23. NYX
WHEN WE SET off down the interstate, I’d admit to being uneasy.
I didn’t know why I was uneasy, or at least, I knew why, but I wasn’t happy about it.
This was the only night in twelve days that I hadn’t been watching over Giulia at the bar, and it was the first time that I’d be away on a run.
That was what I didn’t like.
Even if news of her abilities in castrating a man did ease my mind, I was still on edge about leaving her when I knew how many come-ons she fielded every fucking evening.
If I had the right, I’d have demanded she stay back at the compound, but she wasn’t my Old Lady, and the MC wasn’t a charity. The bar was a good business, just like Rex had predicted, and it needed its team to be working at full steam ahead.
Even if it did put the Satan’s Sinners” MC in a piss-poor mood.
Truth was, all the new storefronts were booming with business, even if the country clubbers weren’t happy about the type of locale we’d introduced into the town, it didn’t stop them from spending their dough with us.
The strip joint was busy every night, and I knew Storm was finding it hard to get enough girls to cover all the shifts, especially as personal lap dances were proving particularly popular.
The garage was busy, thanks to our mechanics’ expertise, and throw in the custom jobs we were rolling out, we’d already had interest from people all over the country who knew of Link’s skills where that was concerned. He and Steel were working together on that project, with Steel behind the scenes in the chop shop, and I was glad, because the garage was pivotal to our money laundering and distribution plans, and I had enough on my hands at the minute.
The diner was packed every day, something else Steel had his hands on, and the bar was crammed at night with the diner running late to cover the bar food we’d started serving under Giulia’s direction.
Business was definitely booming, but it was all a front. We still had shit to do, and that was why I was away when I didn’t want to be.
The Enforcer—me—and the Road Captain—Link—went on every run. As we headed into the city to pick up the merch that would have our group splitting up, one heading back home with Link, and the other going up to the Canadian border with me before Link joined up with us again, I had to admit that taking off into the night was both exhilarating and irritating.
Exhilarating because there was nothing like being on the open road, the wind in your face, the moon overhead, the throb of the engine between your legs as you drove on, what was essentially, your commute to work.
But it was also irritating because I knew that Giulia would be working at the bar, and I’d gotten used to watching over her.
Sure, she did all the work, but I got things done too, during the early hours and the later ones, when the booth wasn’t filled with brothers taking advantage of the discounts they had on drinks.
It was a good place to watch the men, to monitor the lay of the land on Rex’s behalf. Mutiny—even in a well-run, well-oiled MC—was rife, and I wasn’t about to let that happen on my watch.
Listening to the fuckers get drunk, complaining about their jobs or praising the council for the recent additions to the books, was a good way to ascertain the status quo.
Especially as the recent changes were coming into being.
One of said changes was where we were headed now.
The deal with the Five Points wasn’t something that I was easy about. Mostly because it involved dealing with the Rabid Wolves, who were a Quebec City-based MC.
I understood the Five Pointers’ perspective though.
They wanted maximum bang for their buck all over the upper North Eastern seaboard, and by joining with us and merging with the Wolves—even if they were rabid by nature as well as by name—they’d be getting into Canada, as well as gaining reach as far west as Montana and as far south as Oklahoma, thanks to our sister chapters, who were getting involved in the distribution too.
The idea was simple, and although I wasn’t a simple man by nature, I did like my business to be of that variety, especially when we were going to be crossing state lines with a few products on board.
The Pointers would handle the actual gathering of the merch. We weren’t interested in that side of shit. They dealt with stealing the cars which, over time, would drift to our garage in West Orange, where we’d chop them into smaller parts, then load them up with drugs, which we’d use to transport across the country.
See? Simple.
What I wasn’t including there, of course, was the fact we had to get the drugs from their main warehouse in Hell’s Kitchen, and cross from New York and into New Jersey before we even got shit started.
Still, no one ever said making a cool two-hundred-thou a run was easy, but I was on red alert, and even if Link was as laidback as any of the brothers were, he was tense as well.
This was too big a deal to lose, but there were a lot of variables that could go wrong. It was the nature of the game, and normally, I enjoyed it. Shame for me that nothing was normal in my life right about now.
It took just over thirty minutes to get from our compound to Hell’s Kitchen, and the worst part was Lincoln Tunnel. Of course, that was only compounded by heading into the city itself, because, fuck me, I hated how close everything was.
West Orange wasn’t in the middle of nowhere. Not even Giulia would call it Buttfuck, New Jersey, but there was a shit ton of green everywhere, and I liked that. I liked to feel as if I were surrounded by nothing but trees, because the notion of being surrounded by people just suffocated me.
