Page 102 of Dash

I watch, wait, but Nicky doesn’t react. That’s what Grub wants, a fight.

“Nobody’s forgetting shit,” Crank says as the tension swirls. “You think being born into this club makes you better than the rest of us?”

“Defendin’ what’s ours has fuck all to do with blood.” The air is thick, a living, breathing monster. “I’m Sergeant at Arms. My job is to keep this club and the brothers in it safe. The last I checked, Dash and Diesel both wear the patch—both were shot at. So, I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure everybody who wears these colours stays fuckin’ breathin’.” Nic stands. “Instead of worryin’ about my job, do your own.”

Nic storms out the room, and I wish I could follow him. Nothing’s getting fixed—not at this table, not with a president more worried about his survival than the club’s.

Blade mutters about disrespect, but Crank continues, as if he hasn’t just been called out for his shit.

“No one makes a fucking move until we have evidence,” Crank says, bringing the gavel down on the table, but his eyes never leave the door Nic left through.

I stand quickly, my chair almost toppling, and follow after Nicky. I’m so done with this shit.

I should have pushed harder to patch over—not that Ravage gave me a fucking choice—but now with the kid on the way, every instinct I have is screaming to get the fuck out.

To protect what’s mine.

Deep down, I know that’s not an option, because rot like this infects every part of an organisation. It’ll follow wherever I go, and making things safe for my old lady and my kid has to start here.

I don’t stop moving until I’m outside near the picnic tables, away from the eyes of the club.

The air burns my lungs, and the cold sears my skin, but it’s nothing compared to the bitter taste of betrayal on my tongue.

Fuck, I want to tear Crank apart with my bare hands.

“Dash.”

I don’t stop pacing as Riot comes to me, but I do shoot him a glance.

“Him and Grub are happy to watch this club burn and rule over the fucking ashes.” I shake my head. “I’m fucking done. I’m going home. I’ve already left Dayna too long.”

“The girls are with her. I dropped Ivy and Katie off before I came here.”

My shoulders relax. She’s not alone, and those girls love her.

“I hate leaving her while she’s pregnant.”

“Maybe we should talk to Ravage about paternity leave.”

I snort, letting go of some of the anger blazing through me. “You can ask. I’ll watch while you do.”

“His chapter is overrun with kids. His old lady is on number two… or is it number three? I can’t keep up.”

I tear my fingers through my hair. “I don’t know how to do this.” I hate to admit it, but I have to say the words to someone before they implode in my chest. “I threw her on the ground while bullets rained down around us.”

“So, we make it safe for our old ladies. Fuck Crank and his bullshit. We get behind Nic. We find out who’s doing this, and we put them down.”

“How?”

“We pulled the CCTV from outside the bar. Nic knows some tech wizard who’s looking into sharpening it up. Once we get names, we can move.”

“So, more waiting? I’m sick of sitting around hoping no one fucking dies while we make plans.”

I won’t lose Dayna, and I won’t lose my kid. Not to this. Not to a club that isn’t loyal to me anymore.

“We won’t have to wait much longer,” Riot assures me.

“Hope isn’t going to keep a bullet out of her.”

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