Di dropped her head into her hands and wished she hadn’t seen the photo. She should’ve handed her phone off to Diesel for him to handle.
But she didn’t. And now that picture of Slade was burned into her brain.
* * *
Nothing like being dragged by two assholes across a concrete floor, over what felt like a paved parking lot, then picked up and tossed bodily into a vehicle. Probably a van, but Slade couldn’t say for sure, since the limited vision he formerly had was now nonexistent since both of his eyes had swollen completely shut.
He struggled to take shallow breaths through his mouth to keep the pain of his cracked or possibly broken ribs to a minimum. Being a former boxer, he knew what a broken nose felt like. And there was no doubt he had one of those, too.
Besides his ribs and his face, he wasn’t sure if anything else was broken, but his limbs were definitely numb from being tied up and held immobile in the same position for probably what was hours now.
As he bounced around in the back of the vehicle, he was sure this was how he would feel after taking on Diesel in the boxing ring. He was also sure the man’s massive fists could be lethal.
But if it was up to Slade, he’d rather not find out.
Not being able to see made him listen more carefully while trying to figure out where they were headed. One of them mentioned “west on the Turnpike,” but that was all he could gather. Sometimes he’d catch a word or two here and there from the driver and passenger of the vehicle. He assumed they were headed toward Shadow Valley.
His ears perked up when he heard one of them mention Diamond’s name and in the same breath say “ol’ lady.”
Fuck. They thought Diamond was his ol’ lady? Why the fuck would they think that?
Were they going to use him as bait to grab her? Hopefully she was smarter than that. Though, he had no idea how they knew her name unless there’d been some kind of communication between Diamond and the Warriors.
Fuck. She just needed to stay the hell out of this whole thing. Let whatever was going to happen to him just happen. She needed to stay out of it and stay safe.
After putting him on the phone earlier, he had lost consciousness again after warning Diesel not to come get him. He guessed that the Warriors didn’t like what he said and was pretty sure that the sudden blackout was caused by a strategic kick to the head.
Lucky him.
He didn’t know how long they drove, but it felt like an eternity. He didn’t have any clue where they ended up. He couldn’t even figure out if it was night or day. He knew nothing other than their journey had come to an end. Either they were going to kill him or trade him back to the DAMC. And with his father being a Warrior, he didn’t know if ending up back with the Angels was a better choice. They just might end up killing him, too.
Suddenly, he was being hauled from the back of the vehicle and carried this time by his bound arms and legs, then he was airborne.
He landed on what felt like concrete, lost all the air in his lungs, his head fell forward, smacked the hard floor and everything went blissfully black once more.
* * *
Diamond looked at her cell phone for the millionth time. Only two minutes had passed. Two fucking minutes. She had her fingernails practically chewed down to the quick. Bella had mixed her several drinks to take the edge off, but unless she was totally trashed it wasn’t going to help. And she was not getting trashed because she needed to stay sober enough to know what the hell was going on.
Hawk, Diesel, Jag and Dawg had left a couple hours ago, and no one had heard a word since then. Or if Zak had, he wasn’t saying anything. Though, she’d been watching him like a hawk in case he looked at his phone. But he hadn’t. It laid on the bar near where him and Sophie sat.
It was strange watching the man she’d known as a badass biker almost all his life holding his infant son over his shoulder and burping Zeke after Sophie nursed him. The contrast between father and son was glaring. His son was innocent to the ways of the world, while Z knew exactly how precarious life in an MC could be, especially after spending ten years in prison. But in another way, the two were similar. After being released, Zak had started his life again when he found Sophie, and Sophie was also the reason Zeke had come to be on this earth.
The poor kid definitely got a lot of attention from the bikers and the women alike. Who would have thought all these men had a soft spot for a baby? Though that baby would probably grow up to be a badass biker just like them.
In the beginning, Di had watched Sophie struggle to deal with the biker lifestyle since it was something unfamiliar to her. She had tried to push Z away, but he never gave up on her. He knew they were meant to be. No matter what.
