Page 59 of Diesel's Perseverance
“Why can’t I go with you on your motorcycle?”
“You’re new to riding. It’s a long-ass trip from here to Southern California, grueling for a seasoned rider, let alone a newbie. I’m sending Welder with you. He’ll make sure you’re safe. I’ll pick you up at the San Diego airport.”
“When am I leaving?”
“A couple of days after I get to SD. We’ll ride as far as possible but usually spend the night in St. George, Utah, or Vegas.” He chuckled when he saw her mouth turn downward at the mention of Las Vegas. “But this time around, we’ll crash in Utah. I’ll need a couple of days to do some club business in SD.”
“It seems like I don’t have much say in any of this.”
“You do. You can stay or go. Which do you want to do?”
Myla rolled her eyes. “That’s not much of a choice, is it? Of course, I’ll go. I know a great hotel on the bay where I want to stay.”
“You’re staying at the chapter’s clubhouse. You’ll be safer there.”
“No damn way. I’m not staying at another club and dealing with the snarky women and the wolfish men there. I’m staying at a hotel.”
“No, you’re not. This isn’t a fuckin’ vacation. This is a mission to find Freddy and deal with Cano. I can’t be worrying about you while I’m doing what needs to be done.”
“You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be careful.”
“I think some of Freddy’s naiveté and foolishness have rubbed off on you. Cano’s serious about locating you; I promise he won’t play nice when he does. The deal is you’re staying at the chapter’s clubhouse or here.”
“Okay… I know you’re right, but I’m feeling so antsy and claustrophobic that I’m climbing the walls.”
“I get it, but you’ve come this far, so don’t blow it now by being impatient. You gotta stay cool and precise. After this is over, you can hang out at the beach all day if you want.”
“Promise?” she said.
Myla smiled at him for the first time since he came out to the porch. Her big, beautiful smile pulled him in, and he craved to press his mouth on her soft, full lips.
“Fuck, yeah, dar—” he stopped short, then cleared his throat. “Yeah, sure, of course.”
“You’ll be at the clubhouse, too, right?”
“Yeah.” He downed the bottle of water the prospect left on the table. “So we’re good here?”
“We’re good.”
Diesel pushed up from the couch. “I have to get to work. I’ll be back later, and we’ll go out for dinner.”
“I’m craving Mexican food.”
“El Tecolote rules. We’ll go there.”
“And I’d like to get some things at the drugstore for the trip.”
“We’ll do that too. If something comes up, give me a call.”
“I will. Have a good day at work. Let me know if you need a spare to help out. I’m definitely available.”
He laughed, then went back inside the club to grab a quick bite before heading to the car wash.
***
Three days later
San Diego
