Page 35 of Marcus: Sins of the Father

“You did good.” Cole nods to the envelopes, then leans in his chair, eyeing us. “We’ve been talking about you boys.”

We all shift, hoping to God we’re not in trouble for something.

“We were really thankful for the way you handled the Death Heads yesterday.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Billy relax slightly.

“Been thinking, maybe as a little treat, you boys could bring a date to this party we’re throwing and actually enjoy a bit of it.”

TJ’s face lights. “That’d be nice.”

Cole glances toward the other brothers. “And I think these three may have something else up their sleeves to let you know the club appreciated it.”

Billy shifts on his feet. “Thank you, sir.”

“Yeah, thanks,” I chime in.

“Well, that’s all.” Cole jerks his chin to the door. “Get outta here.”

We all swiftly follow orders and move out, our boots scuffling.

“Well, I know who Marcus is bringing, but who are you inviting?” TJ asks Billy’s retreating back as we stride down the hallway.

“Ha, no one, dumbass,” I reply. “He can’t invite anyone, because the one he wants to invite can’t be seen with him, and he can’t bring anyone else because then he’ll screw up his chances with her.” I actually kind of feel bad for Billy. This “reward” is more like a punishment for him, and I can’t help but wonder if Cole knew exactly what he was doing. Cole is one smart son-of-a-bitch, and I think Billy has found himself in a game of chess.

“Oh right, Melissa. How long are you two gonna play merry-go-round? I mean, that shit’s gotta get old.” TJ goes behind the bar and grabs three beers.

“We’re not playing anything. I’m just trying to get my patch,” Billy growls, snagging a beer from TJ’s outstretched hand.

“In all seriousness, you’re going to have to bring someone,” I break the bad news, and watch the realization dawn across his face.

Billy meets my eyes over the top of his tipped bottle as he chugs half of it down.

“Cole is on to you. You have to bring someone. It doesn’t matter who it is, but you better bring somebody,” I warn him.

His jaw clenches and I feel for him. I know the bind this puts him in. It’d be laughable if he wasn’t such a good friend.

“You could bring somebody ugly,” TJ suggests. “But I think Marcus is right. You better bring somebody.”

“Goddamn it.” Billy chunks his half full bottle into the corner trash can, and it smashes just above it. I turn back to look at him, but he’s already pushing through the club door, slamming it behind him. I glance around, hoping no one saw his outburst. Thankfully, most of the guys are in Cole’s office. But then my eyes connect with Shane’s across the room by the pool tables, his feet spread, a pool cue clutched in both fists while he waits for Jake to take a shot.

Jake seems oblivious, but Shane tilts his head to the side, and his brows furrow.

Aw, fuck. I quickly glance away, not wanting to be the one interrogated over what the hell just happened.

CHAPTER NINE – SECRETS & LIES

Marcus—

Brandy holds onto my waist as we ride through the open gates to the Evil Dead clubhouse. Two men wearing prospect cuts who I’ve never seen before stand guard. I can’t help but wonder what the fuck that means. The place is packed with cars and bikes. There are members from the War Dogs, Dead Souls and, of course, the Evil Dead present. The families are here, but since it’s JP’s birthday, I heard some entertainment was being sent over from Sonny’s. Hopefully the girls know which members to stay the hell away from while the old ladies are here, otherwise we could be witnessing a cat fight before the night is up.

A couple of barrels are already blazing with fires and some of the crowd has spilled out to the picnic tables.

I let Brandy off before I climb from the bike. “Damn, girl, you look sexy in that outfit. Did I mention that yet?”

“Once or twice.” She giggles. “It’s not too much, is it?” She twists her hip and holds her hands out.

I eye her up and down, slowly taking in her copper halter top. It has a plunging neckline that shows off her ample cleavage and beading along the edge. My eyes continue to her jeans that fit just right over her round ass, a few tears marring the legs. But the sexiest part of the outfit are the knee-high, black leather, heeled boots. I definitely have plans for those later. “Not at all.”

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