Page 173 of Reaper's Claim

“I’ll think about it.” But that was all that was going to happen. Thinking. Like hell I would ever act and become a ruthless leader of the Hellbound. I was surprised Amber thought we had it in us.

“That’s all I ask.” She leaned back in the booth, seeming pleased with herself. “No rush on the answer.”

I scoffed but kept the words to myself.

The answer was no. Never going to happen, but if she wanted to wait a few days to hear it, fine.

***

Reaper

There are times when you think life is going great. Then it pulls out a sharp knife and stabs you in the motherfucking back.

Roach butted out his cigarette. His eyes judged me coldly. But that wasn’t why he dragged me in here. That wasn’t why he pretended to call me in here about a job.

He wasn’t shoving these jobs down my throat out of fucking love for the club.

“You want me on the road?” I spoke with a harshness in my tone “Why?”

“You’re the Reaper, and I need you fucking reaping. You don’t get paid to sit here.”

I leaned forward on the seat, “Don’t fucking bullshit me. I know why you are doing this, so fucking spit it out.”

“You think I was gonna sit back and watch my daughter be your only weakness and a walking fucking target for your enemies?”

He was taking her away from me.

No.

He was sending me away from her.

“So what, you planning on taking the VP patch with it cause it looks fucking weird to have your Vice President on the fucking road cleaning up the scum?”

“Having the Reaper as my Vice President has made this club stronger. So no. I’m not taking the patch. You simply are going back to doing what the fuck you’re meant to be doing. Which isn’t fucking my daughter and putting her in harm's way.”

“I wouldn’t ever let anything happen to Abby.”

“If you really meant that, you wouldn’t be fucking her.”

I had once convinced myself that I was protecting her by staying away from her. Then I fell hard for her, and nothing could keep me from her.

Not even the fear of Roach.

Blind, numbing rage crept through me, “This is bullshit.”

“No, this is, you do as I fucking say.” He smugly stood up and glared across at me. “My girls were off limits. You crossed the fucking line, boy, and now you’ll pay.”

I stood up, challenging him. “You can order me off, but that won’t change a fucking thing between me and your daughter.”

“Distance does a fuck load. Remember your place, boy.”

“Maybe you should remember I’m the fucking REAPER. ME. I’m the one men are scared of. I’M THE FUCKING ONE THAT TAKES AND CHOOSES.”

“You’re not a President or a fucking nomad now. You do as I fucking say. ME!” He roared back at me, gripping the table. “I say you are cutting the fucking list; you’re cutting the list.”

“You know Roach, there is nothing more dangerous than a man with nothing to lose.” It wasn’t an empty threat. If he wanted to have a fucking showdown, then I’d give him a fucking showdown.

“I won’t forget this.” I threw my arm across his table, wiping it of its contents. “This is fucking BULLSHIT!” I roared on my way out, slamming his door behind me.