you I hated the Baron, he meant it. I’ve been gathering dirt on him since I was old enough to understand what it meant to have leverage on someone.”
“You and the Baron go back that far?”
She scoffs. “Further… I heard about you guys and his illegitimate son, Chuck. How Cherry was married to him, and she ended up killing hi—”
“How did you—”
“That’s not my point. My point is Chuck isn’t the Baron’s only illegitimate child. He has dozens. And I am one of them.”
I grimace. “Fuck! Sorry.”
She flares her nostrils and breathes out heavily, trying to keep her cool. “It wouldn’t be so bad, the fact he’s my father, but when my mother found out she was pregnant, he tried to force her to have an abortion. My mother wouldn’t, so he attempted to have her killed.”
“Fucking asshole!”
“Mom got away somehow and went into hiding with some family friends. I was born, but he found us when I was five or so…” Her eyes glisten with unshed tears. “Mom didn’t make it.”
“Jesus!”
“When I was old enough to understand what had happened, I became an attorney so I could figure out a way to bring the bastard down. What happened today has been my life-long mission, so thank you for helping me as much as I helped you. I might not have gotten justice for my mother, but seeing that asshole put away for a long, long time is all I need.”
I reach out, wrapping my arms around her body and pull Finlay into a tight embrace. Not a move I would usually do, but it’s warranted right now. “Thanks, Finley. Thank you for putting everything on the line for us… for Zero.”
Prinie steps over, and we separate.
“Now it’s time to really celebrate. Go, enjoy this time with your club, with your girl,” Finley states.
I dip my head to her, then she walks off, and I turn pulling Prinie to me, wrapping myself around her. “He’s coming home, baby.”
Prinie sniffles as she pulls back, her eyes sparkling with so much light. “Thank you… for everything you’ve done… for me, for him. I just hope he understands us when he finally comes home.”
“If he doesn’t, we’ll make him. I promise. He has no choice… I’m not going anywhere.”
Prinie leans in kissing me quickly as Fox whistles around the room. “I’m putting a slab of ribs and some brisket in the smoker, Bub’s getting the sides ready, and we’re gonna celebrate. You good with that, Wraith?”
“Fuck, yeah! Celebrate tonight ‘cause the rightful pres is coming home. And it can’t be soon enough for us all.”
PRINIE
Two Weeks Later
The preliminary hearing went exactly as we thought it would. I can’t believe how fucking happy I am right now as we stand out the front of the courthouse waiting for Zero to come out a free man. My foot taps impatiently as the rest of us stand around as anxiously as I am.
Finley was amazing in the courtroom hearing.
I’m glad she’s a part of our team.
But for now, I just want to hug my brother. It’s been so fucking long since I’ve even seen Zero.
The doors to the courthouse swing open, and Finley and Zero walk out. He’s wearing black slacks, a button-down white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. It almost makes me laugh seeing him dressed up as Cherry and I take off racing toward him. I want to run into his arms, but I know I’m second on his list, and I’ll need to wait.
Cherry slams into him, he lifts her, twirling her around, their lips locking in a tight embrace. I cringe a little seeing my best friend and brother kissing so frantically in public. I look back at Wraith, and he’s chuckling.
Zero finally lowers Cherry, whispering something to her that makes her blush.
I cringe again, but then he turns to me. His eyes narrowing in on the sutures on my neck and his excited expression changes. “What the fuck? Prinie?” His head snaps to Wraith for an explanation as his finger gently runs along the edge of my wound. “Long story… involves your cellmate.”
His eyes widen, and he lets out a long breath like he’s relieved this wasn’t done at Wraith’s hand. Zero always jumps to conclusions. Opening his arms, I race into them. “I missed you, brat.”
“Missed you so much, ogre.”
“It’s good to be free. I hope you’ve been taking care of my clubhouse, Wraith?” Zero calls out as we walk back to the group.
“We’ve had a few hiccups along