Although they came from two different worlds, they had finally made it work. And produced a beautiful new life in the process.
Even though Slade came from Warrior blood and she came from DAMC, this gave her hope that they could make it work. If they both wanted it badly enough. She had no idea if that was what Slade would want. But she hoped so.
As long as the man hadn’t betrayed them all. Because if he had, that was a whole other story. And he would need to be dealt with accordingly.
Even Diamond agreed with that.
She glanced around the crowded common area. The Iron Horse was closed to the public, the gate to the private parking lot chained shut, the exterior doors to church were locked. No one could leave or even go outside to smoke until they got word from Hawk or Diesel. However, the natives were starting to get restless.
What was worse was they allowed some of the sweet butts to come into church right before the lockdown. Diamond was relieved to see that Lola wasn’t one of them. Slade had assured her that she’d be dealt with and Diamond hadn’t seen her around since that night, so she could only assume Zak kicked her ass out.
Good riddance.
But there were still plenty more patch whores that hung around the club and Diamond’s eyes narrowed on Tequila as she hung all over Crow like a bad blanket. She didn’t doubt that the little skank was trying to convince Crow to take her upstairs.
And from where Di sat, though Crow wasn’t pushing Tequila away, he certainly wasn’t encouraging her, either. Maybe the man needed to be saved. And Di needed something to keep her mind off Slade.
She headed to the end of the bar where Crow sat, a half-smile on his face as he watched her approach.
“Baby doll,” he greeted her with a low, soft chuckle and a shake of his head.
Di cocked a brow at Tequila since she had her big-ass fake breasts pushed into his arm and had her hips, encased in an obscenely short black leather miniskirt, smashed against his as he sat on the stool. “She bothering you?”
Tequila didn’t look at Di when she said, “I’m not bothering him, Diamond. Go away.”
“Baby doll, appreciate the concern, but I can handle this.”
“Might have to get a penicillin shot after being that close.”
Finally, the woman turned toward Di, her dark eyes and words snapping, “You’re such a fucking bitch, Diamond. Mind your own damn business. I’m allowed to be here. I was invited, remember? He don’t belong to you...” She waved a hand out in a “shoo” motion. “So get gone.”
Di’s eyes narrowed. “He doesn’t have to belong to me to be concerned for his health and welfare.”
“Trying to get me kicked out like you did Lola? That what you want? Coming over here to start a fight so Z bans me from the club? Are you that insecure that you need to chase us outta here?”
Di inhaled deeply, ready to give the woman a piece of her mind, but it quickly escaped her as Crow said firmly, “Tequila, give us a minute.” His eyes locked on Di’s.
“But—”
“Give us a minute,” he said slower, emphasizing each word so it was clear that he wouldn’t accept any backtalk from the sweet butt.
Tequila let out a huge dramatic huff, peeled herself from his side and stomped away in her patch whore heels.
Crow waited until she was out of earshot before saying, “Know you’re upset, baby doll, but can’t be chasin’ all the free pussy outta the club. Know that, right?”
She frowned at him.
“Gonna make enemies if you do, an’ a new one will come fill every spot you empty. Got me?”
“You’re not going to lower yourself to that,” she tipped her head in the direction Tequila went, “are you?”
“Fuck no. Just passin’ the time. Like you said, don’t need a trip to the hospital for a penicillin shot. You know I’m afraid of needles.” The tattoo artist laughed at his own joke, then sighed. “Know you’re worried, but this ain’t a time to be pickin’ fights. Gotta keep your shit together for Slade.”
Diamond sucked in a breath. “What if he’s a Warrior?”
Crow tilted his head as he studied her with his almost-black eyes, serious. “Then you know what’ll happen.”
“Yeah,” she breathed.
“Yeah,” he echoed her.
“Rocky killed his pop.”
“Know it,” he said softly.
“Even if he isn’t a Warrior...” She groaned. “This is one big fucking mess.”
“That it is, baby doll.”
