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Tiger nodded. “All that is fair and true. I’m not expecting everyone to believe that I honestly want to be with Ze.”

Zindel cocked a perfectly shaped eyebrow. “‘Ze’? You think you’ve earned the right to use my brother’s nickname? That’s for people who love and care about him. Not for psychos who were trying to kill him for a paycheck.”

Tiger laughed and Zindel’s frown deepened.

“Ain’t shit funny about what I said,” Zindel stated.

“Zin, please, I get it, you’re pissed off, but Tiger really does care about me. He was willing to die for me,” Ze said, trying to plead with his brother to calm down.

Zin pouted but looked at Tiger, his eyes narrowing. “Are you really into my brother? This isn’t just some fling? You were really willing to die for him?”

Tiger nodded. “I’m old enough to know when I want someone and why. Your brother is a rare find and I would have lost him forever if my first bullet hit its mark. For the first time in my life, I’m happy to fail at my job.”

Zin pursed his lips and gave Tiger a more scrutinizing view from head to toe. “Well, you’re definitely a fuckable silver fox.”

“Zin, really?” Ze rolled his eyes at his brother's boldness.

Zindel shrugged. “That’s me being nice. Take it or leave it.”

“I’ll take it,” Tiger said, then once again, extended his hand.

This time, Zindel shook it. “I’m watching you.”

Tiger nodded. “Of course.”

“Listen, Zin, I need to take care of some unfinished business. I’ll be back,” Ze said.

“The apartment was a mess, I'm not cleaning it up,” Zin said.

“I’ll do it, don’t worry.” Ze pulled his stubborn brother in for a hug and kissed the top of his head. Zindel squeezed his brother tightly, almost not wanting to let him go. He couldn’t believe how close he’d come to losing him forever. He still didn’t like or fully trust Tiger, but he’d stand back if Ze wanted the man. He’d give Tiger the opportunity to earn his trust.

“Love you,” Zindel said after they pulled back.

“I love you, too.” Ze turned to Tiger. “Come on, follow me.”

Tiger walked through the clubhouse that he’d suspected he’d get to know well enough and very soon if he had to prospect. Some of the men in the club gave him looks that ranged from pissed off to curious. He ignored them and kept following behind Ze, who opened the secret door that was the large wood carving of the club’s patch. One would think it was just a huge plaque, especially since it had the names of the members' nicknames carved into it, but when Ze pushed a hidden button like before, the door opened. Tiger appreciated the club’s ability to keep their dirty business out of the public view. He took the stairs to the basement, but was stopped by a man who put his hand on his chest.

“Where the fuck do you think you’re going? You ain’t club,” the man said.

“It’s all good, DJ, he has Jimmy’s permission,” Wolf said.

DJ’s brown eyes scanned over Tiger, but he removed his hand and took a step back.

Ze walked over to Wolf. “Was it hard getting him?”

Wolf snorted and shook his head. “He’s an old rich bastard who had one security guard. We knocked out the guard and him, he never saw it coming.”

“How?” Tiger asked, because he was curious to learn how the club worked. Abducting people wasn’t any easy feat, not when it was done right.

“In the parking garage where he worked was easiest. Tat provided the distraction and I came up from behind, shooting both him and his guard with tranqs. I would have just killed them if Ze didn’t want the honors,” Wolf said.

“What about trackers?” Tiger asked.

“He had one in his watch. We tossed that at the garage,” Wolf said. “Don’t worry, no one knows he’s here.”

Tiger nodded. “Ze told me that I’d have to join this club if we’re going to be together.”

Wolf nodded. “Yeah, Jimmy and I have already discussed that.” He looked at Ze. “Are you sure about this?”