I wouldn’t say that I hated people. If I did, it was weird that I chose a life that put me in the heart of a community of men and women who chose to live together. But I did hate the societal bullshit that came from one-upping the Joneses, as well as the pressure of the rat race. Some folk were made for that, and I wasn’t one of them.
The streets were busy, even at one AM, and I’d admit to missing how, in West Orange, shit was closing down for the night at this time.
There was nothing better than being on my bike on an empty road, but now, I was trapped between a Buick, a fifth wheel, and a fucking Porsche. Not my favorite kind of sandwich.
When we approached the main warehouse where the initial pick up was going down, I eyed the security setup and would admit to being impressed.
The place was arranged like a prison, with high gated walls that had barbed wire for trimmings around the top. I had no doubt that in the light of day, broken glass would glint on the surface as well.
In fairness, it looked exactly like what it was—somewhere that shady business went down.
It didn’t put me at ease thinking some federal agents were taking shots of my ass as we drove through the gates and into the compound, but that was the nature of the business.
And for myself, it was just part one of tonight’s escapades.
We drove into the outer keep, and thirteen of us parked toward the main doors. The building was the architectural equivalent of a brick shithouse. It was square, red brick with white plaster that had chipped away over the years. There were windows, but they were shuttered up with metal frames, and the only way in and out was that one large door.
It was almost like a castle, except castles hadn’t been built to current safety standards. Saying that, as I eyed the distinct lack of fire safety specs, I recognized that this place hadn’t either.
As our engines died, the doors opened, and two guys walked out. I recognized one of them—Declan O”Donnelly.
Mean bastard, and he had a wicked temper, as far as I remembered.
He wasn’t the brains of the outfit, but he was more than just the fists.
He was good at organizing shit, and half of today’s run had been keyed in by him, which was unusual, but the Five Points were on our side, and they were running point with the Wolves, because MCs didn’t usually play nice together.
The guy at his side wore a slim-fitting suit that screamed tailoring. In contrast to Declan’s jeans, white wife-beater, and leather jacket, he looked like he was heading into the city to offload a fuck ton of orange juice futures.
When, glowering at Declan, he turned away, I caught sight of his face full blast because of the spotlights that snapped on, and my brows instantly lowered because the stranger looked like the patriarch of the line, but at least thirty years Aidan Sr.’s junior.
Another O’Donnelly sibling?
I thought I’d met them all when Rex had come up to the city to finalize the deal with the Five Points, but maybe I hadn’t.
With the rest of the brothers hovering by their bikes, waiting on orders, Link and I strode forward, shoulder to shoulder, as the Five Points’ guys headed toward us.
When Declan held out his hand to me, I shook it, then he greeted Link. He turned to the stranger and stated, “Finn, this is Nyx and Link. They’re Sinners’ councilors.”
Finn shot us a tight smile as he shook both our hands. “I’d say it was a pleasure to meet you guys, but my wife’s in the hospital, so I’d like to keep the conversation to a minimum so we can get the fuck on.”
Because personal talk was the last thing I’d expected, I blinked at him. “Is she okay?”
“Expectant dads,” Declan mocked. “Worse than expectant moms.”
Finn glowered at him. “I’d like to get this shit underway so I can get to Mount Sinai in time for my heir to be born.” Had he really just called his kid his heir?
When Declan laughed, I figured it was a joke so, uneasily, I shot Link a look, and was relieved to note he looked just as fucking wide-eyed as me.
Personal business was exactly that. Personal. Was this a move they were pulling? Sure, they were on our side, but I didn’t take chances when my family was involved.
“We have everything ready for you,” Declan replied, his tone hardening as he did as Finn requested—got on with shit. “The two loads are prepared.”
I dipped my chin, relieved to be back on solid ground. “I’m heading to Quebec and Link is taking the other back to base. He’ll catch up with us once he’s made the drop.”
“Good. We’ve paid officials to turn a blind eye, but once you get to the border, the Wolves are in charge, and it’s down to them.”
My ears pricked at the irritation in his voice. Was he not happy with the other MC?
“We only have to get the merch to the border, yeah?”
Finn nodded. “Then it’s on them whether they get caught or not. They have the contacts on that side.”
“What about our cut?” Link questioned.
Declan looked at him. “You’ll get it when we get ours. If they fuck up, we’re all fucked.”
“Well, that’s reassuring,” I muttered, but I had to admit, I appreciated his honesty.
“Rex called and told me about their visit. Out of the blue, wasn’t it?” Declan declared grimly, his biceps bulging beneath his jacket as he folded his arms across his chest.
“I don’t know what their fucking game is, but if they screw us over?—”
Declan didn’t let Finn finish the sentence. He clapped him on the back, then gripped his shoulder and said, “Let’s not borrow trouble. There are bound to be issues the first time anything goes down.
