“They’re not your club, Butch. It’s not your problem.”
“I’ve got no choice.”
“This is going to put you in danger?”
“Yes.”
“You can’t do this. You need to tell Tiny. I can’t lose you, Butch. I love you so damn much.”
Taking hold of her hand, he shook his head. “Shut up for a moment.” He kissed her lips to try to soothe any hurt his words might have caused.
“This is bad, Butch. Really bad. You can’t do this to Tiny or The Skulls. They’re your family.”
“The Savage Brothers were once my family. I was born to them.”
“And as far as you were aware, they all died. Your loyalty is to Tiny and the club, not them. They’re going to get you killed,” she said.
“They wouldn’t do that.”
Cheryl chuckled. The sound was verging on the hysterical side. “Are you crazy? Can you even hear yourself?”
“Babe, I know what you’re thinking, but they’re not like that. I promise. They deserve to get their revenge as much as Devil and Tiny.”
She pulled away from him. “They don’t know you, Butch, and truthfully, you don’t really know them. It has been over twenty years. Time has gone by, and it changes everyone. Look at it from their point of view. You’re not a Savage Brother anymore. You were taken from that life and have been living with The Skulls. You’re nothing but collateral damage to them. They’re using you.”
He frowned. Butch knew she had a point.
Wouldn’t he use anyone at his disposal to help The Skulls?
“You’ve got to stop thinking like a loyal subject ready to take your life at a moment’s notice. You’re better than that. Talk to Tiny and Alex. Let them know what’s going on.”
Taking hold of her hands, he smiled. “I will.”
Cheryl let out a sigh. “You won’t. I can hear it in your voice.” She pulled away from him, withdrawing her hands and leaving the bed.
Matthew had his own room next to theirs. Alex was also on this floor. Cheryl went to the window looking outside. It was dark, and he watched her wrap her arms around her stomach.
“I can’t tell the other two, Cheryl.”
“Why not?”
“I’ve been accepted back into the club. The fact I even had a meeting and left it this long to tell them will show my loyalty is divided. I can’t just go and tell them the truth.”
“So you’re going to lie about it. Pretend something’s not happening?” She turned to look at him.
“So long as I’ve got The Skulls’ best interests at heart, they don’t need to know.”
“They’re your family. What you’re doing is wrong, and it’s going to get everyone killed.”
Standing up, he walked toward her. She placed her hands on the back of her neck, blowing out a breath. He saw the tears in her eyes as she tried to stay strong.
“I can’t risk anything happening to you,” she said. “I love you.”
Reaching out, he cupped her cheek. He caressed the delicate flesh, moving down to cup her neck. She dropped her hands to her sides, smiling. “I can’t do this.”
“Yes, you can do this. You’re stronger than you realize.” He kissed the top of her head, closing his eyes as he did.
Don’t make her do this. Don’t make her lie on your behalf.
“I’ll tell you the truth of whatever is happening or going down. I won’t leave you in the dark.”
“You’re going to carry on doing this?” she asked.
The tears shining in her eyes had started to fall. Watching the water streak across her cheeks cut him to the core. He hated the fact he was the cause of her tears.
“All three of the clubs have one goal in mind, kill Gonzalez. The Savage Brothers want him dead as much as we do.” He wiped the tears off her cheeks. “They’re going to help us even if they don’t know it. Gonzalez is strong, but he makes mistakes. He’s getting greedy, and we’re all going to get out of this alive. The men who are working for him are going to start to disappear. We’re going to win this.”
She laughed. “You’re crazy, Butch.”
“Will you stay by my side while I make this right?” he asked.
Cheryl gazed at his chest. “I don’t know what to do.”
“It’s simple, trust me, Cheryl. I won’t put you or Matthew in danger. We’re in this for the long haul, but I need your word that you won’t do anything stupid.”
He kept her eyes on him.
“I won’t do anything or say anything. I promise. You can trust me to keep my nose out of it.”
Wrapping his arms around her, Butch pulled her close. He hoped to God that he could keep her safe.
Chapter Three
Eva tucked some hair behind her ear as she glanced around the large pantry for supplies to make breakfast. In the far corner stood a large freezer and beside it a large fridge that was bare of supplies. Looking down at her chart she started to make notes of food needed to keep the club sustained.
“How are you doing?” Lexie asked, leaning against the wall.
Staring over her shoulder Eva smiled at the other woman. It made a change to see her without a kid hanging off her. Ever since Devil had claimed Lexie, the other woman was always carrying or holding a child to her person. Eva was starting to believe Lexie couldn’t survive without a young kid hanging around.
“Fine. It’s amazing what two clubs can consume. Some of The Skulls have left to go and deal with their families, but most of us are here and their kids.” She shrugged. “I’m just making a list to start gathering supplies. I thought we could start by visiting all the houses of the club members and grab food from their stores before we head to the shop. No point letting food go to waste while they’re all staying here.”
“Sounds like a good plan.”
“How are you holding up?” Eva asked.
“I’m doing fine. Judi’s going a little crazy. She loves her privacy and Piston County. This is a whole new experience for her, but she’ll deal with it.”
Eva chuckled. “At least she’s not got any kids to add into the mix of crazy. It’s amazing how much kids can affect a lock in.”
“Do you want some help?” Lexie stepped into the large storage room. “I’ve not got any kids on me, and I can help where you need me.”
“Sure. It makes sense us doing it. Us being the two MC leaders’ old ladies and all.” Eva handed the chart to Lexie. “I’ll tell you what we got and need, and you can write it down.”