Sin & Suffer (Pure Corruption MC #2)(20)

I wanted to howl and turn berserk with no regard for anything but delivering justice.

Turning into the same dead-end where I’d parked the bike when I’d brought Cleo to jog her memory, we rolled onto the grassy uninhabited verge. The undergrowth had claimed any attempt at landscaping by municipality councils, offering natural protection to hide the bikes.

The second we killed the engines, warm air chased away the chill on my skin from riding for so long without a jacket. The man’s clothing that Grasshopper had stolen didn’t invoke fear or hint at my credentials as ruthless president. The sweatpants were too short and I would’ve preferred to go bare-chested than wear the god-awful Hawaiian shirt another f*cking minute.

“You look like a homeless bum, Kill.” Mo snickered, climbing off his bike once Grasshopper had jumped off the back.

I threw him an icy stare. Even that small action sent clammy sweat over my forehead, threatening to topple me into unconsciousness.

Hopper cracked half a smile. “He’s right, though. Perhaps you can kill them by making them laugh to death?”

“Shut the f*ck up, both of you.” I locked the handlebars and swung my leg over the hot machine. The instant my feet touched terra firma, I wobbled like a drunk.

The night sky glittered with our intent; silver stars and waxing moon shone ready to turn bloodred in retaliation.

Grasshopper cleared his throat. “The rest of Pure are already in position. Got a text about five minutes ago.”

Turning slowly, so as not to upset the unbalanced pandemonium in my head, I nodded. “Good.”

Reinforcements had been sent ahead. I’d made the call while we stormed from the hospital.

In all the years I’d been president, I’d only summoned their help twice in battle: once when fighting off an invading cartel and again when I’d wanted to expand our reach and absorb more Clubs under our name.

Each time my men had fought bravely and loyally.

Each time they’d been rewarded handsomely.

This time would be no different.

But this time everything would be different. Different because this was the start of everything we’d worked toward. The beginning of change.

I want more than this. I deserve more than this lifestyle provides.

“Let’s go.” Mo cocked his head at the undergrowth. “The sooner this is over, the sooner we can blow some shit up and get home.”

I tried to hide my slight sway and the way even the darkness hurt my eyes. But of course, he saw right through it.

Mo came closer. “You’re the prez, Kill. You’re the one pulling the strings on this party. But tonight, let us be the ones in front, yeah?”

Grasshopper froze. I was well known for being on the front line. I never asked others to do what I was afraid to do myself. I shook my head, then stopped immediately.

Motherf*cker, that hurts.

Swallowing my groan, my shoulders slumped. “Normally, I’d take a swing at you for sprouting such bullshit. But … you might be right.”

Honesty was a weakness, but it was also a strength. My men trusted me because I wasn’t stupid. If they had a better idea, I listened. If they had reasons to avoid something, I paid attention.

And this was one of those times.

Grasshopper’s boots crunched a twig as he shifted. “You’re still the boss. We aren’t protecting you or doing shit on your behalf; you’re just doing us a favor by not getting in the way.”

As if anyone believes that shit.

“We’ll get her back, dude. And we’ll destroy those motherf*ckers.” Grasshopper slapped a hand on my shoulder.

I winced as my headache flared, but I appreciated the gesture. Fuck, I appreciated everything he’d done—even if I was livid.

I owed him.

If it hadn’t have been for Hopper, I might’ve bled out or turned into a damn zucchini before anyone noticed. He’d been the one to pop around when he couldn’t get me on the phone. He was the one who found me passed out.

Mo pulled his gun free and clicked off the safety. “Let’s go.” Like an evil spirit, he dissolved into the tree line.

Grasshopper took off after him, leaving me to bring up the rear—like a rookie or some idiotic prospect.

The trees were watchdogs.

The shadows were death’s pockets to hide in.

We remained silent as we merged with the darkness, slinking stealthily through leaves and cobwebs.

Every step throbbed my head.

Every duck to avoid branches sent queasiness splashing through my skull.

Cleo was nearby and we were about to rescue her.

That was all the incentive I needed to do my f*cking job as a Pure Corruption president and lover to my woman.

I’m stronger than a damn concussion.

However, the closer we got to the large wooden fence barricading Dagger Rose, the more I feared I might not be a help but a hindrance. Mo was right to put me at the back. My muscles trembled and the cold sweat of illness never let up. I could barely stomach the pain of walking, let alone running into battle and firing a loud gun.

Shit.

Moving past the glade where I’d brought Cleo, my fists tightened as I recalled her peering through the hole in the fence and witnessing her old home.

It hurt like hell that she couldn’t remember everything we’d shared, but at the same time, I was glad. Glad that she couldn’t recall the night we both lost everything.