Ethan (Devil's Flame MC #9) - Romi Hart Page 0,42
shook her head. “I told you, I don’t believe that, and you should stop trash talking your president,” she warned. “It’ll put you at the top of the suspect list instead of halfway down.”
“Oh, please! You think working with the Kings is the only thing I’m talking about?” He shook his head and scoffed. “Take a better look at the books, sweetheart. We’re not hurting, we’re fucking broke. And it’s all behind your beloved brother’s poor decisions. Whether he comes back or not, he’s lost his seat at the head of the table, and that’s not just me talking.”
Brett seethed, but she didn’t want to let on just how pissed off he was. “So, what? You’ll back Ethan instead?”
“Ethan’s an outsider.” Dennis leaned on the desk, palms flat and face far too close to hers. “I’ll back him, as far as sending Dylan packing, but that’s it. I’d suggest you make a political play the minute the truce with the Kings is in place that points to another president, someone inside our club. And you’d better make sure your little lover boy steps down without a fight and goes back to his adorable little charter with his tail tucked between his legs. At least, if you want any sort of chance at a happily ever after fairy tale ending.”
Brett gripped the handle on the drawer, trying to covertly look him over to determine if he was armed. How quickly could she grab the gun? That sounded like a threat, and she wasn’t going to take it idly. “Are you threatening me?”
He pushed off the table and threw his hands up in surrender with a giant, patronizing smile. “I made a promise not to give you any more trouble. Why would I do a thing like that? I’m not here to threaten you, Brett. I’m just here to give you information, and I’m telling you, it’s in your best interest to skedaddle your ass out of here once this is all done and over with. That’s all.”
He backed toward the door, his eyes dancing with humor and something darker, and Brett just watched him go, until the door closed. Then, she rushed the door and locked it, releasing the breath she’d been holding and heaving for air through the absolute rage coursing through her. Fear blended in and faded, giving way to intense fury. How dare he threaten her?
At the same time, she couldn’t do anything about it. It would be her word against his, and because he was a true club member, he’d carry more clout. That would just get her fast tracked out of here. Instead, she reached for her phone and called Ethan, not even hesitating to hit the speed dial. He needed to know what was going on, what Dennis had said, and while the entire encounter was disturbing, she’d forget the words and demeanor if she waited too long. There was so much to learn from expressions and body language, sometimes more than there was in the words themselves.
“I’m headed over,” he said by way of answer.
“No, meet me at the café around the corner. We need to talk, and we can’t do it here.” She kept her voice low, not wanting Dennis to hear, even if he was right outside the door listening. “Some crazy shit just happened, and I don’t know what to think about it.”
“Are you alright?” She heard the tension and concern in his voice.
“I’m fine. For now,” she added.
“Alright, well, I’ve got some news, too, even though it’s not much. I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes.”
Brett didn’t know if she could handle any news on her brother right now, but she had been waiting on the smallest nugget of information. “I’ll see you there.” She hung up and glanced at the drawer, debating. Eventually, she just reached in, grabbed the handgun, and tucked it into her waist, pulling on her cut over it. She hadn’t been carrying the damn thing much, but now, she felt more secure having something to protect herself on her person.
With it pressed against her spine, she strode confidently through the clubhouse and out to her bike, not even looking over her shoulder as she drove off. Even Dennis wouldn’t be so bold as to follow her after their little confrontation.
It was only a five minute ride to the café, but Ethan must have sped because he was waiting for her. She wanted nothing more than to throw her arms around him and let him embrace