Two
Shark
“H ey, Pres. Can I get a word?” I catch Ryder coming out of the room he hardly uses any more. I feel my eyebrows lift in question, knowing that there was no party here last night, but I push the thoughts aside. Not my fucking business. I have enough on my own plate, don’t need to meddle in the Pres.’s shit too.
“Yeah, sure. Let me grab a cup of coffee. I’ll meet you at the table in five,” he answers roughly.
I step into the quiet sanctuary and take my seat at the table. I don’t want to leave this. The club has been my life since I was born, and it’s crushing to think about walking away from it all. But I’m on the verge of a breakdown and I need to do something before I snap.
Ryder steps in, a steaming cup of coffee clutched in his grip. He closes the door and takes his seat at the head of the table. He rests the mug on his thigh and rubs his free hand over the dark stubble clinging to his chin. He looks tired.
“Everything alright, boss?” I question, briefly forgetting about my own troubles.
“Rough night, but not your concern. What did you need?” he snaps, getting straight to the point.
“I, uh… Fuck, this is hard to say. I think I need to give up my seat,” I hang my head, feeling physically ill as the words leave my lips.
“What? What the fuck are you talking about? You were bred for this shit,” he says, as if I need the reminder.
“I don’t want to, but my brain… I just feel really fucked up right now,” I share without offering any specifics. But I know he’s going to want details; he won’t let me go without a solid reason.
“A girl?” he questions, already knowing. I guess it’s the one common denominator that fucks with all our brains. Fucking females. I offer a nod in confirmation.
“I’ve never seen you this fucking keyed up when it comes to a chick. What’s the deal?” he asks.
“It’s Jade,” I finally admit. “You know how much time I spent at the Foxx DDen when she was dancing. I can’t get her out of my mind,” I expand.
“Shit, man. That’s fucking rough,” Ryder breathes as his hand runs up over his head, clearly trying to absorb what I’ve just told him. “Okay…okay,” he says as he thinks. “I’ll send you out. You can do some extended time on the road. But there is no way in hell that I’m letting you walk away from the fucking table. Let me make a few calls. It shouldn’t take more than a day or two to figure something out. I’ll let you know. Do you think you can hold it together for a couple more days?”
“Yeah, boss, I’m good. I’ll just keep my distance. Thanks,” I say, offering him my hand as we both stand from the table.
???
“Yeah,” I holler from my bathroom, hearing a knock at my bedroom door. I wrap a large towel around my waist and step out just as the door opens.
“They want you in Vegas if you’re up for it,” Ryder offers, stepping inside. It’s only been a few hours since our conversation, he worked fast.
“Sounds promising. Vegas could be just what I need to get my mind straight,” I grin back. “When do I leave?”
“We’ll have a quick sit-down and share it at the table. Do you want a party before you leave?” he asks.
“Nah, brother. I’m good,” I answer knowing that I need to keep my shit together. Plus, Vegas is bound to be a non-stop party.
“Okay. Then you can leave tonight or tomorrow morning. Your choice,” he says before turning and walking back out.
???
I watch my brothers file in and take their seats as my knee bounces under the table. I know Ryder won’t share that this is at my request, but I still feel shaken leaving my boys. This clubhouse is my home, I grew up here. I can handle a week-long trip here and there, but to be leaving this place and my brothers for what could be months, is a different fucking story.
“I’ll keep this brief,” Ryder announces once all asses are planted in seats. “The Vegas charter just lost Tex. Apparently he decided to start a fight with someone he shouldn’t have. Ray told me that he’s going away for three years. There’s a chance he could get out early, but as it stands, they’re down to one enforcer. They’ve got a couple prospects who look like they could fill the position, but they need a little more hands-on training. Ray needs someone in Vegas to help cover the next few months while they get these boys ready to go,” he explains and I notice a few wide eyes around the table.
“Fifty, I know you’ve been out on a couple runs recently. Plus, I know you just got your girl back, and your mom still needs you around after her accident, so you’re out,” he says before shifting his focus to Billy. “Billy, I see you chomping at bit, but kid, you just aren’t ready. Vegas would eat you alive. Let’s get your dick wet here first and then we’ll see about the future,” Ryder continues and a chuckle goes around the table.
“I’ve already decided, I’m sending Sharky-boy,” he finally announces and all eyes fall on me. “He’ll help out with getting their prospects up to speed, then he’ll be back. Any objections?” he asks. The table stays quiet as all seem to be in agreement with the plan. But I feel my eyebrows raise, noticing a slow grin growing on Army’s face.
“What the fuck is it, Army?” Ryder growls, catching it too.
“Going away party tonight?” he questions hopefully. Ryder doesn’t give an answer, instead he nods in my direction.
“Feel free, brother, but I won’t be here. It’s a long ride to Vegas. I’m gonna hit the road tonight,” I share. After a few goodbyes and a bunch of brotherly jabs, I’m back in my room packing my shit.