A pounding on the back door had Crow on his feet in a split second. The room got quiet as the pounding continued and a shout came through the door.
“Oh fuck,” Crow mumbled as Bella rushed toward the door.
“It’s just Axel,” Bella yelled, holding up her phone. “He just texted me.”
“Don’t open that door!” Dex yelled at his sister. “I’ll do it.” He stepped into her path and pushed her out of the way. “Don’t know who else is out there.”
As soon as Dex turned the deadbolt, the door was shoved open and Axel rushed in. Dex closed the door quickly behind him and locked it once more.
“What the fuck is going on?” Axel asked loud enough that Diamond could hear him across the room. He was wearing a scowl and looked extremely unhappy. At least he wasn’t there in an official capacity since he wore jeans and a T-shirt and not his uniform.
Bella grabbed his arm and said something low to him that Di couldn’t hear. Axel’s gaze dropped to her when he grabbed both her shoulders and turned her to face him head on. Di watched Axel’s mouth moving a mile a minute as he was probably lecturing his woman on something or other. Her face remained a pale blank mask as his got darker with anger.
Finally, he stopped talking and looked up, saw everyone’s eyes on them and it was hard to miss the long, deep breath he took when his chest rose and fell.
Grabbing Bella’s wrist, he pulled her along with him as he approached the bar where Sophie and Zak were.
“Ah, shit,” Diamond murmured.
“What the fuck is going on, Z?” Axel asked his brother. He jerked his chin toward Bella. “I’m taking her home.”
“She should stay here,” Z said calmly.
“Why the fuck is she on lockdown here? What the fuck’s going on?” Axel looked around the room. “Where’s Hawk and Diesel?”
“Ain’t answerin’ your questions. Bella stays here.”
“No, she might be a part of this club, but she’ll be safer with me. I know that even though I don’t even know what the fuck’s going on. So, spill it.”
Zak simply said, “Club business,” as if that would satisfy Axel. Which everyone knew it wouldn’t. It would simply poke the angry bear.
“Club business,” Axel muttered, shaking his head. His eyes fell on Zeke in his carrier, then lifted them to Sophie. “Is it Warriors?” he asked his sister-in-law.
Sophie’s eyes widened slightly, but Z stepped in between the two of them. “Don’t be questionin’ her. She ain’t gonna answer.”
Sophie reached into the baby carrier, pulled Zeke into her arms and stepped around her husband. “Say hi to your nephew, Axel.”
Axel stared at the baby and the anger seemed to drain from him instantly. He held his hands out and Sophie gave him Zeke. Axel cradled the baby against him, staring down into Zeke’s face.
Diamond just about melted when Axel traced a finger lightly over Zeke’s chubby cheeks.
He lifted his head to pin his gaze on his brother. “My nephew in danger?”
“Got it handled,” Zak answered gruffly, pulling his son from his brother’s arms.
“Don’t think you do,” Axel said, surveying the crowded room. “You want SVPD’s help, Z, you need to be forthright, so we know what’s going on.”
“Don’t need 5-0’s help.”
Axel snorted and shook his head before looking at Bella. “We’re going home.”
“Axel—”
“No, Bella, you’re not staying here. If my brother wants to put his family at risk that’s up to him, but I’m responsible for you, so you’re coming home with me. We both could have died the night of the Christmas party when the Warriors shot up The Iron Horse.” He glanced back at Zak. “Going to notify the station to up the patrols in the area.”
Zak ignored him.
Axel sighed and put an arm around Bella. “Let’s go, baby,” he said softly.
Diamond watched Axel steer his woman through the room and out the back door. Dex locked it back up again after they left.
Diamond sighed. She wanted the same type of intense love that Axel felt for Bella. That strong need to protect her. He put up with a lot of shit from the club to be with her. And to him, she was worth every bit of it.
“Slade ain’t a Warrior, then you ask his forgiveness for lyin’ to ‘im. He don’t understand it, then move on,” Crow murmured next to her, his gaze still glued to the door Bella and Axel disappeared through. “You deserve that shit, too, baby doll. All you women do.”
