Page 51 of Burned in Stone
“What’s it going to cost?” I ask.
Josie waves the question away. “Stone’s already taken care of it. Said to remind you two that the club protects its own.”
18
CASH
After thanking Josie, we step out onto the street. Mercy is practically bouncing beside me, some of that weight finally lifting.
“Did you hear her, Cash? I’m going to be free.” She spins in a little circle that makes her cut flare out. “Actually free. No more looking over my shoulder. No more?—”
“No more pretending you don’t want to jump me every time I walk into Devil’s,” I tease.
“That part was already decided when I accepted this.” She tugs at her cut, and I grin. “God help you the next time you take off your shirt and start ‘accidentally’ flexing while restocking the beer cooler.”
“Flexing? That’s just how I look while using a proper lifting technique.”
“That’s thirst-trap technique.” She mimics an exaggerated flex. “Oh no, this keg is so heavy, better make sure everyone can see my biceps?—”
“My biceps are magnificent,” I protest. “Ask anyone.”
“Your ego is magnificent.”
I pull her close, one hand sliding down to grab her ass through her jeans as I kiss her hard enough to make her gasp. She melts into me, still laughing against my mouth, her hands fisting in my shirt.
“Get a room,” Bones calls from behind us, amusement thick in his voice.
“We have one,” I murmur against Mercy’s lips. “Multiple, actually.”
She bites my bottom lip playfully. “Maybe we should go back to it.”
“Maybe we should.”
Bones’s sharp whistle cuts through the moment—two short blasts, a warning. I jerk my head up.
Gabriel is walking toward us from across the street, two of his cop buddies flanking him. Not in uniform, but their badges are clipped to their belts, visible enough to be construed as a threat.
The playfulness drains from Mercy’s face.
“Mercedes Rogers.” Gabriel’s eyes track from Mercy’s mouth to my hand still on her ass, then back up to her cut. His expression doesn’t change, but something dark flickers behind those cold blue eyes. “That was quite the public display of affection. Not very befitting of a married woman.” He takes a step closer, and I feel Mercy’s body go rigid against mine.
I step between them immediately, putting myself in front of Mercy. “Back off, Rogers.”
“Or what?” Gabriel’s smile is cold, calculated. “You’ll assault a police officer in broad daylight? In front of witnesses?” He gestures to his buddies, who both have their hands resting casually near their service weapons.
“Cash.” Mercy’s hand grips my arm. “Don’t.”
But I’m already calculating angles, exits, how fast I can drop all three before they can draw. Bones shifts behind me, ready to back me up. Steel’s already moving to flank us.
“This is harassment,” I say, keeping level even though every instinct screams to put my fist through his face. “She’s with her lawyer. She’s got witnesses. And she’s made it clear she doesn’t want contact with you.”
“I’m not contacting her.” Gabriel’s smile widens. “I’m standing on a public sidewalk, exercising my First Amendment rights. If she happens to be here too, that’s just coincidence.”
“What are you even doing here?” Mercy bursts out, the frustration clear in her voice.
“Working,” Gabriel says smoothly, his eyes locked on her. “The boys and I have been canvassing the area, documenting the negative effect local gang activity has on businesses and resident wellbeing.”
“That’s bullshit,” I spit. “The MC protects this town. Unlike the people you’re working for.”
