Page 79 of Chaos Bound
“Clever.” Michael tipped his chin.
But not clever enough. How could she have missed the glass? She’d been hyperaware about evidence around Michael. But then Holt had made that comment about pizzas…
“Do you have evidence that he’s done something wrong, except maybe indecent exposure with his girl outside the bar?”
“You think you’re so smart, but I’m on to you.” Michael gripped her arm so hard her eyes watered. “And as for evidence, in less than twelve hours I’m going to have a copy of the CCTV tape from the gas station that shows the faces of the two people in Bolton Beaver shirts who were riding the deceased biker’s Harley. And I’m pretty damn sure I know who I’m going to see when I look at that tape. So why don’t you stop playing games and start cooperating, and maybe I’ll go easy on—”
His last word was cut off when a massive hand landed on his shoulder.
“This the guy you texted me about, Banks? The one causing trouble in our bar?”
Naiya looked up at the tall, giant of a man behind Michael. It took her a second, but she remembered him from the front door—Gunner. And behind him were Zane and Cade, and a dark haired, blue-eyed biker she’d only briefly met, Sparky.
“I think he’s lost,” Banks said. “Must be in the wrong bar. See the way he’s holding Naiya? Anyone who comes to Rider’s would know our policy about manhandling the ladies. In the civilian world, I believe unwanted touching is called… assault.” Banks cocked his head and gave Michael a cold smile. “Isn’t that right?”
Michael’s lips thinned and he released Naiya’s arm. “I didn’t assault her. I was holding her so she didn’t get away.”
Catching on, Naiya twisted her face in a frown. “Look at the bruises on my arm. I believe a person convicted of assault under the Montana code faces a fine and imprisonment in county jail for up to six months. In fact it might even be aggravated assault, since I had a reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury, and you do have a weapon, don’t you?”
“I definitely think he was trying to intimidate you,” Banks said. “I felt intimidated listening to your conversation. I think I might have even pissed my pants.”
“He did make me afraid he might inflict physical harm or subject me to physical confinement or restraint.” Naiya slid off her seat, paraphrasing the code as best she could remember from her criminal-law course. “That’s an even worse offence. He could go to state prison for up to ten years or have to pay a $50,000 fine.”
“Seems a shame such an efficient ATF agent would have to spend ten years in jail,” Gunner said. “Maybe we could offer not to report him if he accepts Sinner justice instead.”
Zane cracked his knuckles. “You’re too kind-hearted, Gun.”
“Gunner really is a softie.” Sparky said. “That’s why he gets all the girls.”
“It’s against the law to assault a federal agent.” Michael pulled his ID from his pocket and Cade snatched it from his hand and tossed it over the bar to Banks.
“Is there a federal agent somewhere?” Cade pretended to look around, then stared at Michael. “Are you a federal agent? You got some ID?”
“Maybe he’s not a federal agent,” Naiya said. “Maybe he’s just some drunk guy who sat beside me and tried to pick me up even though I told him I’m…”
“A Sinner.” Banks smiled. “And the Sinners protect their own.”
***
Holt spotted Naiya at a table with Ally as soon as he entered the bar.
Ever watchful, Tank stood beside Naiya, his hand in his cut, his eyes darting from side to side as he searched for danger.
“Darlin’.” Holt leaned over to kiss her and she pulled away. He supposed he deserved that, but right now he wasn’t in a mood to play games. His brothers had taken Michael out back to await Holt’s justice and after Holt had let loose his anger, he wanted nothing more than to hold his woman in his arms. Preferably, naked and in his bed. But first he’d have to gain her forgiveness.
Naiya glared, her eyes dropping to his blood-smeared hand. “Is that Maurice’s blood? Ally said you beat him up.”
He pushed her hair back behind her ear, trailing his fingers down her neck. God, she was beautiful. Sexy. Fiery. And his. What the hell had he been thinking walking away and leaving her unprotected? “Nah. That’s Michael’s blood. I had to teach him a lesson. He made the mistake of messing with a Sinner’s woman in a Sinner bar in the Sinners’ town.”
Naiya stared at him aghast. “You beat him up, too?”
“Anyone who hurts you. Anyone who touches you. Anyone who makes you scared. Anyone who makes you cry. I’ll rip out their hearts, break their bones, and drown in their fucking blood to keep you safe.”
“That’s kind of romantic in a terrifying, morbid, ruthless, outlaw-biker kinda way,” Ally said. “Doug just says ‘love ya, babe’ or ‘keep safe.’”
“It’s only romantic if the guy is actually around to do it,” Naiya said, slapping Holt’s hand away. “But if he drops you off at a hotel in a strange town and leaves you to fend for yourself while he drives off to get himself killed, it loses its effect.”
“You looked after yourself pretty good.” Holt pulled his chair closer, rested his hand on her knee. “Smart move coming here when you saw Michael sniffing around.”
