“You think that’s the truth?”

I wanted to believe it, I really did. But if my dad was coming, then he would find Hugh no matter what.

“I Just wanted a chance with you, Hugh. I was going to give the bike back when it was safe.”

“Brandi, I don’t care about the bike. I have plenty. And I can get plenty. I told you, you’re mine and you’re all I care about. It was dumb to think you could stand up to this man on your own, but you’re not alone anymore. I’m here. Besides, I don’t think your dad will be coming so soon, no matter what he says. If he was drunk, then he needed time to sleep.”

“Right,” I muttered, because he was. My dad, regardless of his texts, wasn’t around the corner.

I tried to breathe a little easier, but the rumble of a bike told me that all of that was just hopeful thinking because he was pulling up and I was out of time.

Chapter 9

Son of a bitch!

Chapter 10

***** Demon *****

I turned as the bike pulled up the path, surprised to see just one. Josh Demetrie did not do anything solo. So, either the men were in town, or he did come alone to collect his daughter.

Either way, it was stupid on his part.

“Venom,” I told him, causing him to lift a brow as he hit his kickstand and then sat on his bike. His eyes shifted from me to his daughter, who was still by my side, her arm around my waist.

“Should I be surprised?” he questioned.

His tone should stop me. Hell, if it was anyone else, they’d probably back away from him. Josh never spoke in an even tone. It was a death toll if he did.

“I don’t know, Venom, why don’t you tell me?”

He crossed his arms over his broad chest and lifted a shoulder in response.

“The other guys thought you were dead.”

“But you never did?”

“Why would I? I might have left you for dead, but I knew you’d find a way. I knew you were also up in these parts. My daughter thinks she’s sly, but she’s really not.” He finally climbed off the back and made his way over to us. I pushed her behind me and that caused him to stop.

“You don’t need to be here, Josh,” I told him. I didn’t need to respect him anymore. I didn’t have to use his name if I didn’t want to.

“It’s like that, is it? Think you’re a badass now, stepping up to me. She’s my little girl Hugh; you can’t keep her away. If nothing else, she’s club property.”

“Don’t fucking go there. She is not and you damn well know it. Don’t treat her like that, man.”

“Oh, you think you got special dibs on her or something?”

“Dad, will you just drop it, already?” Brandi muttered, stepping once more to my side. “Don’t try to pretend that you actually care about me or what goes on with me.”

I watched as his eyes flashed and then held her tighter. Something about the way she pushed that boundary made me wonder how far she could go before he came after her. Granted, it was a step I wasn’t going to let happen.

“Vixen, I’ve had enough of your sass. Your bike is down, then I suggest you get on mine and I will take you back to your mom. But you will not be staying here with Demon. Do I make myself clear?”

“Perfectly.” He gave me a smug look, which was wiped off with her next words. “But that doesn’t mean I have to do it. I’m a grown ass woman, Dad, who doesn’t need your permission to do anything. I never did, actually.”

“Vixen!” he shouted, his face starting to turn red from his anger. “Don’t you dare fucking disrespect me like that. Who do you think you are?”

“I’m your daughter, not your pawn! You don’t own me like you do the men so don’t try to pretend you do. And when I needed you around, you weren’t there. So don’t try to play some screwed-up hero now!”