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Jackson’s expression didn’t change, but Sam’s eyebrows went sky high in shock. “Is that true?”
I nodded, taking a step out from behind my shield. “Yes. Knox and I?—”
“There is no Knox and you,” Jackson interrupted. “And don’t talk to my fucking woman.”
I got miffed at that. “I’m not going to hurt you. I’m not going to hurt any of you. We just want to talk. Yes, it’s true. I want Walter Bates gone as much as the rest of you. I’m here with a peace offering and a plan to put him six feet under. Believe me or don’t, but hear us out.” I met Sam’s eyes again. There was less fear and anger in them—maybe something close to understanding replaced them. “Please. For the sake of your baby.”
Sam sucked in a soft breath.
Jackson went to hurl more insults, but Sam gasped, “Jack, let’s hear them out.”
CHAPTER 27
KNOX
The reunion was going about as well as I expected. That was to say… not well.
The Well had emptied out, wise enough to avoid club business. Now it was just a standoff between me, Jackson, Caroline, and Sam—our one hope at a chance of peace, however temporary.
It was only a matter of time before the rest of the Devils came out. They might be gathered around the fireplace on the other side of the stone wall, which separated the dining area from the more private setup for Devil meetings and the like.
But for right now, it came down to Jackson caving to his woman’s request or not.
He tried stern reasoning first. “Baby, you can’t be serious.”
Sam shot him a withering glare. “I might have pregnancy brain and can’t remember to put on both socks, but I sure as hell remember who burned down my father’s bar, but I’m also sure as hell that I know what regret and redemption look and sound like. I know when someone needs a second chance. And I’m not so blinded by male ego and so-called honor to ignore a plan to finally end the man who tried to kill all of us at least once.”
Jackson had the sense to look humbled by Sam’s rant. I knew I sure was.
I glanced at Caroline and hated that she was making herself so small. But I knew it was on purpose, too. She couldn’t look like a threat to any of the Devils. If she strode in with heels, her pristine pantsuit, and hair slicked back in a high ponytail—she was immediate danger. But dressed down in the flannel and jeans I found for her, her hair in an old claw clip, she blended right in. Not a threat. A second chance.
Sam came around the bar, wiping her palms on her thighs. “Come with me,” she ordered Caroline, gesturing to follow, then heading toward the private section. As she passed Jackson, she swatted his arm. “Back down, tiger. This is my bar. I decide who’s banned and who’s not. Got it?”
I almost snorted seeing Jackson try not to react to being scolded by a pregnant lady. Then he stepped aside for Caroline and me to pass. He growled like an easily provoked pit bull as she hurried by.
Voices came into earshot. Caroline stopped short when she saw the big round table where every Devil’s Luck member was sitting sipping ale and shit. As soon as they saw us, the room went dead silent.
Then they all looked like they wanted to do something really bad to Caroline.
Mason jerked to his feet, hand going to his empty gun holster at his hip. “Murderer,” he spat.
Susan, who sat beside him, looked to Sam to gauge the situation. As soon as she saw Sam’s peacekeeping expression, Suzie grabbed Mason’s sleeve and yanked. “Sit down, gunslinger, for fuck’s sake.”
All the other men tried to shield their women, especially Abel, who put his hand over Elle’s big belly. “What’s she doing here?” he demanded. “She’s going to lead Bates right to our doorstep again.”
“I’m not,” Caroline said before I could get a word out.
Everyone reacted like she’d cursed them out or something.
“Witch,” Abel muttered.
Brody, ever the doctor, was focused on me. He stood and stalked over to assess my bruised face. I let him fuss like a mother hen, winking at Andy across the table, who only flashed a tense smile.
“You’re damn lucky nothing’s broken.” Brody sighed in exasperation. He looked at Jackson. “As a doctor, I highly advise against wailing on your own club member. I won’t say that a third time.”
Jackson just grunted and waved a hand.
Sam, annoyed with his attitude, rolled her eyes. “We established no acting like dicks to each other. Here, Miss Bates.”