Page 9 of Heat (The Royal HArlots MC, Quebec City-Canada #1)

Chapter Eight

As the evening wound down, Teller and the rest of his chapter approached Diamond, who was seated with Nova, tallying the night’s earnings.

“Ladies.”

Diamond glanced up at the sound of his voice. “How’d you boys do tonight?”

Teller smirked. “Profitable.”

“That’s what I like to hear.”

“Thanks for the invite.” He pulled a thick wad of cash from his pocket, unfolded it, and extended it toward her.

Diamond frowned. “What’s this for?”

“My winnings.” His grin widened. “Figured I’d donate it to the Haven House Foundation.”

For a moment, she just stared at him, unsure of what to say. Before she could find the words, Nova snatched the money from Teller’s hand.

“Thank you for your generous donation,” Nova said, flashing a teasing smirk.

“You’re welcome.” Teller chuckled as he stepped back. One by one, each member of his chapter followed suit, handing over their winnings—whether it was a few bucks or a thick stack.

Diamond’s shock deepened with every contribution. She knew the weight of their gesture. Half these men had grown up without homes or families, yet here they were, giving back to a cause that mattered.

When the last man stepped back, Teller and Vicious lifted a banner between them. The Royal Bastards’ insignia spread across it, but beneath that, in bold lettering, it read:

brOTHERS OF THE ROYAL HARLOTS—TOGETHER WE RIDE.

Diamond blinked, trying to process what she was seeing. Beside her, Nova let out a sharp whoop and punched the air.

Diamond laughed, shaking her head as Nova playfully smacked her arm. “Calm down before you knock me out, Veep.”

Still grinning, she rose from her seat and extended her hand to Teller. When he took it, she gave him a firm shake. “This means a lot … to me and the chapter.”

Teller nodded. “Anything you and the ladies need, just pick up the phone.”

“Same, brother.”

“That’s right, lil’ sister.”

Diamond arched a brow. “Was that a short joke, Teller?”

His smirk widened. “Maybe.”

She watched as Teller, and his brothers strode toward the exit. As Sayer passed, she slipped her room key into his hand.

If he showed up, she’d enjoy his company for the night. If he didn’t—no harm, no foul. She caught a backward glance from Sayer—full of easy smiles.

Nova didn’t miss it. “Did you just slip him your room key?”

Diamond smirked. “Maybe.”

“You hussy.”

Diamond shot her a look. “Who got your key?”

Nova sighed dramatically. “Didn’t get a chance to scope any of those boys out. But if we’re going off looks alone…” She leaned forward, eyes scanning the men still lingering outside the doors. “It’d be that tall drink of water with the tight-trimmed beard and green eyes.”

Diamond chuckled. “Half of them had trimmed beards.”

“Yeah, but not many had green eyes like his.”

Leaning against the table, Diamond let her thoughts drift to Sayer while Nova finished counting the money the Bastards had donated. The night had been a success, but her feet ached from being in heels, and her scalp throbbed from having her hair pulled up too tight.

“Done?” she asked.

“Done.” Nova zipped the bank bag, pressed the lock button, and handed Diamond the key.

Diamond tucked the bag into her purse and slung the straps over her shoulder. Together, they made their way toward the door, exchanging goodnights with the few guys still hanging around before heading upstairs.

Tomorrow, they’d start planning the next quarter’s event.

Tonight, however, was all hers.

Diamond shut the door behind her with a quiet click, exhaling as she finally stepped out of her heels. The ache in her feet was instant relief, but she barely had time to appreciate it before a knock sounded at the door.

Her pulse ticked up. That was fast.

Smirking, she ran a hand through her hair, loosening the tight strands from the updo. She padded barefoot across the room, already anticipating the way Sayer’s hands would replace her own.

Swinging the door open, she didn’t even check the peephole.

It wasn’t Sayer.

A wall of muscle and the sharp scent of whiskey filled the doorway. The man from earlier. Before she could react, he shoved forward, forcing her back into the room. The door slammed shut.

Diamond’s breath hitched. A jolt of panic surged through her veins. She screamed. Loud. Desperate. Raw.