Ethan (Devil's Flame MC #9) - Romi Hart Page 0,39
had that button, and when someone was screwing around, or got a question wrong, or he disagreed with the history book, he’d hit it.”
“I remember. It would say ‘bullshit’ or ‘what a load of shit’ or ‘that’s not even bullshit, it’s horse shit’.”
“Exactly. And not everyone agreed. It was a personal opinion.”
Ethan narrowed his eyes at Rocky, not sure he liked where this was going. “Are you saying I’m wrong?”
“Not exactly,” Rocky hedged, looking thoughtful. “I’ve always thought it was a good idea to challenge authority, especially when you feel really strongly that the authority figure is wrong. But you have to see all the angles if you’re going to make an impact.”
“And what angle am I not seeing?” Ethan challenged.
“Corey’s,” Rocky stated simply. “You should consider the fact that it’s been a very rare occasion that anyone has challenged his authority. We’ve all gone along with practically every decision he’s made since he took the seat at the head of the table because he’s a good, strong leader with good morals and an excellent sense of conviction. But that doesn’t mean he’s always right.”
Ethan stared at him for several long moments. “I’m not sure whether you’re saying I’m right or whether you’re telling me to let him screw this up.”
Rocky threw his head back and laughed. “Now, that decision is on you, bro.” He sobered and added, “What I’m saying is, I think you should stop and think about the reasons you’re squaring up against him. It’s the noble thing to do, and I get it. That woman is tough and smart and sexy.” Ethan started to protest, but Rocky held a hand up to stop him. “I see things, Ethan. The way you look at each other, the tension between you. It’s not obvious to everyone, but I see it. And I think you’d be stupid to ignore it, regardless of chivalry.”
Ethan grunted. “It’s more of a mandate than a sense of duty.”
Rocky snorted. “How well have Corey’s mandates to keep your hands off worked for everyone else in the damn club? Of all the things you’re arguing about, that would be the least of my concerns. If you’re good together, that is always going to be more important than the hands off rules.” He lit another cigarette, seemingly not in any hurry to get back inside. “Anyway, be noble all you want. But don’t be stupid. If all of this is just to be noble, and it’s not smart, don’t pick a fight. But if it’s the intelligent thing, and it’s going to end up better in the end, then do what you need to do.”
Ethan thought about that. If Rafe hadn’t bucked against the rules, the Flames would never have gained the Kings as an ally. And Rocky himself, as well as Eli, had nearly lost their families, having to take matters in their own hands to save them. While Ethan didn’t remember Corey being quite so combative in those situations as he was now, Ethan hadn’t been in the center of those situations, and he had no clue what the other guys had experienced with the president.
Ethan had never considered himself one to buck against authority, but he suddenly felt strangled by it. But it did help that Rocky could see where he was coming from and didn’t just tell him to tow the line, like Corey had.
With a nod of assurance and thanks that didn’t require words, Ethan kicked his bike into gear and waved as Rocky loped back toward the clubhouse. He knew he’d done the right thing. Maybe his methods had been a bit crass, but in the end, he’d done nothing to taint Corey’s reputation, or that of the club’s. In fact, he was protecting both, forcing Corey to keep his word. And that wasn’t about chivalry or how he felt about Brett. It was about being the true to themselves and remaining trustworthy.
If he managed to keep Brett’s attention in the meantime, that was a bonus.
In fact, maybe Rocky was right in that aspect. It wouldn’t make things easier to get involved openly right now, when there was business to consider. Especially with the new tactic, he didn’t want it to look like Brett had chosen to bring him in to take over so she could still have some control over things. And that’s exactly what the Suns would think if they were together.
At the same time, Ethan was sprung. He’d never felt quite like this about a woman before,