Chapter 6
SIX
SNIPER
She pushes my buttons and I need her out of my head.
I pull up outside the security office at seven-thirty AM, climbing off my bike a bit slower than I normally do. I’m stiff from crawling around the attic space of the bar last night searching for that godforsaken journal. I’m getting too old for this shit, but it has to be done. Kaleb was on guard duty until Bowie showed up, and while I planned on leaving at two, I ended up staying until four. Meaning I’m only running on a few hours of sleep, but after so many years of going days without any sleep, I’m used to it.
Not that it makes my mood any better. Especially since I spent the few hours of sleep I did get tossing and turning, thinking about one particular smartass blonde.
I scowl when the heated images from my dreams fill my mind and my cock hardens in response. Fuck, I don’t need this right now. And I should definitely not be getting turned on at the thought of a woman who is most certainly off-limits. Not just because she’s the sister of our newest Prospect and soon-to-be new employee. I’m far too old for her, and I have no business thinking of her that way. Especially not when I know that if I so much as hinted about such a thing she’d probably gut me. Or put a bullet between my eyes, depending on the weapon she has closest.
And still, the image of her blue eyes staring up at me as she sucked down my cock from my dream won’t go the fuck away. A perfect way to shut up that smartass mouth, but one that will never happen.
Get a grip!
I stride inside, knowing that Shadow and possibly Crypt will already be here. The two of them are early birds, and so apparently, are Quinn and Macy since I’m sure they’ll both be here too for a bit before Shadow takes them to work and school.
When I walk in, Eric is already sitting at his desk, and he lifts his coffee cup in greeting before he looks back at the screen in front of him. “Athena Sutton will be here this morning with Theo,” I tell him briskly, gaining his attention.
He looks at me in surprise. “She agreed? Wow. I was sure she was going to decline. She’s stubborn like that.”
“She’ll be here,” I say simply. “Make sure you have everything ready for her.” Then I head back toward Shadow’s office. Technically I have no say in this business, or who they hire, but in this instance, I don’t give a damn.
When I reach Shadow’s office, I can’t help but smile when I hear a mutinous little voice say, “Daddy, you can’t tell me I can’t teach my little brothers or sisters how to trick people. It’s a val-un-able skill. Nana Rose says you never know when you’re going to have to teach a snot-nosed boy they’re not as smart as they think they are.”
I look in to see Macy, newly six, glaring at her father, hands on her little hips, and a stubborn look on her adorable face. She’s the spitting image of her mother, who is sitting on the couch in the corner of the room trying to hide her grin, other than her blonde hair, compared to her mother’s copper. Green eyes are narrowed on a scowling Shadow, who is sitting beside his Old Lady on the couch looking like he wants to lock her up until she’s thirty. “I think you’re spending too much time with Nana Rose,” Shadow tells her with strained patience.
“No, I’m not,” Macy says firmly. “All little girls need their grandparents. That’s who gets to teach us all the stuff our parents won’t and make sure we become strong women. That’s what Grandma said and you can’t go against Grandma. There are rules about that.”
Shadow looks at Quinn, whose face is bright red as she tries to contain her laughter. “I’m still saying boarding school is an option,” he tells her exasperatedly.
“I’m not going to a school made out of boards, Daddy,” Macy informs him with a stomp of her foot. “That’s dangerous and I like my school. We’re going to be painting today, and you know that’s my favorite thing ever.”
I can’t help it and let out a laugh. Shadow’s gaze turns to me and glares. “Don’t worry, honey, you won’t have to worry about that,” I assure Macy, who turns and gives me her biggest smile. “And I want a picture this time. Everyone always gets them first, but this time I want my turn.” I step into the room and reach down to scoop her up.
She gives me a sunny smile, and I already know what’s coming. “Uncle Sniper, I already promised Uncle Timber I would make him one and he gave me ten dollars to use at school today. But I could probably do one up for you too if I have time.”