She turned to Crow and studied his honey-colored skin, his sharp cheekbones, his dark, dark eyes and his pitch-black hair that fell down his back in a long, straight ponytail. “You do, too, Crow. We all do.”
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “All can’t have love like that. Ain’t possible.”
“For once, I hope you’re wrong.”
Chapter Fourteen
Aspirin wasn’t going to cut it when it came to easing the pounding in Slade’s head. Not that anyone was offering him an aspirin or anything else for that matter. Once again, he found himself on a cold, concrete floor who knows where.
He tried his damnedest to open his eyes, but it was still impossible. However, there were voices nearby, heated and loud.
He tugged at his wrists, but the duct tape wrapped tightly around them didn’t give at all. If he was going to escape, now would be the perfect time since it sounded like the Warriors were distracted with whoever they were arguing with.
Fuck!
Slade shifted his head so he could hear better. He swore he heard Hawk’s voice, raised in anger.
He told Diesel not to come get him. He knew they’d be walking into a trap. But his brothers came anyway.
Why did they think he was worth it? They’d regret their decision once they found out that Slade’s father was a Warrior. Probably even strip him of his colors. Possibly even carve the rockers right off the skin of his back.
“Got your fuckin’ guns, got your ammo, give us Slade.”
Diesel.
“Ain’t done negotiatin’,” one of the Warriors said. “Wanna truce.”
“Why? So you can break it?” Yeah, that was clearly Hawk’s voice, which was as tight as a guitar string, like he was doing his best to keep himself under control.
“Got men huntin’ us?”
“Now, why would we need to hunt your asses?”
“Had a couple go rogue,” one of the Warriors muttered.
Rogue. Right. No one in DAMC would believe that lie.
“You mean Black Jack an’ Squirrel? Rogue as in beatin’ an’ rapin’ our women? That kinda rogue?”
“Prez didn’t approve of that.”
“Right.”
Shit, that last answer sounded like Dawg. Why the hell was
the strip club manager here?
“Prez approve of shootin’ up my fuckin’ bar?” Hawk growled.
“Wanna truce or not?” one of the Warriors shouted.
“Just want Slade. Ain’t gonna agree to a truce so you can come in an’ hit us when we’re least expectin’ it.”
“Well, fuck ya, then. Bastard’s in there. Can’t believe you want a man with Warrior blood runnin’ through his veins.”
“Ain’t Warrior colors on ‘is back.”
That last came from Jag. Fuck, that meant at least four Angels had come for him. Four were putting themselves at risk by walking into a trap. Because that was what this was. The Warriors were going to use him to take out as many Angels as they could.
Slade heard several sets of heavy boots heading his direction. He tried to call out a warning for them not to approach him, but he couldn’t get the words out. The only thing escaping him was a groan of pain.
“Jesus fuckin’ Christ,” Diesel shouted.
The sound of approaching boots quickened, then someone was on the ground next to him, and a few seconds later a knife was sawing at his bindings.
“Still breathin’?” Hawk asked.
“Yeah,” Dawg said near Slade’s head. “Breathin’ but ain’t good.”
“Wanna truce when you do shit like this?” Hawk sounded outraged.
“Was askin’ too many questions,” one of the Warriors replied.
Slade attempted to clear his throat and tried to warn them again, “Ta...rap.”
Diesel finished sawing through the Duct tape and said, “Yeah, brother, takin’ you home.”
Slade wondered if the club enforcer even heard him.
As D sliced at the tape binding his ankles, the big man muttered, “’Justice is for those who deserve it... Mercy is for those who don't.’”
Slade had no idea what the fuck D was talking about but suddenly it sounded like everyone hit the deck and someone, he thought it might have been Dawg, covered his head as some sort of flash-bomb detonated.
Down & Dirty: Books 4-6: Dirty Angels MC Box Set 2 Page 57
