Chapter Fifteen Abra
“Max!” Rey explodes. “How can you say that after they’ve rescued me?”
I have to grin at Rey’s defense of me, especially since I know she’s well aware of how my club broke the law to rescue her.
“It’s okay, Rey,” I say, taking her hand and drawing her back to me.
“He’s your brother. He’s only looking out for your best interests.
That’s exactly how I would react if I had a sister.
As for my club,” I say, turning my attention back to Max.
“I’m proud of my club and my brothers. Are we Boy Scouts?
Nope. Do we break the law? Well, I’m not going to be stupid enough to admit to anything to a cop.
However, we like to think we’re the good guys.
We don’t hurt innocent people. Our businesses are legal and clean.
I’d never hurt Rey and more importantly, I’d never let anyone else hurt her, either. ”
“But you don’t deny working outside the law?”
I rub my chin as I consider my response.
I could lie to the man, but I doubt he’d believe me.
So, I go with the truth, up to a point. “The Demon Dawgs have chapters in almost every state. They have a long history, but not necessarily a clean one. I know there are chapters out there that once dealt in trafficking women. It was years ago. When Dante took over as the President for all the Chapters, he cleaned house. His high school girlfriend was a victim. When he learned of this, he made it clear to every Chapter that he wouldn’t tolerate anyone wearing a Demon Dawg kutte to be involved in human trafficking.
He’s working hard to clean up the clubs.
The NOLA Chapter is new. Hex started it only a few years ago, and he started it clean.
He has two sisters of his own, so he made it clear from the beginning that our club would not hurt innocents. ”
Max studies me for several minutes before sighing in defeat. “I know the reputation of the club in NOLA. I know Hex’s mother, Delphine, and that she’s with one of your club brothers. It’s just, Rey is my sister.”
“And you’re protective of her. I get it.”
Max does something that raises him in my estimation. He turns to Rey and asks her what she wants. “Do you trust him?”
She doesn’t look in my direction when she nods. “I do. What’s more, I trust all of the Demon Dawgs. They’ve made me feel welcome, and they’ve gone out of their way to help me. Honestly, I’ll feel safer at a crowded clubhouse than alone in your condo.”
Max nods before holding out his hand to me until I grip and give it a shake. “Take care of my baby sister. If you need backup, just call me.”
“Will do. If you need any help from us, let me know. We can assist with surveillance, research, or any other needs you may have. Our tech guy is one of the best.”
“I’ll keep it in mind. Are you headed back to the clubhouse now?”
I shake my head. “Shopping first, then I want to take Rey out to dinner. We’ll be at the clubhouse in a few hours.”
When we’re downstairs, I lead her to my bike, but she pulls back. “I should follow you in my car.”
I glance over to where the police have cordoned off several parking spaces while they and the medical examiner work. Rey’s car sits in the center of the activity.
“I think your car is part of the crime scene,” I remind her. “We’ll take my bike and get your car later. How does that sound? Where would you like to go?”
“We can just go to Target. Let me go ask them how long it will be before I can reclaim my car,” Rey says, walking toward the officer watching over the scene.
I pull out my phone and call Hex. I fill him in on what happened at Rey’s apartment and ask him to have Pirate research Dontel. “Max may call for assistance, but I doubt it. However, if we could find Dontel…”
“We can make him vanish. The world would be a better place without a bastard who thinks it is okay to hit women,” Hex assures me. “Are you headed back here?”
“I want to take Rey shopping and out to dinner. Figure she could use some cheering up. What’s that boutique Cleo and Delphine rave about?”
Hex chuckles and gives me the name and the address. “I’ll send Levi with the SUV. If Rey is anything like my woman and my mother, she’s going to go nuts and find a million things to buy.”
“Good. I want her to. Thanks, man.”
I end the call to watch Rey striding back.
She holds out her hand for the helmet, but I slip it over her head and fasten it under her chin.
Once we’re on the road, Rey taps on my leg when we pass by Target.
I grab her hand and return it to my stomach before patting her hand.
She tenses when I pull up next to the club SUV outside the boutique.
Grabbing Rey’s hand, I help her off the bike.
She reluctantly dismounts before ripping the helmet off her head.
“What are we doing here? I can’t afford to shop here. I thought we were going to Target.”
“I wanted to treat you. This is where Cleo and Delphine shop. I thought you might enjoy having some fun. It beats the hell out of Target.”
“But I can’t afford…” she starts, but I lay my finger against her lips.
“This is my treat. I figure I owe you for the crap Erickson pulled.” I gesture toward the door. “Shall we?”
“You don’t owe me…” she starts, but I shake my head.
“Please?”
Rey reluctantly passes me and heads for the store. I rush to open the door for her. Inside, a young woman in her early twenties greets us with a broad smile. She’s dressed as if she’s going for an interview in a purple pencil skirt and a lavender sleeveless silk blouse.
“Good afternoon, Ms. Montague. I understand you’re looking for several pieces of casual wear. My name is Celeste, and I’m here to help you find whatever you need. How about we start with jeans?”
Celeste gestures toward the display of jeans. As Rey moves in that direction, I stop Celeste.
“She’s going to be stubborn and won’t want to buy very much. I want to spoil her. If she shows an interest in anything, grab it in her size. Can you do that?”
Celeste grins at me. “Don’t worry, I understand what you want. Cleo filled me in.”
Knowing Rey is in good hands, I step outside to shoot the breeze with Levi. I also look up the address of the nearest salon that specializes in African American hair.
Two hours later, the door opens, and Celeste peeks out. “Rey is in the dressing room getting dressed in one of the outfits. She believes it is the only one you’re buying. I have everything ready.”
Grinning, I step inside and follow Celeste to the counter, where two other impeccably dressed women are folding clothes and placing them in bags.
Celeste finishes tallying the total just as Rey steps out of the fitting room.
Her mouth drops open when she sees Levi gather the numerous bags before retreating outside.
“What did you do?”
“I bought you clothes. Now, we have one more stop to make and then I’m taking you out to dinner,” I say, leaning over to kiss her cheek.
“By the way, you look fucking amazing in that outfit,” I whisper into her ear.
She’s dressed in a pair of black jeans with a dark red shirt.
She’s classy, gorgeous, and altogether much too fuckable.
Levi’s gone by the time we exit the shop.
Celeste is careful not to say the total out loud so Rey can't hear it. I have a feeling she’d melt down if she knew how many zeroes were in the total.
But she’s worth it. We make a quick stop at the salon.
The appreciative look she sends me has me grinning all the way to the restaurant.