Royally Broken by Elle Boon Page 0,7
place while I take care of some business,” Keys offered. He never allowed anyone to stay at his place. He should’ve realized the red flag that would throw up to his prez. Fuck.
“Church.” King stood up, settling Ayesha on her feet. “Be good until I get back.”
Duke kissed Lennox. “Hang out with your dad for a few. Don’t let Ayesha talk you into anything while I’m gone.” He pointed at King’s ole lady. “You behave.”
Ayesha pointed her finger at Duke. “You just made me think of Austin Powers in one of those movies where he’s a spy. Wait, I’m kidding.” She backed up as Duke took a step toward her.
Keys ignored their antics, followed King and the others into the room, closing the door on King’s ole lady’s laughter. “She’s a brat, brother.”
King sat back with a smile. “I know,” he agreed. His brother rubbed his hands together like he was planning all the things he was going to do with Ayesha later.
“What’s going on, Keys?” Traeger asked.
Keys sat his backpack down next to the chair at the opposite end of the table, leaning against the wall. He folded his arms, staring straight ahead, trying to figure out how to tell them without telling them. “I’ll be gone for a week, maybe two. Cosmo and his girl can bunk at my place. I was coming here to see if one of you would watch my dogs for me. Moana’s a good mama, no problems there, but Maui is a fucking dick to anyone who comes near them. I figure any of you guys could come in and make sure they got food and water and all that shit. You know, make sure they’re happy.”
“Shut the fuck up. Tell us what the hell is up?” King barked, sitting forward with a hard glare.
Keys didn’t miss the way Duke was watching him, or the fact he was eyeing his backpack with a knowing look. His friend probably knew he was ready to bolt.
“Level with us, brother. You know none of us go on a run without someone watching our back.” Even when Duke had gone to NY on what was essentially a killing mission, he had Keys and F.O.C.U.S along with The Bishop backing him. “You think we’d let you leave without the same as what was demanded of anyone else? If you think that shit would fly, you’re outta your ever loving mind.” Duke pointed at his head, tapping his temple.
“This ain’t a run, Duke. It ain’t about club business.” He leaned forward, bracing his hands on the table. “Don’t ask me to tell you what’s happening or why I’m leaving. I...shit.” He shoved away from the table.
“Keys, when I left, did I just hop on a plane and say fuck off, assholes, I got shit to handle? No, because that’s not how we do it. Yeah, I left my cut behind, so I didn’t drag my brothers down with me if I’d have fucked shit up, but I was smart. Shut up, King.” Duke didn’t look at his brother as he spoke. “You want to go all Rambo and shit, by all means go right ahead, but you remember your oath.”
“First thing, Rambo was in the Army. While I respect that branch, they are not and never will be a SEAL, HOOYAH,” he yelled.
“See, that shit makes no sense to me either. What the fuck is the difference?” Duke asked.
“Fuck that, man. Let’s get back to what matters and that’s this fucker running off like he’s a one-man whatever. Is this some SEAL shit?” King pointed an accusing finger at him.
Keys shook his head, keeping his mouth shut.
“You took an oath when you put that cut on. You may have gone through hell for our country, which I respect you and all our men and women for. I’ve seen your tattoo, brother. The Creed means a lot to you. I asked you if that was going to interfere with club business, and you said no. Our oath, brotherhood and loyalty to our club comes first. You said yes. Are you saying you’re turning your back on us?” King asked, his tone level.
“King, he’s not doing that. Keys, tell him,” Duke argued.
Keys shook his head. “You know it’s not and you know I’m not. Fucking A, man.” Keys turned away. His fist flew toward the wall, sheetrock denting under his assault. “I’m going back to the last place on Earth I ever wanted to see again.”
Duke and King were brothers by