Page 70 of Diesel's Perseverance
“I wish you would’ve let me buy it,” she said.
“Next time,” he said, his senses continued on high alert.
Myla leaned against him. “I love it. Thank you.”
“For sure.”
They wandered over to the motorcycles that were showcased behind bright orange ropes. Myla admired them while Diesel kept glancing back at the area where the outlaw booths were. A multitude of people, some with children, milled around the Insurgents’ and their rival clubs’ merchandise.
He and Myla sat at a table and chomped on pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw, washing it down with ice-cold beers. Hard-rock music filled the air as performers played their guitars, belted out lyrics, and banged out some wicked drums on a makeshift stage. Throngs of people surrounded the area, dancing, yelling, and singing along.
Diesel knew things weren’t good at the far side of the event when he saw Rags and Tank approaching. Welder and Popeye trailed behind them.
“What’s up?” he said, rising to his feet.
“Viking, Mayhem, and Demon are getting into it with the Grim Henchmen,” Tank said. “Banger needs all brothers on board…now.”
Diesel nodded. “Hang on for a sec.” He bent down and met Myla’s gaze.
“Something’s going on. I can feel it,” she said, fear skating across her face.
“I gotta go. You can’t stay here because it’s not safe.”
“What’s happening?”
“It’s club business. Don’t argue with me ’cause there isn’t time for that.”
“I’m not. What do I need to do?”
“You have to go with Welder and Popeye. They’ll return to the clubhouse with you and the ol’ ladies.”
“I don’t know any of the ol’ ladies,” she said. Threads of panic laced her voice.
“I know, but Welder and Popeye will bring you to them. Wanda, Amber, and Shania will take care of you until I get back to the clubhouse.”
“I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll be okay. You just need to get a move on.” He motioned to Popeye. “Where are the women?”
“I’m getting them now,” he replied.
Diesel turned to Tank and Rags. “I’ll join you in a short bit. I have to make sure Myla is safe.”
“We get it, dude,” Tank replied.
In less than ten minutes, Myla was tucked into the SUV with Welder at the wheel and under the watchful eye of Shania, the head ol’ lady of the chapter.
A gentle breeze wafted the scent of wild roses through the heated air. A few strands of Myla’s hair strayed and landed on her cheek. Diesel reached through the open car window and brushed them away with his knuckle. Their eyes locked. She searched his face, concern painting her expression.
“Diesel,” she said, her voice breaking.
“It’s going to be fine,” he said, but the truth was, he couldn’t assure her of anything. In a millisecond, life could be irreparably changed. He’d seen brothers gunned down, simple brawls turned deadly, and so much more over the years. Shit happened. People died. Good people. Bad people. After all, life and death were one thread.
“Promise?” she whispered.
He couldn’t do that. Instead, he leaned in and gently touched his lips to Myla’s. Diesel pulled away and tapped the car door. The engine purred to life and then moved forward. He stood there watching the back of Myla’s head until the SUV disappeared down the road. He stayed rooted to the spot for several minutes, making sure no one followed the vehicle. Satisfied that Myla was in good hands, he turned away and walked back to the Insurgents’ booth.
“Here you go,” Demon said, handing Diesel a whiskey shooter. “What are you carrying?” he asked in a low voice.
