Page 72 of Love Me Back
“When we found him, the plan was to lure him out to the clearing, where Grayson waited in a truck with sugar cubes. He was nervous and skittish, so I sent Hudson and the others out to the clearing, and I was left alone with who is commonly referred to as‘the demon horse’.”
Thunder snorted and shook his head as if he was offended by the name, and I was offended for him. He wasn’t a demon horse. Just a little misunderstood.
“He didn’t want the sugar cubes, but he was letting me lead him out without them. I spoke quietly to him as I walked beside him. Not in front of him dragging him along, or behind him pushing him out. But beside him. We both had the same goal. Getting out of the forest and back to Grayson.”
King hadn’t interrupted. He stood quietly against an empty stall and listened. I think I needed to hear this story as much as he did, because even though I had lived it, it didn’t quite hit the same way as when I heard it out loud as I shared it with King.
“Someone started shooting at us. I couldn’t see who it was, but Thunder reared up, and I was thrown on the ground. He stood in front of me, protecting me until I stood on my feet again. When I did, he kneeled beside me and nudged me until I climbed on his back. I held on as tight as I could while Thunder rescued me from the danger we couldn’t see. He didn’t care what my motive was. He knew I was in danger, and he did what he needed to do to make sure we were both safe.”
“What’s your point, Jessie?”
I turned back to King. “My uncle doesn’t make a habit of picking sides in a war that doesn’t involve him. But if my life is in danger in any way, he will. And don’t get me wrong, he will absolutely use it to his advantage. But he will pick the side that makes the most sense to him. I want him on your side, King. More importantly, you want him on your side.”
“Jessie, I can’t—”
“I’m not asking you to do business with him. I’m not even asking you to like him. I’m asking you to hear him out. Let him make his case for why he is better to have as an ally than an enemy. My uncle is a lot like Thunder. He’s mean and ruthless when he has to be, but he’s also willing to do what needs to be done to protect the people he loves.”
“And your best friend being married to one of my men isn’t enough for him to pick the right side?”
I studied the man in front of me. He was smart. He knew what I was doing. I was using my relationship with the club to get my uncle an in with King.
“It might be. But what could it hurt having the head of the cartel in your pocket?”
King stared at me and lifted an eyebrow.
“Okay, yes, I heard it. No one ever has the cartel in their pocket, but I am asking you as a friend to hear him out beforeyou cast him aside.”
“Alright, Jessie. I’ll hear him out. If he allows one of my men to bring him to the clubhouse tomorrow, alone. No brother, no guards. Just him as a sign of faith. I will hear him out.”
“Thank you.”
“Come on.” He put his arm around me and led me out of the barn. “I heard Ryder brought three cakes from his mom. If they’re all gone by the time I get back, the deal’s off.”
“I guess it’s a good thing I hid one in the pantry then.”
King threw his head back and laughed. Abby Thomas’ cakes were legendary in Diamond Creek, and everyone fought over them.
I caught Addie as she swept by and asked her to bring out the cake I hid, and make sure King got the first piece cut from it. Then I looked around for Grayson. When I found him, he held out his hand, and I walked straight to him. He pulled me onto his lap and kissed me.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, my uncle asked me to set up a meeting with King.”
“Jessie.” Grayson’s groan was filled with warning.
“It doesn’t hurt to ask. King agreed. Assuming my uncle agrees to his conditions. If he doesn’t, then he has only himself to blame.”
“I don’t want you getting involved in that shit.”
“Grayson, there is a war in the underworld. I’m part of that underworld, and no matter how many miles I put between me and my family, I’ll never get away from it. It’s why I tried to keep you at arm’s length.”
“I know.” He sighed.
I followed his gaze to where King was speaking to my uncle. My uncle nodded, then he and King shook hands. When King walked away, he looked at me and winked. I smiled back and then looked at my uncle.
He wasn’t happy, but he nodded and lifted his beer at me. I nodded back. Deals were made at events like these.
“So what did Uncle Mando say about the horses?”
