Page 72 of Devil's Dilemma

“Not doing any claimin’ as yet,” Pyro growls. “But yeah, we’re taking steps in the right direction.”

Beef moves to stand in front of me. “How you feelin’, sweetheart?”

“Betrayed? Yes,” I reply, trying to find the truthful answer. “Hurt, definitely. It was just too much, finding out like that.”

“I’m sure it was.”

“Ro!” Demon’s by the bar, beckoning him over.

He exchanges a chin lift with Beef, then after a little tug on my hand that gets me moving, takes me over to join his prez.

Demon glances at me, then gives me a nod. I take it that my attempt at pulling myself together hasn’t gone wasted. He tilts his head toward Pyro. “You told her anything?”

“That we’re getting Vegas involved, yes.”

“Yeah. I’ve spoken to Red. He, er, well, once he’d let rip, he was more than happy to try to track that fucker down and to put up whoever we send there.”

“I didn’t doubt he’d help.”

“Help? Had to stop him taking a gun to Skull himself,” Prez growls.

“They’re Satan’s Devils, Mel,” Pyro explains at my surprised gasp. “Disrespect one of us, everyone from whatever chapter feels the insult.”

I start to wonder just exactly how crazy Skull must be to set himself against this group of men. I’ve already seen they love and protect fiercely, and now see the opposite side of the coin is the strength of their hate, together with their need for retribution. Skull won’t escape unscathed.

“Mel wants to go to Vegas,” Pyro explains. He raises an eyebrow at Demon.

“Much as I hate to say it, this could be a wild goose chase. He might already be gone.”

I narrow my eyes. “Now I know he’s alive, I’m not going to give up, Demon. He’s alive, I’ve got proof. I’ll go to the cops if I have to, get the courts involved to get child support.”

Demon stills. “You’ll be inviting him into the life you want to keep him out of. The life I suspect you’ll be living with Ro.”

I smile as sweetly as I can. “Then I hope the Devils will make sure that Skull won’t be able to interfere with Pyro and me. I’m sure you’ll be able to find a permanent solution.”

Demon splutters, Pyro barks a loud laugh. He puts his arm around me and tugs me to him. “Christ woman, you’re fuckin’ perfect, aren’t you?”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Pyro

“Aword, Ro?”

“I’m going on up. I’m exhausted.” Mel puts her hand to her mouth to cover a yawn as she takes the hint Prez wants to talk to me alone.

I nod at her, worried, trying to assess her state of mind. But she seems genuinely tired, and not surprising, given the knocks she’s taken today. “I’ll be there in a moment.”

I motion to Beaver who interprets it correctly, bringing me a beer while I turn to the man who had spoken. “What’s up, Prez?”

“You tapped that?” Demon asks, his eyes following Mel as she makes her way across the room.

“Nah. Heading that way, but not yet, no.”

“Keep it like that.”

As my brow creases, he explains, “A living brother claimed her.”

Beer spits out of my mouth. “I’m sorry? What the fuck did you just say?”

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