Page 25 of Remorseless

“Molly’s innocent,” Ryan whispered. “Let her go.”

“You gave her up,” Pounder said harshly. “Live with the consequences.”

“Don’t kill her.”

“Did she look hurt?”

“She was laying on a small bed,” Ryan revealed. “But that can change on a dime.”

“Help me and I’ll help you.”

Holding out a minute longer, Ryan sighed, then pulled his phone out. Once he found the photo, he handed the device to Pounder.

Rory snortedand stormed away.

Lust gleamed in Pounder’s eyes, and he licked his lips. He stared for so long, Johnnie wondered if he’d excuse himself and rub one out in the bathroom.

“Tell me about her, Ryan,” he breathed.

“You won’t get in with her so easily,” Ryan said resentfully. “Something else I told Bash. You’re going to have to take it slow. Whenever you two are planning on setting up an introduction, she probably won’t call you for a month. One, she’s busy. Two, she’s still recovering.”

This wasn’t the same Ryan Taylor, always so filled with hatred and bitterness, sounding as if he were defending Megan. Were theyallalike? All Christopher had to do was allow Kendall to call him by his given name for her to turn away from Johnnie. Apparently, the minute CJ backed off Ryan, he fell into line as well.

Pounder handed the phone back. “Bash is willing to let me play the long game.”

“It won’t do any good, dickface,” Ryan snapped. “She loves Outlaw. She’s faithful and she’s loyal. She’s not going to fucking cheat, despite the rumors.” He side-eyed Johnnie, then glowered at Pounder. “Bash is bored, fuckhead, so he’s willing to getyoukilled. You told me yourself you didn’t know if you wanted to continue as a member. Now, you’re involving yourself in something that will have not only your membership revoked but your life.”

“Fuck, Ryan, you only called Bash early yesterday morning. We were already in Long Beach.”

“I’d told Bash days ago that wasn’t a good idea. I wanted to remind him why. I’ve barely slept since Friday night.”

It shocked Johnnie that Ryan hadn’t fucking fainted at the blood and gore.

“Patch out before this gets bad,” Ryan told Pounder. “The first couple times I met you, I just thought you were an ordinary hangaround. I knewyou as Easton. When I saw you in your cut and Bash introduced us, do you remember what you told me when he and Cleaner walked away?”

A pained expression crossed Pounder’s face. “The money was good, but the killing went against the grain.”

“This isn’t fucking dress-up and strip. This isreal. Bash wants to hurt Outlaw’s wife. He’s playing games now because he’s a doped up maniac, but he’s going to tire sooner or later. Then, he’s going to strike, andshewill suffer. Do you understand me?” Ryan threw a desperate look to Johnnie. His eyes burned with accusation. “Do you? I’m so fucking sorry I’m responsible for Molly’s situation and I’m so scared Bashwilldemand I do something to Meggie in exchange for Molly’s life.”

“Bash is afraid of Christopher,” Johnnie said faintly. He ignored Pounder’s scrutiny. “No one’s found any evidence that he wants to hurt Megan.” Not Kendall. Not Brooks. Not Riley. “I’m too smart to fall for Bash’s bullshit. He’s just amusing himself.”

“Really?” Ryan’s challenge grated on Johnnie’s temper. “You’re too smart?”

“You’re months away from seventeen, you arrogant little motherfucker. Show me some respect.”

Ryan backed toward the door. “Respect a man who constantly allows himself to be fucking played? Do you really think Pounder hasn’t seen Meggie and didn’t get a fucking earful about her from Bash? Please, Einstein.” He left and slammed the door behind him.

Seconds ticked by. Johnnie searched for words. Stared at Pounder. Easton DeLuca. His nephew who was a Scorpion and didn’t like murder. “Is he telling the truth?” he managed.

Pounder stood. “Which part?”

All of it. “About Megan. Did you know about her?”

“I never asked you for her photos,” he said, ignoring the question.

“You most certainly—”

“No, Johnnie. I told you to tell me about her. I wanted to hear from your perspective.”