“Macy,” Quinn warns, though we all know it’s futile.
“How about twenty dollars, and I’ll throw in some ice cream the next time you’re at the clubhouse?” I bargain, knowing full well I’m being swindled. But none of us will ever say no to this little girl, and we all know it. Including her parents.
“Deal,” Macy says, holding out her hand. I laugh, set her on her feet and pull out my wallet. She takes the bill and puts it into her little jean pocket before turning and walking over to her father’s desk and climbing up into the chair to resume whatever drawing she’s currently working on.
Quinn sighs. “Just think, we could have two more of her coming,” she says to Shadow. Shadow looks both thrilled and terrified.
Instead of answering her directly, he looks at me and asks, “You need me?” I nod, smirking knowingly at him. “I’ll be right back,” he tells Quinn and Macy. Quinn gives him a knowing look and then blushes when he kisses her before getting to his feet. Quinn’s still a shy one but she’s also starting to come out of her shell the more she’s around us. Macy doesn’t even look our way, humming to herself as she colors.
We step outside the room, walking far enough away there’s no chance of Quinn or Macy hearing us. “I’m screwed, brother,” Shadow groans, scrubbing his hands over his face. “I’ll be bailing all three of them out of jail by the time Macy is a teenager and they’re seven, mark my words.”
I chuckle. “Trade in their college funds for bail funds. You might be able to afford to get them out one time by then.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” he mutters. “Now, what’s up?”
“Athena Sutton will be starting this morning,” I tell him. “I already let Eric know.”
Shadow’s brow arches at that. “And you know that how?”
“I paid her a visit and told her to be here.”
Shadow doesn’t say anything for a moment. Then he groans. “Sniper, you seriously are an asshole, you know that? You can’t order a woman to work for us. And the last thing I need is a pissed-off woman on my hands.”
“The only person she’ll be pissed at is me. And yes, she was very clear on what she thinks of me last night when I went to her apartment. Unlucky for her, she didn’t learn anything from the first time we met and she pushed just the right buttons. So now we have the additional person we need, and she’s got a smart head on her shoulders and the skills you’ll be able to use.”
Shadow shakes his head. “And all of that is no good if she shows up just to spite you and then quits.”
“She won’t quit,” I say confidently. No, Athena Sutton would never quit and prove me right. It’s the exact thing I’m banking on. “Now, I have shit I need to do today, but if you have time, meet me at the bar, and we’ll go through some of the back room. That will take two people to move some of the larger things around.”
Shadow nods. “Fine. I need to pick Macy up at school at three and Quinn at four, so it’ll have to be before that.”
“Plan for around noon then. Any issues that you heard of from around here last night?”
“No, Hulk said that everything was quiet.” He frowns. “And that’s what worries me. I already heard from Bowie and Frost that all the businesses are quiet. After the bar shootout, you would think they would want to strike again just to see what we’ll do again.”
“I looked into Nikolai based on Cryos’s information, and he’s methodical. He’ll know that’s exactly what we expect him to do and he won’t want to play into our hands. He’s going to be watching us and planning.” If I was in his shoes, that’s exactly what I would do, and considering the sniper training Nikolai’s record boasts, along with some of the other things he’s done, he and I are far more alike than I’d like to consider. But I also recognize the value in that. After all, the best way to beat someone is to know what they’re thinking or how they’ll respond.
“Then we better make sure there’s nothing for him to see. Alright, I’ll be there at noon. Hulk can cover there tonight, and I’ll be here.”
I arch a brow at that. “I can cover here if you need to be at home with your woman and daughter, Shadow.”
“I know, but Quinn wants a quiet night, and Macy has gymnastics tonight, which will tire her out. I’m going to put Bowie or Frost on them tonight once they go to sleep.”
I nod. “If you’re sure, but let me know if you need me here. Being able to come and go as I please is why I stay single.”
