Page 120 of Reaper

I hesitate for a split second, not understanding where this could be going. “I consider you a friend as well.”

“You and I are alike. We took over after our fathers and cleaned house. We are building our own dynasties and not relying on the backs of our fathers.”

“I agree.”

Javier hums. “What I don’t understand is that if we both respect each other, then why are you playing games? I don’t like games.”

“Neither do I.”

He points at me. “You say that, but I feel like you are playing games with my product. You’ve lost a shipment. What are you going to do to ensure it won’t happen again?”

“I’ve been closing ranks. Few people know when and where.” I nod toward Wrath. “He and I are the only two who know the details.”

“Are you sure about that? You know, I have received an offer from the Renegades. They seem to think they could do a better job than you.”

I shake my head. “I can promise you that they can’t. As a show of good faith and our loyalty to you.”

Wrath steps forward with his saddlebag and mine. “Here is some of the money we owe you for the product we lost.”

Two of his men step forward and grab the bags before stepping away from us. We watch them check the bags and go through the cash. When they nod their approval, Javier looks back at us.

“I appreciate the gesture. I’ll be in touch to set up a payment plan. But if you lose anymore, you’ll have to pay in blood,” Javier tells me.

“Understood.”

A sinister smile crosses Javier’s face. “I hear congratulations are in order. You finally claimed an old lady, yes?”

It takes everything in me not to react or show any emotion. How the hell did he learn that already?

“I did.”

“I’ll send you a wedding gift. That’s the same as a claiming, yes?”

I swallow hard. “I’m sure she would enjoy that.”

Javier steps back. “I’ll be in touch.”

He pauses as he moves to get into the car. “Oh, and Reaper…” He pauses until I look back at him. “I’ll be watching.”

Once they roll out, I turn toward Wrath and kick the sand and pull my hair. “Fuck!”

“I fucking hate that guy,” Wrath says darkly.

“You and me both. We need to figure out who’s ratting us out. This ends now.”

“Agreed.”

We get onto our bikes and head back toward the clubhouse. It’s about time that heads roll.

* * *

Harrison moves around the room, getting ready to go out for the evening.

I nibble on my lip, trying to decide if I’m going to bring it up. When he came home this morning, he looked conflicted and tired. I don’t know what happened last night but whatever it was is clearly affecting him.

“Hey, stop doing that. You know I’m the only one who’s allowed to nibble on that lip.”

I roll my eyes. “Are you okay?”