Page 77 of Deceptive Games

“Like what? Having a warm pussy in bed for me when I get home, and then having to worry about her being a target while I’m gone all the time? You’re right, it sounds magical,” Brick deadpanned, nudging Diesel. “You’ve tried it and know how it ends. I’m surprised you’re even going along with this shit. You know you’re both going to get her killed, right? Even if you can tame Slash’s hatred of her, there’s still rival crews sniffing around. The second they hear about some girl that’s important to you, they’ll come and take her to spite you.”

“They won’t touch her,” Diesel scowled, and even I had to wince at that.

Brick was right, they’d come for her and break her to get to me.

“You all accuse me of being obsessed with her, but you’re the ones who don’t shut up about her,” I grunted, reaching out to turn the radio up to drown them out.

Brick shook his head at me but turned his attention out the window, and I noticed Diesel was texting when he didn’t think we were looking. I peeked down out of the corner of my eye, seeing Rory’s name at the top of the screen.

Rory: It’s okay, take your time. Josie’s smothering me with breakfast and family time anyway.

Diesel: We’d prefer to be there than here, trust me.

Rory: Bring me some whiskey later and I’ll forgive you.

Diesel: Deal. What time is Josie leaving?

“You know, you sure seem interested in her,” I stated as I turned the radio down a little, not hiding that I’d seen their conversation. He didn’t try to hide the screen as he gave me a dirty look, my eyes catching on her reply.

Rory: Her car arrives at eleven. The guys are heading to Ty’s to get ready for tonight, and I’m finishing up on some school work. Is Skeet still coming?

My phone had been buzzing in my pocket earlier, so I assumed it had been Rory.

“Tell her we’ll be there once I get fight night handled. Slash will fuck up the paperwork,” I sighed, and Diesel typed a quick reply before pocketing his phone.

“You know I just like her as a friend, right? After the shit with Sasha, I just don’t see myself with anyone else,” he mumbled, and I felt kind of bad for giving him shit about it.

It had been years, and I was starting to wonder if he’d ever heal.

“Sorry, man,” I answered, glancing at him. “I’ve just never seen you pay attention to a girl like this since Sasha.”

“I just like talking to her, that’s all.”

“Have you told her about Sasha?”

He blew out a breath, looking uncomfortable. “She knows something happened to a girl I loved, but not the full story. I want to tell her, but I’m not there yet.”

“I think you should tell her,” Brick grunted, joining the conversation without looking at us. “Maybe she’d take things more seriously if she knew the outcome.”

“Slash is in charge now, so that wouldn’t happen anyway,” I pointed out, making him snort.

“Tell yourself that if it helps you sleep at night, but he’s got it out for her. If he snaps for real, he could do anything to her.”

Slash wouldn’t let those things happen to Rory. He was a monster, but notthatkind of monster.

Diesel winced, but he didn’t disagree.

Slash was out of control when it came to Rory, his anger clouding his judgment. I had no idea how to make them play nice together to keep her safe.

Rory

The guys had all gone to Tyler’s to plan their big party, leaving me home with Josie for some girl time. After the last few days, I appreciated it.

Lukas hadn’t really left my side, so I was glad he was feeling like he could hang out with the guys without me.

Josie had only just been picked up by a driver to take her to the airport for a meeting, and I’d shooed the staff away to soak in the silence. Even Skeeter was busy on a job today, so I knew I had uninterrupted silence until at least the afternoon.

I was almost asleep in bed as I watched a movie when footsteps sounded on the stairs, and I sat up as Slash stalked in, instantly putting me on alert as he raised his gun at me.