Page 32 of The First Cut

“Jesus, it’s like I don’t even know you anymore. I went out and brought back a stripper.” Toot whistles. “You went out and came back with a whole family.”

“Wait—you brought back a stripper?” Mac frowns, making Toot roll his eyes.

“Focus on the important shit. So, who’s your old lady? You’re not taking Lil from us too, are you?”

I shake my head and huff out a laugh. I like Lil. I’ve fucked her a few times, but even with my dick in her, I could tell I unnerve her. If she ever saw me lose it, she’d run for the hills.

“My old lady’s Lola.”

“Lola? Havoc’s ex, Lola?” Toot asks, wide-eyed.

G hisses. I can’t say the rest of the brothers look too thrilled either—except Mac, who looks thoughtful. “I get it. She fucked over our president, but I’ve always thought there was more to it.”

Havoc scoffs. “You have no fucking clue what you’re talking about.” He looks at me. “No offense, Hannibal, but that woe-is-me act of hers? It’s bullshit.”

I shake my head and grind my teeth together. “I get that you’re pissed, but she’s my old lady now, so I expect you to keep your opinions to yourselves.”

Havoc doesn't say anything, just shakes his head.

“I’m with you, Hannibal,” Crane, of all people, jumps in. “Something never sat right with me about that whole mess. And you didn’t see her when she saw you and Nevaeh together for the first time.”

“She was jealous,” Havoc sighs. “That’s the consequence of her actions.”

“She didn’t look jealous to me. She looked crushed. I swear it was like you obliterated her without even trying.”

“What do you want me to say, Crane? She fucked my brother while I was in prison. You think I care?” Havoc says.

“You ever ask her why?” Mac asks.

“No. Why would I? She made her choice, and I made mine.”

Mac shakes his head. “You know Khan and Driller lied to their club, telling them you flat-out refused to see them. Why do you assume it was any different for Lola?” Crane asks.

“Because Lola knew me better than anyone. She knew I’d never willingly abandon her.”

“But you did,” I cut in. “Whatever your reason, you chose the club over her. You walked away without a word—and now you’re pissed she moved on?” I fold my arms over my chest, getting pissed on Lola’s behalf.

He growls, but I stop him. “It doesn’t matter anymore. I’m just saying it’s not as simple as you’re making it out to be. That was then, and this is now. She’s my old lady, and I expect her to be treated with respect when she’s in the room. That’s not up for debate.”

I look around at all the guys, making sure they know it’s aimed at them too.

Kruger sighs. “She won’t get any grief from me. Figure she’s had enough of that lately.”

“And yet you’re the only one saying it. You all assume she has no loyalty, but she came here to warn us that Driller and Khan are up to something. Driller’s been using her as a punching bag and yet she still came, knowing it would be her and the baby that would take the brunt of his anger if he found out.” I grit my teeth before I continue. “I’m looking forward to giving Driller a taste of his own medicine.”

“I’m in,” Toot growls. “Only pussies put their hands on a woman. A fucking pregnant one at that.”

The room gets rowdy again until Havoc yells at everyone to shut the fuck up.

“For now, Lola's being kept under lock and key until we can be sure she wasn’t planted for info.” He looks at me. “You got her phone? I wanna know if Driller tries to contact her.”

“No phone.”

“Bullshit.”

“I searched her, her bag, and her car. There wasn’t one. When I asked her about it, she said Driller smashed the last one and she never replaced it. She apparently has nobody to call anyway.”

“Just keep an eye on her. She could’ve stashed a phone somewhere, knowing this might happen.”