Savage Love (Back Down Devil MC #7)(82)

“This isn’t based on women,” Gaige said. “This is bullshit. Those fights are about money and respect. Our club relies on those fights for income. When the next one rolls around, are we going to be invited?”

Miller didn’t answer. “Sending a message will help.”

“Exactly. And if I can find a way to make this up to that woman, I will. She’s not like us, Miller. She’s not meant to live each day knowing someone could be killed. Or that she could be killed. I saw the look on her face when she saw the bullet holes in her friend’s back. I can’t take that memory away, but I can damn sure try to kill it.”

“Kill something to kill something,” Miller said.

“Our only way of life,” Gaige said.

Gaige patted Miller on the shoulder and walked out of the meeting room. He instantly heard the sounds of cheers and started to run. When he turned the corner, he saw Nate holding Jace by his throat against the wall.

“I’ll f*cking break your neck,” Nate threatened.

“Fuck you,” Jace said as his face burned red. He threw his head forward and smashed Nate in the face.

“Whoa, stop this!” Gaige yelled.

“No, no, no,” Shay called out. “Let ‘em work it out. Come on boys.”

Nate let Jace go and stepped back. They slowly started to circle each other.

Fucking Nate.

The big guy had a big, broken heart and his bullshit bled into the club.

Jace took the first swing and connected with Nate’s chin. Nate spun and grabbed his face. Jace put his hands down and nodded. Nate made a fist, rings on, and slammed it against Jace. He went right down on his ass. Blood dripped down Nate’s face from his eye. Jace shook his head and blood sprayed on the floor.

“Done?” Nate asked.

“Are you?” Jace asked.

“I’m good,” Nate said. He offered his hand.

Jace took it and just like that, the fight was over. The two men went to opposite ends of the bar to soothe their wounds.

Gaige turned and walked away from the bar and club. He needed to check on Emily.





eight.



Emily sat on an old wooden desk chair and kept her hand closed tight around Rachel’s necklace. The room reminded her of a dorm room. But it was biker room, no doubt about it. Not the first one she ever saw, but definitely the most serious one. The logo for Back Down Devil MC appeared on one wall and pictures of Gaige and the crew hung randomly around the room. Most of the drawers of the two dressers were open and clothes hung out. The desk was the most organized part of the room. Gaige definitely conducted business in the room. That’s when Emily’s eyes came upon the bed. There was definitely more than one kind of business done in the room.

After sitting for a little while, trying to calm her mind (which was damn near impossible to actually do), there was a knock at the door. Emily froze and gripped the arms of the wooden chair. She wasn’t sure what her position was right then. Gaige had told her to stay put and just wait. He gave her his promise that he would return soon and they would then talk.

“Listen, baby, I know you’re in there,” a voice said. “I… I have to talk to you again.”

Emily swallowed, recognizing the voice as Blaine.

She slowly rose from the chair and walked to the door. Blaine began to gently tap on the door, humming, waiting for her to answer.

When Emily opened the door, Blaine put his hands up. “I just need to talk to you.”

“Where’s Gaige?”

“He’s in the meeting. I’m supposed to be there but f*ck it. I’ve got other intentions for right now.”

“Okay.”

“I never meant to bring your friend into danger,” Blaine said. “It’s just swirling around my head. I can’t figure out why.”

“Maybe you feel guilty,” Emily said.

“No, I don’t feel guilty. I don’t think I’ve ever felt guilty.” Blaine blinked fast. It was obvious he was drunk or high. “I think I’m regretting not getting her * first.” He met eyes with Emily. “You know?”

Emily swallowed. She never met someone so disgusting in her life. “That’s what you wanted to say to me?”

“No,” Blaine said. “No. I’m sure Gaige has given you his word on things, and that’s good. His word is good. I’m going to give you mine, too, but I’m not as reliable. The only things I’m good at is fighting and f*cking.”

“Thanks,” Emily said. “Thanks for saying that.”

“Now before Gaige takes his claim, baby, any chance you and I…”

Blaine put his hands to his hips and smiled. Emily gritted her teeth and slapped him across the face. He groaned and then started to laugh.

“Baby, I don’t know if that’s a yes or no. I like it…”

Emily slammed the door and locked it. “Get it?” she called out.

“Yeah. I’ll get it… somewhere else. Sleep tight, baby.”

Emily went back to the chair and sat down. She put her hands to her face and felt the cool touch of the necklace in her hand. She could smell the metal, maybe even smell the blood on it. She didn’t know. Tears came to her eyes again and she let them flow this time.

She wept until the door opened. When she jumped up, the chair crashed back to the desk. Gaige closed the door and stared at her.