Page 102 of Bad Luck, Hard Love
“Why?” I ask. “Why would you do that for us?”
Judge steps forward, his weathered face serious. “Because that's what family does. And in our world, family extends beyond blood. The Heaven’s Rejects have done a lot of good for their people and their community. We can get behind that.”
“Plus,” Priest adds with a slight smile, “Lindsey would have castrated all of us if we'd said no. That woman's scarier than any rival club.”
“She’s as ruthless as us, thanks to her uncle,” Karma says, nodding toward Judge.
“Lindsey needs to be to put up with your ass.”
The room erupts in low chuckles. These men who deal in violence and brotherhood are laughing about being afraid of their wives. There's something beautifully human about it.
“How's the bastard?” Thor asks.
The mood in the room shifts instantly. Raze's expression darkens, and I feel Thor's body tense beneath mine.
“Secured,” Raze says simply. “Alive but wishing he wasn't.”
“And Ace?”
“Dead,” Karma answers matter-of-factly. “Caught three bullets to the chest during the firefight. Not exactly sad about it.”
“And the survivors from Vegas?”
“The older members got a choice—face justice or disappear. Most chose to disappear. The younger guys, the ones who were just following orders, they're being given a chance to prospect with other chapters. Clean slate, but they'll be watched.”
“What about Marcus?” I ask, remembering the prospect who tried to help us.
“Found him in a ditch outside Vegas. Ace's handiwork. Kid's alive, but barely. He's at another hospital. One of our prospects is over there with him to keep me updated.”
The guilt in my chest twists tighter. Another person hurt because of me. Because of my choices.
“Stop,” Thor says quietly, reading my expression. “Don't take that on. Marcus made his choice to help us. Ace made his choice to punish him for it. None of that's on you.”
“The kid's got heart,” Judge adds. “We offered him a spot with the Black Hoods when he's healed up. Fresh start, new family.”
“He accepted?”
“Faster than we expected,” Karma grins. “Can’t blame him. Vegas chewed him up and spit him out. Austin may be more his speed.”
“Austin?” I ask, realizing just how little I know about this world I've been dropped into. “That's where you're based?”
“Born and raised there,” Karma says with unmistakable pride. “Best damn barbecue you'll ever taste and enough trouble to keep life interesting.”
“Speaking of trouble,” Raze interjects, his expression growing serious as he turns to Thor. “We need to discuss what happens next. With Roberts.”
The room goes silent. I feel Thor's heartbeat quicken beneath my palm.
“That's Charlotte's call,” Thor says, leaving no room for argument. “When she's ready.”
Raze studies me. “Fair enough. But we can't keep him where he is indefinitely.”
“How long?”
“A week. Maybe two before we need to make decisions. No pressure, darlin'. But the clock is ticking.”
I nod, swallowing against the tightness in my throat. A week to decide the fate of the man who spent years destroying me piece by piece.
Everyone in this room has risked everything for me. V nearly died. Ratchet took a bullet to the neck. Thor...my eyes trace the bandages visible beneath his hospital gown, evidence of what he endured trying to save me. They risked everything for someone they didn’t know, to protect and save me from the horrors Terrance had planned for me. I don’t need a week. I don’t even need a second. I made my decision a very long time ago.
