Page 7 of Bad Boy Biker's Bride
“That’s all it is?” Lucky is ex-military and likes to do everything by the book. “Wouldn’t she be safer at the clubhouse? Or with Viv?”
“If they suspect the Outlaws' involvement, the club is the first place they’d look. And if I want to ensure her safety, the safest place is with me.”
Hawk drifts in just before close but he doesn't sit down. A few customers are playing pool at the back. He keeps his bandana up as I tell him Bethany’s story.
“Something on your mind?” I ask.
“Might have something. Not sure yet.”
“What?” I should know better than to ask. Hawk will tell me in his own damn time.
He works his jaw. “It's nothing yet.”
I don't push. The phone behind the bar rings.
I pick up. “Outlaw Saloon.”
“This is Rico Taylor from High Vale Lodge. I think we got off on the wrong foot yesterday. My men were instructed to be polite, and they exceeded their brief. I wanted to apologize personally.”
“Go on, then.”
“I'm trying to find a young woman. Blonde hair, blue eyes. Pretty. Plus size, about five-eight. She's a personal guest of mine who left our event in distress, and we're all concerned for her welfare.”
“That doesn’t sound like any of our clientele. If you were looking for an ugly ol’ mean biker, you’d have the right place.” I raise an eyebrow at Hawk and he rolls his eyes in response.
“There's a substantial reward. Who am I speaking to?”
“The owner. And I can’t help you.”
His voice loses some of the polish. “I'd like to think we can resolve this without further unpleasantness.”
“Then resolve it somewhere else. Don't send anybody else down here looking. The High Vale Outlaws don't take kindly to men with concealed firearms walking into our businesses. Or, if you want it in simpler terms.Stay the fuck away. Have a nice evening, Mr. Taylor.”
I hang up.
Hawk lets out a long breath and the cat blinks his eye.
“He doesn't know you have her,” Wrench says.
“Yep. He suspects, though.”
“Think he’ll send people to watch the bar?” Hawk asks.
“Probably… he can knock himself out. They won't see anything."
“You moved her to your place because?” Hawk’s mind clearly works along the same lines as his brother’s.
“I can protect her. They won’t assume she’s there. Why would I take some random crying girl back to my place? We have rooms here. Or maybe he’ll think she made it past us and out of town.”
Hawk narrows his eyes. “In a wedding dress?”
“We can spread some rumors that she was seen getting on a bus.”
Hawk shrugs. “I’ve got a better idea. Don’t try to hide her.”
“No fucking way.”
He holds his hands up. “Let them think you already know each other. Maybe you’re even dating, she was gonna surprise you. That way, she’s under our protection, and they fucked up and picked the wrong girl.”
