Page 111 of The First Cut

“I think she was young and in love, and Driller has already proven he can wield a lot of power with threats and fists.”

I swallow, imagining Millie in this girl’s place. “I need to talk to the Death Serpents.”

“Yeah, you do. Not just because of the girl, though, but because it’s not just medicine. Driller and Khan were moving through their territory.”

“They’re using the Fargo deal as a cover.”

And making Death Serpents an accessory to a fuck-ton of crimes they’re oblivious to.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Lola

Asomber Hannibal called an emergency church meeting. He explained to me what they’d found, though I suspect he was sparing me the worst of the details.

I appreciated it, still feeling raw and emotionally drained from the day. He had Repo walk me home, and while I absorbed all the love my boy and Millie had to give, I couldn’t help but worry about Hannibal and all the shit swirling around the club.

Even now, a week later, tensions are running so high that the kids are picking up on it. I watch him grab his cut and slip it on, noting how tired he looks. “Should I be concerned you might fall off your bike?”

He grins but shakes his head. “I’ve survived on less sleep.”

“That’s not nearly as comforting as you think it is.”

“Come here.”

He opens his arms, and I walk into them without hesitation.

“It’s taken me a week to get this meeting. Hazzard is a hard man to get hold of, and I didn’t want to say this shit over the phone.”

“I know. And I know you have to go. It doesn’t mean I can’t worry about you, now does it?”

“You wouldn’t be you if you didn’t worry,” he teases me, dipping his head and kissing me lightly.

“Ugh, not again. Close your eyes, Evan. You don’t need to see this.” I grin against Hannibal’s mouth as Millie strolls into the room with Evan in her arms.

“Don’t listen to her, Evan.” Hannibal walks over to her and ruffles her hair, making her huff before he steals Evan.

“You are such a baby hog,” she pouts.

“That’s rich coming from you.” She rolls her eyes and throws herself down dramatically on the sofa.

“How’d the visit with Jane go earlier?”

I look back at Hannibal before offering Evan a wide smile. “Good. She loves the house and fawned all over Evan.”

“Of course she did. He’s a handsome boy.” Hannibal kisses his head before handing him off to me. “Right, I’m gonna go before it gets too late. Don’t wait. I have no idea what time we’ll get back.”

“Just be careful.”

He kisses me, keeping this one quick before calling out a goodbye to Millie, which gets him a grunt in return. He turns to step away, but I grab his arm, feeling my stomach cramp with worry.

“Just come back to me, okay?”

“Promise.” He winks and leaves.

I sigh and walk over to the sofa, plonking myself down.

“The kissing burns my eyes,” Millie announces, turning her head to look at me.