Sinner's Steel (Sinner's Tribe Motorcycle Club #3)(66)

But more than that, she had been moved by his tenderness. Despite her emotional retreat, he carried her back to the clubhouse, washed and bandaged her feet, and then left her in the apartment without saying a word, as if he knew she needed to be alone.

And he was right. The intensity of their encounter had scared her, just as Zane scared her. And for all that she kept telling herself he was going to leave, no matter how hard she pushed, he wouldn’t go away.

“You should try it.” She offered him the cream-laden cup.

“Thanks, but I like my coffee black.” Zane sipped his filter coffee. “Pure. And I can think of better uses for a can of whipped cream.”

Desire flared white-hot inside her and her cheeks heated. She dipped her head and handed the canister to Ty, then glanced up again through the curtain of her lashes.

Zane caught her gaze, his sensuous lips parting in an erotically charged smile. Yes, she could imagine what he’d do with a bottle of whipped cream. And despite all her protests last night, she would be fully on board.

While Ty smothered his hot chocolate with cream, Evie took the first sip of her coffee, letting the mixture of bitter liquid and thick sweetness slide over her tongue. Ah. So good. She needed the kick. Hopefully one would be enough.

“Should we go?” She took the canister from Ty and placed it on the counter.

“Fuck.” Zane stiffened, pulled out his phone. “Drop the drinks. Take Ty out the back. Buncha Jacks outside. Don’t know if they were tailing us or if it’s just a coincidence, but they’re not supposed to be in Conundrum. I’ll be right behind you. I’m gonna call Jagger and clear everyone outta the shop in case things go bad.”

“Zane … don’t…”

“Go, Evie.”

She dumped the drinks and grabbed Ty’s hand, pulling him into the back hallway. Behind her she could hear Zane yelling for everyone to leave.

Her heart pounded in warning, and her walk turned into a run. But just as she neared the exit door, she heard gunshots, a muffled explosion, and then the building shook around them. Evie pulled Ty close and curled around his small body until the shaking subsided. She turned back to the door but the hall had filled with smoke.

“Zane!” She didn’t try to hide the panic in her voice as she peered through the haze.

“Mom. Let’s go.” Ty pushed the door open, but Evie hesitated. Did Zane get out in time? What if he was still inside, injured and unable to move?

“Mom. The store’s on fire.” Ty yanked on her hand just as fire licked the walls of the hallway, curling around the paintings of Italian landscapes and giant hills of coffee beans.

“Zane!” She shrieked his name, her pulse thudding so loud in her ears she could barely hear. With one last look behind her, she grabbed Ty’s hand and pulled him outside.

Low, dark clouds hung in the sky, and the air was heavy with an impending storm. With Ty in tow, she raced down the alley to the front of the building. Sirens wailed in the distance and a crowd had gathered outside as smoke billowed through the front door.

“Zane!” She pushed her way through the crowd, searching every face, every black jacket, every head of brown hair.

With a roar, flames engulfed the building sending a thick cloud of dust and smoke across the street. Evie covered Ty’s mouth and nose, turning him away from the building, startling when she saw a familiar face.

Viper.

Leaning casually in the shadows of the alley no more than ten feet away, a cigarette hanging from his thin, cruel lips, Viper nodded a greeting. His gaze swept over her body, lingering on her face, and then he lifted his weapon, and gestured her forward with a crooked finger.

“Mom? Who is that biker?” Ty turned fully in her arms drawing Viper’s gaze. “Why is he pointing his gun at us?”

“Run, Ty.” She turned, shoved him behind her. The last thing she wanted was for Viper to know Zane had a son. “Go into the crowd. Then find a policeman. Ask them to take you to Connie.”

“No. I’m not leaving you.” He wrapped his arms around her, held on tight.

“Go. Run.” She tried to pry his hands away, but his fingers dug in hard. Stubborn. Just like his father.

Annoyance flickered across Viper’s features and he lowered the gun.

“Fucking kids,” he muttered. “Always in the f*cking way. Bring him.”

He beckoned her forward again, but Evie planted her feet in the pavement and shook her head, calling his bluff. They were safe out on the street. Viper wasn’t going to shoot her with a crowd at her back and the police coming around the corner.

“You’re not going to kill me,” she said with a bravado she didn’t feel in the least. “And I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“Even if your man is dead? Who’s going to protect you, Evangeline? Not the Sinners. You’re not one of them.”

Shadows moved behind him. His bodyguards. Of course, he wouldn’t come here alone. “I’m not a Black Jack either. And he’s not dead. He made it out.”

“Such faith.” Viper laughed. “But here’s the thing, kitten. Even if he did make it out, it’s over between you. There’s a warrant for his arrest. And since the Sinners have been f*cking with my business, I’m in need of some quick cash. I think the police in Stanton would be interested to know where to find him.” He inhaled, then blew out a puff of smoke. “Or would that be ATF jurisdiction? I’m not sure who would tear apart the Sinner clubhouse looking for a fugitive from justice.”