Page 153 of Resurfaced Passion

But maybe, just maybe, a meal ticket to help save his club had wandered in off the street. He could hope anyway.

* * *

Rider threw his feet down off the large desk in his back office and mentally ran through the bullshit conversation he’d just had. Axel wouldn’t be dumb enough to fuck around with Rider’s club, not even on his craziest day so he had to reckon whatever chick was over there was something to do with Texas.

He walked slowly along the hallway and pushed open the door to the church, the boys around the table waiting on him.

There was a lot to talk about, namely the good news that they’d all but drained Grigori of his stateside funds, cut off his suppliers, blocked his path to Rider’s ports and had him banned from every illegal gambling game the Russian could try to enter.

It was petty, but Rider felt fucking good for once.

He’d warned the guy to leave and it was almost time to put act two into place.

He’d share all that with his patched boys in a few minutes, but when he took his seat he asked. “Who knows where Texas is?”

Gazes pinged around the long table.

“No one? Snake?”

“No idea, Prez. I went by his place a few times after Christmas and it was locked up like he wasn’t living there, the neighbor said she hadn’t seen or heard from him in weeks.”

“His phone is cut off, too.” Offered Preacher with a grimace, like he thought he was betraying the club by admitting he’d tried to call the guy.

What needed to be done was already done, Rider wouldn’t regret his decision.

Texas fucked up at every turn.

He gave a quick rundown of the situation over at theDiablo’s.

It was Reaper who used his voice to ask. “They’re holding a girl hostage?”

“Dunno. Sounds like they want money for her whoever the fuck it is. Could be Axel pushing his luck.” Rider said and he met Lawless’ gaze. “You know how to get a message to him?”

“I can try if that’s what you want.”

Rider rolled a shoulder. He was still pissed off with the guy, hurt over the brother betrayal. No matter how much his Zara talked about forgiveness, Rider wasn’t that man. He’d lived a hard, unforgiving, brutal life. He was soft for his girl and kids, but anything relating with his MC life, he had to be the man with the iron fist.

He’d let Texas off lightly, that was as far as forgiveness went.

He missed his friend and hated kicking out a brother, yet anger was still his overriding emotion with it all.

“Do it, let him deal with his own mess. We have Russians to discuss…”

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

“I didn’t come this far just to get conjugal visits. - Reaper

After the shift from hell where the cook had no less than five meltdowns. And then one of her waitresses called out sick. A summons from her dad just capped off her crappy day.

She drove home half dead and hoped the first sight of Reaper washed her skin clean and emptied her mind.

How was she right back where she once was?

Her father had her over an emotional barrel making her feel small and insignificant once more, that’s how.

The warmth of the apartment and the scent of her oil diffusers greeted her. She smiled despite feeling crappy. Being home meant everything was okay.

There was no sign of Reaper at first. His boots were by the door where he left them, and his jacket tossed over a chair. Keys and wallet on the hall table so he was here somewhere and then she heard the shower and without thought, her feet took her through to their bedroom and into the bathroom.

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