“You ready?” Mack asks, coming in.

He’s dressed all in black, his colors loud and proud. God, he makes one hell of a sexy biker. From what I’ve seen, he hasn’t got a mark on his beautiful, bronzed body . . . and that just seems to make him even more . . . edgy. He’s different. He’s not like all the rest. They’re out there and loud, you know they’re dangerous just by looking at them. Mack, he’s the still-waters-run-deep kind of dangerous.

“I’m ready.”

We make our way out to his truck and climb in. I know someone is trailing us, though you wouldn’t know they’re around. They’re silent, and that’s even scarier. Mack pulls out and we head towards Costa’s. My hands are firmly tangled in each other on my lap, and my heart is pounding.

“Your boyfriend,” Mack says suddenly, jerking me from my thoughts. “How’d he get involved in this shit?”

I blink at him, taking a few moments to gather myself.

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Not what I asked,” he murmurs.

“Right,” I swallow. “He gambles.”

Mack’s brows go up. “How the fuck did he go from gamblin’ to drugs?”

“The same way they all do.” I sigh. “He owed a fuck-load of money to the casinos and to bad people. He needed to pay it back so he started selling drugs. He went to a medium-sized dealer, Jason. He would sell them, and Jason would pay him good cash for the big jobs, giving him a cut. He decided one afternoon, why bother giving it to Jason? Why not just take it all for himself? He took the cash from a deal and paid off his debt. Of course, Jason lost his shit and things went south. I was desperate; I wanted him safe, and I didn’t realize at the time it was way over my head. I dived in, deciding to do a job. I mean, how hard could it be to make a few sales? I knew it was illegal, but I honestly thought they’d blow Samuel’s head off. Unfortunately for me, the person I made a deal with was Gregor. He took me without too much question; why wouldn’t he? I was willing and eager. Samuel had done one job for him in the past, so he assumed things would be good. The moment I handed over the drugs to the buyer and the cash hit my hand, I bolted, paying Jason off.”

“Leavin’ you with a debt. Didn’t think that one through, did you?” Mack says, his voice low.

“No, I didn’t. I thought I could come up with some big story about being mugged. I was naive, stupid, because Gregor wouldn’t have a bar of it. So, it came about that I owed him eight thousand dollars and Samuel got off scot-free.”

“That fucker know you’re in the shit?”

I nod. “Yep, and after I told him, I found him in bed with another woman. That’s how much it meant.”

“Shit.”

“That about covers it.”

“We’ll sort this shit out, and then you’re goin’ to promise me you won’t be so fuckin’ stupid ever again.”

I smile a little. “I swear.”

“Then let’s get this done.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Gregor is waiting, as we expected him to be. He’s leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. We get out of the car and his eyes swing to Mack, and a smile stretches across his face. “Miakoda,” he practically purrs. “It’s been a long time.”

“Gregor,” Mack mutters. “Here to sort this debt.”

Gregor’s eyes flick to me. “He’s the family member you borrowed money from?”

“No,” I bite out.

“Ah,” he says, as if understanding. His eyes flick between us, and I get it. He thinks Mack and I are together.

“Can we get this done?” I growl.

He gives me a sly smile. “How’re your ribs?”

“Best you fuckin’ stop taunting’ her,” Mack snarls. “And take the money, endin’ this.”

“Miakoda,” Gregor says, his eyes going to Mack. “No need to get snappy.”

“End it, Gregor or you will find not only me on your ass, but the entire club.”

He sighs dramatically. “Fine, give me the rest of the cash.”

Mack hands it over, and Gregor counts it. “Good.”

“I trust now this shit is finished,” Mack says, his voice a low whip.

Gregor meets his eyes, and the look he gives Mack makes me feel uneasy. “Of course.”

“Not sure I trust you,” Mack snarls, stepping slightly in front of me, his hand curling around my wrist.

Gregor presses a hand to his chest, a slow grin on his face “Me? Are you saying I’m dishonest, Miakoda?”

“I’m sayin’ I don’t fuckin’ trust you.”

He waves a hand, “The debt is settled. Next time you might want to keep your girlfriend on a leash.”

“Excuse me!” I cry, but Mack tugs my wrist so hard I’m forced to close my mouth.

“If that’s it?” Mack hisses.

Gregor nods, still grinning, and goes to turn. That’s when it happens. The gunfire. It comes out of nowhere, and the bullet goes into Gregor’s back, sending him soaring forward and landing on the ground with a thump. I scream. Mack pulls me behind his back and spins around, pulling his gun out and lifting it.

“Jaylah!”

That voice.

I peer around Mack, my heart pounding, to see Samuel running towards me a gun waving about in his hands. Oh, no. Oh no, no, no. Gregor makes a gurgling sound on the ground, and my chest seizes.