“And here I thought it was because no woman would put up with your crankiness,” Thea says sarcastically from behind me. I turn to look at her, where she and Theo stand a few feet away. Theo manages to keep his face neutral, but his eyes give him away. The laughter is clear. I shoot him a hard look, but he doesn’t so much as twitch in reaction. Before I can retort, she cuts her gaze to Shadow and says, “Apparently your VP thinks he can order civilians around now. So here I am, but only on a trial basis. I’ll agree to give the job two weeks to see if it’s a good fit. If not, I’m done, no harm, no foul, and no bad blood. Agreed?” Her tone is clear she’s not going to budge, and I’m almost proud of her.
Almost. Mostly I’m irked at her little jab, but I push it aside as I watch her interact with Shadow. Just as I figured, she’s here, early, and ready to work, all to prove me wrong.
“That’s fine,” Shadow agrees. “I appreciate you willing to give it a chance. We have some paperwork for you both to fill out and then we’ll get you started on your first tasks.”
“Alright,” Thea says agreeably. “But I’m going to need a moment to speak with your VP.”
I’m almost surprised but not quite. Shadow glances at me, then nods. “Alright.”
Thea nods and stalks toward the front door, not even glancing back at me. I follow her out, ignoring Theo who frowns slightly but doesn’t say anything as he follows Shadow to his new desk. I’ll give it to the guy, he’s got a lot of faith in his sister. I see Eric’s surprised look, followed by a look of sympathy, though I’m not sure if that’s aimed at me or Thea.
When we step outside the building, Thea continues walking until we’re next to my bike. I’m not sure what to make of that, but I merely cross my arms over my chest and look at her expectantly. The blue of her eyes is icy and her lips are pressed into a thin line as she stares up at me, her stance rigid and her hands clenched into fists at her side. It’s the first time I’ve really seen her this riled up. Even the first time I was an asshole to her, she wasn’t as expressive of her emotions.
“Let’s get one thing straight, Sniper,” she tells me in a voice so frigid I’m surprised I’m not covered in ice. “I’m here because I won’t jeopardize my brother’s chances with your MC or his job here. And that means for now I’m going to play nice, but that courtesy doesn’t extend to you. You are in no way my boss here, and you’re not going to pull rank on me again. Ever. Because as far as I’m concerned, the two of us are on even ground, and I’m no longer the green officer under your command. And the next time you speak to me the way you did last night, it’ll be me showing you just how creative I can be. Are we clear?” Her final words are sharp, almost as if she thinks she has the authority to speak down to me.
This woman is something else. I can almost respect it even, but she has no idea about the man she’s poking right now. I’m not like my brothers. They’ve all been through plenty, seen many things, but the shit I’ve done, that I’ve gone through, makes me their worst nightmare, and they know it. Soon enough, Thea will too.
I step in closer to her, leaning down so that my voice is low, my words clear so there is no chance she’ll mishear me. “That is where you are very much mistaken, Thea,” I inform her darkly. “Because you and I will never be on the same ground. You have no power here. This isn’t the Forces, and we’re an MC that plays by its own rules. Women here, you have no say in club decisions, no say in business decisions. And considering where you are working is a club business, and I’m VP of the club, that does make me your boss. As for threatening me, I wouldn’t be so foolish as to try it, Thea. Like you said, your brother’s future with the club, with this job, stakes on it. So I would think long and hard if you want to go toe to toe with me.”
Her face flushes with her fury, but her iron will keeps her in place instead of lashing out. “You think I care about your MC? You’re wrong. And you don’t think I don’t know why you said what you did last night? Trying to push me into a corner to pick at me to do what you want? Just like before? You might have gotten older, Sniper, but wiser isn’t something you’ve picked up on, clearly. As for Theo, he’s a big boy and can handle himself, but he won’t stick around your MC if you mess with me. You need him more than me. I am not a scared girl anymore, Sniper, and you better remember it. Now, I’m someone who battled her way to her position, overtaking men who wanted to see me fail. Just like you want to try and do now.” She steps closer, our bodies almost brushing, and the scent of her shampoo and soap fills my senses. It’s a heady mixture of lavender and something else floral I can’t quite place and it’s enough to almost distract me. “And you will not win,” she tells me fiercely. “No matter how hard you push me.”
