Page 44 of Bullet

Guard uses the gavel to get our attention. We all turn and wait for him to start. “A quick update on what’s happening with the Irish assholes who started this crusade against the Pride and killed Sal.” The room falls silent as Guard goes on to say, “Jonah O’Malley is dead. This leaves Keenan in charge of their clan. He and his brother, Kalen, have a truce with Reno and the other Mafia families. This includes staying out of each other’s territories. It’s understood that Keenan wants to turn their business legitimate, but that’s going to take a long time, if it ever happens. Once you’re in, you can’t ever get completely clean, but he and Kalen will do their best to make it so. The men who supported Jonah have been informed of the repercussions if they choose to fight Keenan on being their leader. It seems that most of them hated Jonah and his methods, which will make it easier for the O’Malley brothers to move forward.”

“We’re all in the clear,” Orion announces happily.

“Glad that’s over,” War pipes up.

“Until the next time,” Risk says. All eyes go to Crush.

Crush looks around the room at his brothers. “Oh, no. Don’t even go there. Violet was in trouble. We helped her. The. End,” he says.

“Go ahead, Crush, fight it all you want,” I joke.

He punches me in the arm. “Knock it off.”

“We’ll deal with what comes as Satan’s Pride has always done, but for tonight, we party and welcome home our brother Crush,” Guard says, ending the meeting.

As soon as I walk out into the main room, I see Amelia is waiting for me. I loop my arm around her waist and kiss her soundly on the mouth.

“What was that for?” she asks.

“Because you’re you,” I tell her. “Love you, baby.”

“You’re my world, honey,” she replies.

The music is playing, food is warming our bellies, drinks are flowing, and all is right in the world, at least for tonight.

Twenty-Five

It Doesn’t Make Sense

Guard

Crush is standing outside in the cool spring air, gazing up at the stars. He does this often, and most of the time, it’s his way of finding time alone and being with his thoughts. This time is different. His face doesn’t have that serene expression. He’s fighting his feelings, and I can sense the fear creeping into his soul.

“Mind if I join you?” I ask.

“Sure, Prez.” He forces a smile to his lips.

I lean on the railing and look into his eyes. Yeah, he’s terrified of what he’s feeling for Violet. “You know I don’t lie, and I’m going to give it to you straight.” This has Crush blinking, straightening his back, and going on red alert. “Relax, Crush. This isn’t club business. This is about you.”

“I’m good.” Crush says the words to me, but I know he’s saying them to convince himself.

“Your past is behind you. Leave it there. It no longer serves a purpose. It’s stopping you from finding the happiness you deserve. You’ve earned the good stuff that’s coming your way. Not everyone is a liar. As long as I live and breathe, I’ll never let you walk alone. Bullet will never let you down, even with Amelia by his side. And Violet⁠—”

“Sir—”

I stop Crush from speaking by holding my hand up. “Let me finish.”

Crush nods.

“Violet’s going to suffer more anguish in the next few months. It’s going to get to the point where she’s going to question whether she should leave town. You will be the tipping point. You’ll either let her go and wonder your entire life if you made the right decision, or push past the fear that’s crippling you and take a chance.” I sigh. “I hope you make the right choice. Regardless of what you do, know that Satan’s Pride will stand with you.”

“She’s not leaving,” Crush insists.

I smirk. “Sometimes you don’t get to call the shots. Violet needs to have purpose. We all do. It’s not going to be easy for her. She’s living with guilt, and she’s afraid of what will happen with Vance. Running seems like the easier decision, but the monsters in our head chase us, no matter where we go.” I grip his shoulder. “Think on that.”