Page 29 of Rags's Awakening
Rags hesitated, then added, “We heard talk about the Fall Festival. Sounded like they’re planning to show.”
“Sounded like they want to make some noise at the festival and draw attention,” Puck added.
Hawk let out a low growl. “They show up there, we’ll get rid of them real fast. No fuckin’ way they’re gonna start shit up.”
Banger slammed a fist to the table, then leaned forward. “Damn straight. Andno onefliesColoradobut us. Not a damn soul. That bottom rocker means blood. It’s earned. Those fuckers think they can stitch it on like a damn patch they bought online?” He shook his head slowly. “That’s just not gonna happen.”
Hawk stepped in, his voice rough with steel. “They wanna act like a club, they’ll learn what that costs.”
Banger pointed. “Rags, Diesel, Smokey, Puck, and Tank watch Henderson. We don’t move before the festival. After? All bets are off. Hawk says we’re down twenty percent from them undercutting our business.”
“We’re not letting that slide,” Hawk said. “We’ll remind them who owns this state and what happens when you disrespect the Insurgents.”
A roar of assent filled the room.
Banger lifted his fist. “Church dismissed.” The gavel came down hard.
Back in the main room, Rags flung back a shot of whiskey, the warm liquid burning its way down his throat to his belly. He lifted his hand and Rusty, one of the prospects, rushed over and handed him a bottle of Coors. The banter was easy, familiar. The brotherhood was stitched together by years of rides and blood.But under it, every member felt that pulse of anger, steady and deep. The Devil’s Reign were calling out everything their club stood for.
Diesel took a swig of beer, then glanced over. “You guys going to the Blue’s Belly on Saturday?”
“What’s goin’ on over there?” Tank asked.
Diesel shrugged. “Chas just told me to be there to support the band.”
“Throttle told me that Chas’s old lady knows a couple of the band members in the cover band playing there on Saturday,” Rags said. “According to Chas, they’re damn good. Old-school rock, no bubblegum or electronica shit.”
Puck grinned. “You talkin’ aboutThe Hellraisers? I’ve heard they tear it up.”
“I think that’s the one,” Diesel said. “Could be a good night—music, beer, no drama.”
Tank chucked. “Only if you stay outta fights.”
Diesel smirked. “There’s no fuckin’ way I want my ass back in the pen. It’s hard as hell not to bash a fucker’s face in when he gives me lip or disrespects a citizen chick, but my parole won’t be done until next year.”
“Then watch out,” Smokey joked.
Rags half-listened, absently rolling the cold bottle between his palms. The idea of hanging out at Blue’s Belly with his brothers sounded fine, but his mind wasn’t on music or beer. It drifted back to Casey, something that had been happening more than he liked.
He’d thought about riding by the theatre, maybe catching her before she left. Just to talk. Nothing heavy. Just see where her smile led. But even thinking about it made his chest tighten. He didn’t have time for that. Didn’t have room for it either. He’d learned what happened when a woman got close, and how fast trust could turn into wreckage.
Still… Casey seemed different. Smart, calm, beautiful in that quiet way that sneaks up on a man. And damn if he didn’t want to know what she felt like beneath him, what she sounded like when he brought her over the top. Just one taste. That was all he’d let himself have. One night to burn her out of his system. Then it’d be back to the club girls: easy, forgettable, safe.
He drained the rest of his beer, jaw tight.Yeah, just one taste.
Chapter Eight
“There’re a lotof hot guys here tonight,” Zoe said, bringing a margarita to her lips.
Casey smiled and stirred her vodka martini. “Is there someone in particular you’re hoping will stop by the table?”
“There are too many to count.” Zoe sighed. “Maybe if I have a few more of these”—she swirled her empty glass around—“I’ll have the courage to talk to one. I swear, I’m destined to be alone.”
“Relax. We’ve only been here for a little while. Once the music starts, one of these hot guys will probably whisk you onto the dance floor. Just don’t fall in love before the song’s over.”
“Who me?” Zoe widened her eyes in mock surprise.
“Yes, you.” Casey laughed and shook her head.