It’s taking all of my self-control not to reach out and grab her. To release that tight bun she has her hair pulled into, bury my hand in the strands and hold her in place. A part of me wants to shut up that mouth in a pleasurable way, the images from my dreams battling in my head, while another part of me wants to wrap my hand around her throat and strangle it.
Instead, I lower my face a bit more until we’re almost eye to eye. “Then I suggest you stay out of my way and I’ll stay out of yours. Because you don’t want to push me, little girl. You won’t like the consequences.”
“I’m thirty-fucking-two, old man.” She sneers at me. “Far from a kid. And this woman can put you on your ass faster than you’d be able to react. Consider yourself lucky I don’t because I don’t want to hear you whine if you break a hip.”
“Anytime you want to try, you let me know, sugar ,” I taunt her, pulling away. “Maybe you might learn a few things too. And don’t worry about my hips. Every part of me is in top shape. I’d be more worried you’d cry when you break a nail. Or was it not you who cried as she climbed that wall, ready to quit because it got too tough?”
She steps back, her face shuttering into a cold mask. “Fuck you, Sniper. You don’t know shit about what happened that day or why I was crying. And just like then, you don’t care, and I honestly have no point in enlightening you to just how wrong you are. And I’m done with this conversation. So you can take your tightwad ass and get the hell out of here so I can start my job.” Then she turns and stalks back toward the door.
“I didn’t say you could go, Sutton,” I snap at her, not ready to be done with this discussion. She’s not about to drop that kind of bomb and walk away.
“Then it’s a good thing I don’t answer to you, isn’t it?” she tosses back over her shoulder as she reaches the door before wrenching it open and stalking inside.
I stare after her, fuming but also curious. Damn her. I don’t need to be curious about her. What I need to do is forget about her, leave her to Shadow and Viper. I curse her under my breath as I climb onto my bike, pulling out in a burst of speed.
I don’t stop until I get to the clubhouse, my anger over the whole thing bubbling hotter in my gut. I stalk inside, the few brothers milling around quickly moving out of my way as I head for Cryos’s computer room. I bark, “I want everything you can get on Athena Sutton. Right down to all the shit from her military records.”
Cryos stares at me in shock, his hands hovering over his keyboard, frozen. “Ah, sure, okay,” he gets out. “Any particular reason?”
My glare is dark and he winces slightly. “Just get it done,” I bark, before I turn and stalk out. I’m being an asshole, but I don’t care. I don’t need everyone to know my business, and Athena Sutton certainly is under my skin. All within twenty-four hours.
I turn back around, see Milk walking into the common room and bark, “Get your ass on your bike and let’s go.” Then I head back for the front door. I don’t even look toward Rose when she comes out of the kitchen, her brow arching in question when she sees me. I don’t have time for what I’m sure are going to be endless questions. And if I snap at her, Bullet will have my ass, and I don’t need that problem either.
Milk follows me out, straddling his bike without a word, though his eyes are cautious and his face slightly pale. I should probably feel some kind of guilt for that, but I can’t manage it right now. He’s the youngest of the patched brothers, and he and Twigs prospected and got patched in at the same time. He still looks like a kid, with his dirty blonde hair that he wears slicked back with far too much gel, bright green eyes, and boyish smile.
“Where are we going?” Milk asks carefully before starting up his bike.
“The bar,” I clip out, revving up my own and then heading down the driveway. Milk follows, and we head for the bar.
I have shit to do, and the sooner I get to it, the sooner I can put Thea out of my head. And that’s where she needs to stay.