Page 52 of Huge Dynamite
“They saw me that night in the hospital when there was a Dog and Viper fight. One of the Dogs spotted me, and he must have realized why I was there. Then again, the night at Hoppa’s Taphouse—when you took care of Colt—maybe someone saw us leave together. I’m so sorry, Holly. I dragged you into this.”
“You didn’t drag me. I went willingly. But I still don’t understand: why me?”
“They want to take the Knights down, but we’re too strong as a group. So, they’re dividing us—starting with me. The other guys who have girls, their women live with them. They’re safer. But you and I…” Shaking my head, I wish this would all just go away. “I’m heading the build of the new clubhouse. The connections are mine, and so is the plan. The clubhouse is being built on unclaimed turf. The Dogs wanted it, but now that we’ve already broken ground, it will clearly be ours. They’re pissed and they’re blaming me. They know I have feelings for you, and they know that I’m impulsive. They’re counting on it. It’s a perfect situation for them.”
“Wait. You have feelings for me?” The way she drops her chin and her chest rises and falls with her quickening breaths…
“Yes.” I dare a step closer. “That’s why I need you to leave. Right now. You’re not safe here.”
“I get it. Thank you. I’ll be careful, but I’m not leaving. These people in this neighborhood need me. They’re counting on me. I’m not going to run just because some bullies are trying to scare me off. Who’s going to take care of those kids out there? Believe me, I’ve dealt with intimidation before. I’ll figure something out.”
“There’s nothing to figure out, Holly. Not only are they using you to get to me, but this building is on Dog turf.”
“Excuse me?” A look of disbelief washes over her face. “Dog turf? This is not their building. It’s mine. I bought this place. It’s in my name. I’m the one carrying a seven-figure mortgage and who plopped down my life savings for repairs.”
“Holly—”
Her phone rings again. Shaking her head, she glances at it.
“Shit. It’s my mother again. She’s called a hundred times. I have to take this.” Walking to the opposite side of the space, she answers the phone. “Yes, Mom. What is it? What? What kind of emergency? Oh.” She relaxes. “You shouldn’t say things are an emergency if they’re not. Fine. Urgent, then. What is it you have to talk to me about so desperately? No, Mom, I really don’t want dinner at the club.” Her gaze flashes to me. “Okay, you know what? Fine. Yes. Dinner at Southward Pines Country Club, tonight at eight. Fine.”
Clicking the phone off, she shakes her head. “That is about the last thing I want to do right now—go back to my apartment, dig out a dress, go to dinner, and make small talk.”
“Then don’t go. But, Holly, you can’t stay here. You need to come with me now. We’ll figure out a way to sell this place and recoup as much of your investment as we can—”
Putting up her hand, she glowers at me. “Seth. Enough. I am not selling this place, and I am not going to be afraid anymore. The people in this neighborhood need me, and I will be damned if I let my parents, you, or a group of men who call themselves the Unchained Dogs stop me from helping these people and fulfilling my life’s purpose.”
“Holly—”
“Goodbye, Seth.”
Walking to the front door, she opens it and nods for me to leave.
Walking past her, I take a deep breath. Even after everything, she still smells like flowers. “Be careful, Holly. Please.”
Crap. I have to fix this and keep her safe. Hustling down the stairs, I know there is only one way to do that. There’s only one thing I can do, and one place I can go. The last place I ever want to be seen.
In enemy territory.
And I have to go alone. Bringing the Knights with me would be seen as a threat, but walking in by myself won’t, although—damn, it might be certain death. Thing is, I’ll have to risk it if it means keeping her safe.
But going to the Dogs’ clubhouse means leaving her unguarded from anyone who stops by. Glancing over my shoulder, I spot Julius hanging in a doorway a few buildings down.
“Hey!” I shout to him.
He stands up straight, glaring at me.
Walking toward him, I see him tense as I approach. His jaw clenches and his hands ball into fists. Shit. I don’t have time for this crap.
“Stand down, kid.” Stepping up to him, I hold my hands up to show him I’m not here to beat the crap out of him. “I want a favor from you.”
Raising his chin, he glares at me. “Yeah? Why should I do anything for you?”
“You shouldn’t. You should do it for Holly.”
His expression softens and he turns his head, looking at me out of the corner of his eye. “What is it?”
“You ever see guys around here with biker jackets on? Not like this one.” I slap my chest. “Big pictures of dogs in broken chains—”
