover her guilt for giving in to her urges.”

“You’re not buying that?”

“Of course not,” I snarl at Crash. “But I let him think that I am. We have meets set up to deal with our drug problem. I want him to think business is the number one priority and my focus. Make him believe I don’t care what happened prior. I ended up with the girl and mykid.”

“What’s happening about the DNA test? You lawyered-up yet?”

“Alex is sorting out a good family lawyer, one who knows his shit better than the crap guy who lost the rape case and access hearings for her. Soon as the wedding’s behind us, we’ll see where we stand legally.” Alex is the VP from San Diego, Dart’s old lady, and the club lawyer. She’s specialised in the criminal side but has good contacts in family law. I’ve no doubt she’ll find us a good local person to deal with.

We thrash ideas backward and forward but apart from assurances of support, which are welcomed, we come up with no other plans. Eventually, with a wink, I remind them it’s my wedding day tomorrow, and that I need to get a good night’s sleep. But they know where I stand, that I’m doing a favour for my dead friend’s sister, so there’s none of the usual leering and leg pulling. Drummer and Wraith gather the Tucson boys and leave for the motel around the same time.

As I make my way to the stairs, pushing through a party that’s getting rowdier, Thunder stops me. “Girls are working well tonight.” I follow his stare. The Tucson lot all have old ladies; I’d even heard someone mentioning Beef had found a woman, but don’t know whether to believe it. Apart from them, the other visitors are single. All the sweet butts seem to be enjoying riding different cocks tonight and seem to have no worries that the lack of accommodation means they’re performing their roles out in the open. I nod, glad that the men who’ve ridden here to support me are getting the best of our hospitality. And I was right; Red has wasted no time joining in with Twister and Titsy.

“Don’t forget Snatcher has your room tonight.”

My chin rises and falls and I take a step forward, then, just as fast, a step back.What the fuck?“What did you say, Thunder?”

“I told you earlier, apart from the prezes, we’re all doubling up. God help me, but I’m in with Mace and he snores like a fuckin’ bear.”

“Where am I fuckin’ sleepin’? I’m the fuckin’Prez.” I had expected to go to my own bed.

“Planned on you sleepin’ in Hell’s room.”

“Violet’s in there,” I hiss.

“So? You say she’s just like a sister. Thought you wouldn’t care.”

I shouldn’t, but I can’t trust my cock around her. Can’t tell him that, though. “I’ll sleep in my office.”

---