Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 34282 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34282 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
The other man raised an eyebrow. “A favor?”
“Of the disappearing variety.” It was all I was giving him for now. The affairs of Iron Tzars were our business. But I needed this done now. Before we headed back to Indiana with my woman and our children.
“I see. You can bring your problem back here if you like. We can dispose of it along with these.”
I glanced at Brick, needing his opinion on this. When he nodded, I knew I was doing the right thing. “I’d appreciate that.” I stepped over to El Diablo and stuck out my hand. “Allies?”
The man grinned. “Always. I’ll look forward to collaborating with Iron Tzars in the future. I also appreciate the help on such short notice.”
“Well worth any inconvenience, El Diablo. It got me my woman.”
“She’ll be a good ol’ lady for you, Sting. Take good care of her.”
Normally I’d snap that it wasn’t any of his fucking business how I treated my woman. In this case, however, it was said as a reminder that what I’d been given by the universe was very precious. I couldn’t fault the man for that. “I intend to. You keep your woman happy. She was instrumental in making all the girls feel safe. She’s a remarkable woman. Besides, I have the feeling she’ll cut you in your sleep if you don’t.”
El Diablo chuckled. “Yes. She would. But I keep her happy because it pleases me to see her smile. I’d be shitty at my job if I couldn’t fend off one small woman.”
“Ain’t sure I’d lump your woman in the same category as any small woman. She has a vicious streak anyone can see. If I were you, I’d rather not test it.”
“Never worry on that account. I never intend to give her a reason to want to kill me in my sleep.”
I grinned. “Good to know.”
Brick and I went outside. I took a much-needed deep breath. It was good not to smell the metallic tang of blood in the air for a few minutes.
“I’ll bring him here.” Brick knew what to do. I could see in his gaze he approved of my decision. He looked away before saying, “Proud to be your VP, Prez. Your daddy was a good president. Until he wasn’t. You’re gonna be better.” With that, he left for the compound.
Ten minutes later, he returned with Snake. Both men rode their bikes. Snake looked like he didn’t have a care in the world. The man obviously didn’t see any reason to fear me. I’d have thought he would have more respect for Brick though.
“Sting. Glad you’re back from your foray.”
I ignored his attempt at conversation. “We have a matter to clean up. Come with me.”
Snake shrugged and followed me down the steps leading to the basement interrogation room with Brick following him. I opened the door and stepped inside where the bodies of the men we’d tortured were still in the chairs we’d secured them to. Chief stood in one corner, Black Reign’s witness to the events going on inside their compound.
“I see you’ve been busy. Found the traffickers?”
“This isn’t your concern, Snake.”
He spread out his arms, giving me an impatient, amused look. “Then why am I here?”
“It’s not going to work out with you in Iron Tzars. There can be only one president and you’re not ever going to be it.” I had no desire to drag this out.
“Well, I ain’t leavin’, pup. Iron Tzars is my life. I’ve been there for the better part of thirty years. I’ve put in my time. I’ll be happy to stay out of club business if you want, but I’m not leaving my home.”
“No.” I said softly. “You’re not leaving. No one leaves Iron Tzars.”
Snake’s eyes narrowed before he snorted and hiked a thumb back at Brick. “That why you brought your VP? To do me in?” He gave me an evil grin. “Got news for you, pup. Brick and I go back a long fuckin’ way. He’s not gonna take me out. No. You wanna do this, you’ll have to do it yourself. And best of luck getting through Brick to do it.”
I gave him a long, hard look before holding my hand out to Brick. The big man pulled out a wicked-looking serrated knife and laid it hilt-first in my hand. He put one hand on Snake’s shoulder, squeezing tightly.
Snake’s eyes widened, and his head whipped around to Brick. “What the fuck, Brick?”
“You know the rules. You also know I don’t bend them for anyone. You challenged the president of Iron Tzars in front of everyone. He has no choice but to do this. You know he doesn’t.”
“If he knows he’s in the right, why didn’t he do it at the time of the infraction? No matter what he does to me, he still looks weak because he waited. Now he’ll look indecisive and weak.” Snake turned back to me, pointing a finger at my chest. “Mark my words, pup. Your days as president of Iron Tzars are numbered. No matter what you do here.”