“At least we know the Sinners have our backs.” With his spare hand, he raised his fist and Link bumped knuckles with him, before I was extended the same greeting.
We’d been dealing with Declan for a while now on other shipments. Mostly some guns that we’d been taking down to Oklahoma every two weeks.
The Five Points relied heavily on loyalty, and with us, that came from the fact we’d been tied into the mix by a marriage. I wasn’t sure why the Wolves were being trusted, and truth be told, I wasn’t sure I wanted to know either.
They were a part of the transaction, and that was it.
I was just glad we didn’t have to cross the border into Canada with our gear. That shit went with double digit prison time, and while that was a risk in our line of work, I didn’t feel like serving time right about now.
“How’s Mary Catherine doing?” Finn queried, his eyes lighting with the glint of a warning that put me on edge.
The Old Lady could have been bitching at her mom for all I fucking knew, and if that was the case, we’d probably just walked headfirst into a trap.
I didn’t have to answer though, because Link said, “Digger told me she’s pregnant.”
“There’s something in the water. Aside from being pregnant, is she okay? She’s never been that far away from home.” Declan winced at our surprised glances. “She’s extended family. I give a damn.”
I shrugged. “I never see her at the compound. I’d meant to introduce her to a friend of mine. Someone who grew up in the club, but it never worked out.”
Because I’d started boning Giulia and between the bar, cooking, and me, her spare time was at a zero.
Priorities.
Never let it be said I didn’t have them.
“I think they’re okay,” Link stated, making me wonder if he was lying or if he’d really fucking asked Digger how his marriage was. I’d have paid to see that conversation go down. “Digger’s still sappy whenever you mention her name.”
Finn clapped Declan on the back. “There’s hope.”
“Watch him. I want to know if he fucks her over. Do you hear me?” Declan warned, and though the threat got my back up, I totally understood.
“Nyx is every woman’s champion, Declan. I wouldn’t worry about her. I’d worry about Digger. Second he hurts her, Nyx hurts him.” Link’s cocky tone had me inwardly snorting.
Though the O”Donnelly son absorbed that without even the blink of an eye, he merely replied, “More ways to hurt a woman than with just fists.” He scrubbed his hand over his jaw. “Finn’s right. He needs to get going, so let’s get this underway.”
Because there was no arguing with that, or the fact that he turned on his heel and backed off, we spent the next forty minutes making sure everything was in place, and as the vans were being driven by Pointers’ men, we really were just making sure that we were getting what we’d been told.
There was an element of distrust in scanning over the logs, making sure shit lined up with the content on board, but fuck, we were the ones who’d be doing the time if we got caught with our asses hanging out because a Pointer had badly stored a baggy of drugs.
So, we scanned, checked shit over… well, I said ‘we,’ but I meant the others. I just stood there and watched the men earn their cut. I also watched O”Donnelly and his buddy, Finn.
With each minute that passed, the other guy got more and more agitated, and no matter what Declan said to calm him down, it didn’t work.
I got the feeling they were close, though, and more than just friends, especially with the familial resemblance.
As I monitored them and their interaction, watched Finn start to pace the outer yard where the trucks were parked and we were looking into shit, I tried to imagine what he was feeling, and what stunned me the most was that I got it.
I thought about Giulia, and I thought about how I’d started worrying about her, and I thought about how I’d feel knowing she was in the hospital and my not being able to go to her.
Business always came first in our world. It had to, because it could mean life or death, could be the difference between a lot of good men being lost to jail time if someone didn’t pull their weight.
I scratched my chin, finding myself utterly sympathetic for Finn’s predicament, because I understood why he was here, even as I understood why it was killing him.
Maybe it was a dick move, maybe it was smart. Maybe my brains and my balls were suddenly being overruled by something that I had no idea how to control, but I moved toward the two men.
Declan saw me first, and I got the feeling that right there was the state of Finn’s distress—he didn’t pick up on my movement until Declan tensed.
See, that was the thing about business.
Even when you were dealing with guys who were on your side, you had to be wary.
I raised my hands, wanting them to see that I had no intention of causing them harm. I was probably more dangerous than anyone in this fucking space, no matter that there were around two dozen Points’ men aiming semi-automatics at the floor as they secured the area, but I genuinely meant them no ill.
When Declan eyed me, his brow furrowed, I stated, “Finn doesn’t need to stick around. We’ll be done soon. Let him go be with his wife.” I had no right to make the statement, but that was how badly my head was messed up right about now.
Women… they fucked with more than just your cock.
“I appreciate the concern, but my place is here,” Finn replied, but I could sense that was duty talking. And not the duty he had to his wife.
“We both know that’s BS. Your place is with her.”
His chin tipped up as he narrowed his eyes at me. “You got a woman?”
I hesitated. Not only because I wasn’t sure if I did, but because Giulia wasn’t the sort to appreciate that kind of claiming.
