Page 27 of Deceptive Games
I wasn’t exactly patient, but I had to let my emotions simmer about this girl and wait it out. That was why I was a leader and Skeeter wasn’t, his emotions controlled his every move, even when he claimed they didn’t.
Matteo didn’t seem convinced, but he slowly nodded. “She won’t be a problem anymore?”
“I just need some time. Donovan will run out of bravery eventually, and as much as I hate to admit it, the Devils are a higher priority right now. Maybe they’ll kill her for me,” I joked, and Matteo scrunched his nose with annoyance.
“As much as that would be great, we have to stand as a united front. If Skeet’s going to claim some kind of ownership, theycan’t know we’re having an internal falling out over her. We can’t let them kill her and disrespect our crew like that.”
“When Skeet gets killed because of that bitch, I’m making you my right-hand. You use your brain,” I grunted, turning my eyes to the computer monitor and glaring at the footage of Skeeter and Diesel talking at the bar. I knew they were talking about Rory, they had to be.
“Want me to stage a home invasion? Break some shit and scare her?” Matteo offered as he took a swig of his beer. “I don’t mind smacking her around a little.”
“She’d just run crying to Skeet and D. It’s not worth the tantrum. Not to mention, the Holloways have high tech security and fancy lawyers. I think it’s best we avoid dragging them into anything if we can help it,” I pointed out, tapping the screen with my finger. “These idiots will soon see how weak she is. All women are. Diesel learned that lesson a long time ago, so he’d push her away to keep her safe, but Skeet? It’s going to take a lot of convincing.”
“If you need anything, let me know. My loyalty is to you and the crew, not Skeet’s weird obsession with that girl,” he said seriously, getting to his feet. “If I hear Skeet or Diesel plotting anything, I’ll let you know.”
“I appreciate it,” I nodded, dismissing him as I returned my attention to the screen.
Some of the guys were in the cage beating each other up, which was normal, and I wasn’t surprised when Skeeter joined them. It was good for the guys to get their aggression towards each other out, and it seemed that Skeeter had a few takers.
I had to get my focus off his bullshit and back onto rival crew problems, so I pulled up some photos that had been taken from local security footage. It was definitely Hunter and one of his guys.
I pulled my phone from my pocket and found Hunter’s name, and it only rang twice before the smug bastard answered.
“What an honor. A phone call from Slash Russo himself.”
“Cut the shit, Rivera. Were you going to stop by and tell us why you’re in our town? You were taking too long to make an appearance, so I thought I’d call,” I snapped, his chuckle grating on my nerves.
“Your town?”
“It has been ever since we ran you out of it.”
“There were enough crews in Ashburn Valley, we wanted our own territory. Mount Mercer has been peaceful away from your bullshit,” he said dryly, the sound of a lighter flicking close by as he lit a cigarette. “So, how’s everyone been?”
“Peachy. Why are you here?”
“Someone owes me money and is making me chase them, but I also heard some gossip and wanted to check it out. You know how much Ilovegossip.”
“Is the gossip worth getting shot over?” I deadpanned, laughter leaving him.
“This gossip? Definitely. You guys doing any protection jobs?”
“We’re more in the market of hurting people than keeping them safe. Why do you ask?”
“Just wondering. It’s been a while. Maybe we should sit down with a beer and talk. We’ll be in and out of town for a while, and I’d prefer it if we could keep the shooting to a minimum,” he said with a yawn. “Is Skeet there? I’d love to say hi.”
Chances were high that he was here to save the Reapers’ bitch from their feud with the Demons. Fat load of help it would be when she was the root cause of it all.
Crews going to war over women was ridiculous, and if Hunter knew what was good for him, he’d stay out of it and let them all kill each other off.
Instead, he’d become besties with the stripper slut, much to Archer’s frustration.
The fact Hunter had been tapping that and hadn’t been killed yet was almost amusing. No one touched Archer’s obsession and got away with it.
“Fuck off, Rivera. The last thing I need is Skeet running off to shoot you. Which he will if you show up here,” I warned, making him tsk.
“Temper, temper, Russo. You saying you can’t control your men?”
“I’m saying Skeet has a right to shoot you. Rich of you to want to avoid bullets flying when you’re usually the first to pull the trigger,” I scoffed, my eyes flicking to the door as Diesel let himself in. “Unless you want to discuss business, I’m hanging up.”
