Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 40446 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 202(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40446 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 202(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
Chapter Three
Venus
“What do you mean you’re not kicking him out?” Even though I tried to keep my voice neutral, I knew I sounded on edge of losing my mind. I never thought Piston would make it past front gate at Iron Tzars compound. Not only had he followed me straight to main clubhouse, but Sting had welcomed him like long lost relative. Male bonding moment of huge slaps on back made me want to puke. I tried to keep my mask of indifference. I really did.
“Piston’s a good guy, Venus. He’s always gonna be welcomed in my club.” Sting still had grin on his face. Either he was oblivious to tension between me and Piston or he didn’t care. He’d called Eagle, medic in Iron Tzars, and other man had cleaned and dressed Piston’s wound. Eagle said Piston had let it go too long to put in stitches, but one more scar wasn’t going to matter much. Again, they’d slapped each other on back and this time I had to stifle urge to gag.
Breath in. Breath out. Don’t go on killing spree.
“Piston!” Older teenager called out just as younger girl ran at full speed straight to Piston and jumped, throwing herself at him and wrapping her arms and legs around him.
Piston chuckled. “Hey there, little Clover Bee. How’s my girl?”
Clover didn’t speak, but peppered Piston’s face with kisses. She had huge smile on her face and obviously loved Piston. She had been non-verbal since being put into group home for wards of state. I wanted to stay angry, but seeing how much Clover was at ease with the big, gruff biker softened something inside me I’d have rather stayed hard.
“She ran all the way from the family side.” Daisy, the older girl with Clover smiled affectionately at the little girl in Piston’s arms.
“Because she knows she’s my favorite.” Piston gave Clover raspberry kiss to her neck. The little girl sucked in a surprised gasp, but her lips were firmly shut even though she was smiling. With one last kiss to Piston’s cheek, Clover scrambled down and ran back the way she’d come. Daisy waved and chased after the little girl.
“She’s still not talking.” Piston sounded like he knew he was stating obvious and didn’t phrase it as a question, but expected Sting to answer.
“No. She doesn’t say anything. This was the first time she’s gone anywhere without someone holding her hand since the last time you visited.”
“I’m glad I can provide a distraction for her.” It struck me then that I hadn’t seen Piston smile like he was now. There was affection as he continued to look after the retreating child.
Another pang hit my chest. I’d been having those lately which wasn’t something I was used to having to deal with. Only emotion I ever showed was anger or displeasure. And only to get reaction I wanted from someone.
“Yet another reason Victor will die.”
Sting raised an eyebrow. “You think he’s responsible for what happened to the girls? El Diablo seemed to think they got everyone involved.”
“He did. In that cell. El Diablo cleaned his city but did not shut everything down. Was just one cell Victor controls.”
“Is it like El Diablo to leave even one leg of a trafficking ring open?” Sting looked appropriately incredulous, but I knew the truth.
“El Diablo took out what he could reasonably enforce.” Piston glanced over at me as he spoke. Checking with me? Why would he do that? “His city, and everyone knows he considers Palm Beach his as well. He knows shutting it all down is impossible, but he can make it more difficult for anyone to do business in his territory.”
I gave Piston side-eye. I wasn’t in mood to agree with him, but I could find no fault with his logic. Fact was, I was thinking same thing. “I agree. While El Diablo protects his territory fiercely, he knows how much control he can reasonably expect.”
“Why was Victor after you, Venus?” Sting gave me quizzical look, and I could tell the answer mattered to him.
“If you’re worried about me bringing trouble to your club, Sting, don’t. I would never bring danger to your door and risk children and your women.”
Sting gave me an impatient look. “Venus, the club can protect our own. If you need us, you get word to us or just get your ass here as fast as you can.”
“I promise you, I am more capable of taking care of myself than you are of protecting everyone in compound.”
“Venus.” Sting scowled at me, looking from me to Piston and back. Younger man raised an eyebrow at Piston. They seemed to be communicating silently, and it grated on my nerves. I also knew I was being bitch.
“I don’t know why I’m included in this conversation. Two of you seem to have everything figured out anyway.”