Page 19 of Kane's Kingdom

I turn my back on him. That's the part he understands. No deal, no bargaining, and no glance over my shoulder to see whether he'll reach for a gun.

On the ride back, Judge waits until the compound gates close behind us. "Is this about her, brother?"

We're alone beside the bikes. Tank's already gone inside. Afternoon light flashes off the painted crown over the clubhouse door.

"It's about Ransom."

"Sure it is."

"It's about what kind of club we're running now." I look at him.

Judge folds his arms. "You went to the Landing yourself. Put her in your room. Put half the club at her counter. Just told a man with a river operation he can't cross town limits because he scared her."

"He tried to put her car in the river."

"I'm not saying you're wrong, brother."

"Then what are you saying?"

He studies me for a second. "I'm asking if this is about more than just who she is to this club."

I could say no, but he'd know I was lying; Judge is anything but stupid.

"Yeah," I say. "It's complicated."

Judge nods, and that's all. There's no warning about presidents and weaknesses, no speech. He asked because somebody had to, and I answered because he's the one man I don't have to perform for. He grips my shoulder once and walks inside.

Bella learns about the meeting before dinner. Of course she does. Cash says something at the cafe and Marisol hears. By the time Bella comes through the compound gates, the story has probably grown guns, blood and three bodies in the river.

She finds me in the kitchen after midnight.

The clubhouse is dark. One light burns over the stove. I'm standing at the counter eating cold meat from a plate when she walks in barefoot, wearing my T-shirt. She must have found it in my room, and the sight hits harder than it should.

She stops when she sees me. I set the fork down on the plate.

"Couldn't sleep?"

"Cash told Marisol you met with the men behind this."

"Cash talks too much."

"Did you?"

"Yes. I did. They were told that they need to leave you alone."

Her arms fold across her chest. The movement drags the shirt higher on her thighs. I try hard to keep my eyes on her face.

"You threatened them."

"I explained the price."

"For touching me?”

"For coming into my town."

Her mouth twists. "There it is."

"What?"