Reaching up, I rubbed the back of my neck, and when Declan laughed, I frowned at him.
“Yeah, he’s got a woman. You can always tell when a man’s got his dick tangled with?—”
“You call Aoife a cunt once more, and I’ll break your goddamn neck.”
Declan sneered. “You and whose army?”
“Seems like Nyx would be on my side in this fucking fight.”
Then, he sighed, popped his own neck, and sighed again when it clicked. “How much longer for you to look over shit?”
“You know how it works. Got to make sure things are copacetic for the ride home and the ride north. I’d say it won’t be long though.”
“I get it.” Finn blew out a breath. “I’m needed here.”
“You’re needed there too.”
Maybe he heard my sympathy, maybe he realized I was being genuine, because his eyes darted to mine before they shot to Declan.
“You’re no use to me here. Fuck off to Aoife’s side and let me know if it’s a boy or a girl,” O”Donnelly grumbled.
Finn’s lips snarled in a twisted smile. “Why, Dec, I didn’t know you cared.”
That had the other guy rolling his eyes. “I try not to.”
Because none of this conversation was anticipated, I cleared my throat and thrust out my hand for him to shake.
“Hope things go well for her and the baby.”
Finn returned the gesture and stated, utterly heartfelt, “Me too,” before he darted off, yelling orders at the guards securing the area.
When a car swerved out of nowhere, barreling toward him, he didn’t stop running until he was in the backseat, and then the massive gates were opening and he was roaring out and toward his woman.
“Pussy whipped, but Aoife’s got a heart of gold, so I can’t blame him.” The insight had me cocking a brow, then scowling when he murmured, “Seems you’re pussy whipped too, considering you ain’t said two words to me in all the months we’ve been dealing together, but you come over to help Finn the first night he’s here and moaning about Aoife being in labor.”
My first instinct wasn’t always violent, but I didn’t particularly like the derogatory tone. Finn evidently cared for his wife, and by the sounds of it, Declan thought she was good people too, so his bitching made me wonder if he was just bitter.
I knew how that worked.
Love sucked when it burned you. Maybe Declan had been burned, and then, I realized Rex really was right.
I wasn’t whipped, just growing a cunt.
“No point in him being miserable. This shit takes how long it’s going to take, you know that, and I’d be on edge thinking my wife was about to give birth too.”
“So, common courtesy, hmm?” Declan snorted as he shoved his hands into his pockets. “If you say so.” Then, his gaze drifted over my men, and he muttered, “If the Wolves give you any trouble, tell me. I’ll cut that line faster than you can blink.”
“Would you cut us too?”
“Oh yeah, if you fucked up.”
“The Wolves know you’re close to cutting them free?” That knowledge could change loyalties, and it could fuck us over in the long run.
“Them traveling to your territory and eying up your garage makes me think they’re getting too big for their britches, as my Da likes to say.” He jerked a shoulder. “We’re running point on this, you’re just distributors. Seems like they didn’t get that memo.
“Fucking French Canadians. Never let it be said they’re all polite and shit. The ones I’ve dealt with are always in my face.”
I had to laugh. “Everyone literally says Canadians are the politest folk out there.”
“Yeah, well, something goes wrong with their bikers. And they have prisons and shit too, so they’re not all fucking nice. At least with you, I know you’re a bunch of fucked-up maniacs.”
My brows rose at that. Maybe some would consider it an insult, but not me. “You prefer to deal with insanity?”
“Your variation of it, sure.” He bared his teeth. “You’re getting quite a rep. Angel of Mercy… maybe that tattoo on your back shouldn’t be Satan but?—”
I frowned. “What the fuck are you talking about?” Tension invaded my limbs, but I wasn’t going to act first without thinking.
“You and I both know what we’re talking about.” He smirked. “Why do you think my dad likes you so much? Always insists you’re on the job when the Sinners come up on runs.”
“I’m the Enforcer, it makes sense for me to be here.” That wasn’t a lie. I was always on runs. Always.
Declan sniggered. “Yeah, tell yourself that.” He clapped me on the back, then began to walk away when his cell buzzed. “But you’ve come to the attention of a select few people, Nyx. Whether you wanted that or not, doesn’t matter.” As he turned his back on me, I saw his cell, saw him pause before he hit the green button, then he twisted to look at me over his shoulder and asked, “Want to know if it’s a boy or girl when I find out?”
When I didn’t reply, he smirked at me. “I’ll save you the bother of making a decision now and will text you with the news.” He winked, then with a brogue so dense it was like he’d just stepped off the boat from Ireland, said, “Go with God, my child.”
And if that wasn’t one of the most bizarre conversations I’d had in a good while, then I wasn’t sure what fucking was.
?