Chapter 19 Blade
The air out here smells like smoke and whiskey.
Bonfires burn in old steel tubs scattered across the yard, the heat rolling in waves every time the wind shifts.
Music pounds from somewhere near the clubhouse, a mix of country and hard rock that somehow works.
People laugh, shout, and clink bottles. The alcohol is freely flowing, but I’m not touching it that much.
I keep staring at Olivia, letting her ground herself in my presence—hopefully keeping her fears at bay.
Right now, her hand is tucked into mine.
She’s tense, I can feel it in her grip, but she’s trying.
That’s what gets me about her—she always tries.
We’ve only been twenty minutes or so. Ranger came over at once and I haven’t been able to get away.
I’m not sure why. It’s not like the bastard has ever liked me.
Finally, I tell him we have to go and lead Olivia away.
My gaze zeros in on Bear and Ayita near one of the fires, both holding drinks and watching the chaos like parents at a playground for criminals.
Bear’s face goes blank for a moment, then it breaks into a grin when he spots us.
“Well, look at that. Livy, you look damn good in that club cut.”
Olivia blushes immediately, the pink in her cheeks making my chest ache. “Thank you for getting it for me.”
Ayita’s head turns toward Bear. Her smile is polite, but her eyes… yeah, they’re not. It’s very confusing. She’s supposed to be one of Olivia’s best friends. “That was very thoughtful,” she says, voice cool. “You didn’t mention you were going to get Livy a cut.”
Bear shrugs, casual, but there’s a flicker of guilt behind his eyes. “I wanted our girl to feel comfortable.”
Ayita makes a low, skeptical sound. “Hmm.”
Something passes between them—something tight and heavy—and I can’t tell what the hell it is. I should care, but I’ve got my own storm brewing. They’ll work out whatever is going on. They always do.
I have to concentrate on my own relationship.
I love seeing Livy in the cut, feeling proud that she’s mine and that the club’s got her back…
it also burns. My brother’s name is on that patch, not mine.
Protected by Bear and the Saints Outlaws.
Every time I read it, it’s another reminder that I’m lying to her.
She doesn’t know I’m VP of this club—has no idea that every piece of the casino, the shops, the resort—all of it—traces back to me as much as them.
She can’t know that yet—and it kills me.
I tell myself it’s for her safety and to protect the club.
That’s partly true. I mean, this isn’t just a club thing—it’s a damn lifeline for half the people living in Cherokee’s poverty regions.
Still, the truth is I’ve kept this secret during our whole relationship.
I need to tie her to me before she finds out the truth.
So she won’t leave me forever.
Fuck! It’s a mess, and it’s my load to carry. I look down and find Livy talking with Hangman, her face soft and animated. “…and Dakota’s so beautiful,” she says, smiling. “She did finally put the name on the certificate, right?”
Hangman laughs. “That’s right. They argued, but Sunny won.”
I blink. “Hold up—you know Sunny?”
Livy nods like it’s obvious. “Well, yeah.”
Hangman grins. “Livy and her dad have been to my sister’s house for Thanksgiving dinner.”
“Seriously?” I ask.
“Yeah,” Livy says, smiling. “We do it every year. I’m not going this year though. Dad’s been having a harder time with long days. Wears him down. I offered to host, but with a new baby, that’s a lot to ask.”
Bear lifts his beer. “Ayita and I will come.”
Hangman nods. “I’m in. I can come by your house after I leave Sunny’s.”
A couple other members wander over, and Bear fills them in. Within a minute, they’re all agreeing—my brothers are embracing her. Livy stares at them, wide-eyed, her expression caught somewhere between surprise and awe.
I lean down, close to her ear. “You okay?”
She nods, blinking fast. “Yeah. I just didn’t expect…” She glances at Ayita. “Hey, can we talk?”
Ayita hesitates, her gaze flicking toward Bear, but then she smiles. “Sure.”
I brush a kiss against Livy’s temple before she walks off with Ayita. When I turn back, Bear’s watching them too. “Trouble in paradise?” I ask.
He exhales. “It’ll be okay.”
I raise a brow. “That didn’t sound convincing.”
He ignores that. “I got word that the Judge Executive’s been snooping around, trying to find out who’s behind the corporation building the casino.”
“They won’t find anything,” I say, keeping my tone steady. “Everything filters through two conglomerates and a shell consortium. None of it leads back here. We’re clean.”
Bear nods slowly, thoughtful. “Good. The town will have no idea until we’re ready to open. Once the board of directors are in place—all our elders in the community, along with me and you—we’ll be solid.”
“You ready to be a corporate head?” I ask with a grin.
He smirks. “Actually, I’ve been thinking. You should keep running it for the club. CEO suits you better than it does me. You’re good at this shit. It’s not my thing.”
I frown. “Are you sure? That’s never been the plan, Bear.”
“Hell yeah,” he says. “Club still gets its cut. Still holds controlling shares. You just keep it clean, keep the money flowing, and make sure nobody gets a whiff of what’s under the surface.”
I nod, but there’s something tightening in my chest. “I was hoping we could talk about letting Livy in. She deserves to know.”
Bear scratches his beard, eyes narrowing. “I want to tell you yes, brother, but this thing’s bigger than just us. Not until we’re open and our operation and liquor licenses are locked down. Once all the purchases are finalized—then maybe. Until then, you keep her out of it.”
I grit my teeth, frustrated but understanding. “Fine. What’s the latest on Ghost Town?” I ask about an old amusement park that the club is keen on purchasing.
“Offer’s in. Now we wait. The realtor said there was another offer, so we’ll see, I guess.”
Before either of us can say another word, a flash of movement catches my eye.
Layna. Fuck.
She’s all long legs, short skirt, and trouble, her bleach-blonde hair teased to hell and her top showing more skin than fabric. She squeals my name, and before I can brace, she jumps—literally jumps—into my arms.
“Layna, what the fuck?” I grunt, grabbing her instinctively so I don’t topple backward.
She laughs, nails dragging down my shoulders. “They told me you were back in Cherokee, but I hadn’t seen you. You look different. Love the haircut, baby.”
I step away fast, jaw tight, eyes scanning the crowd for Olivia. I don’t see her yet. I lean in close to Layna’s ear, voice low and sharp. “I’m not back. And you will not talk about me like I’m club. You get me?”
Her grin falters. “So, the rumors are true.”
“What rumors?”
“That you’re trying to go normal. Dating some uptight bitch outside the club.” She tilts her head, mean smile curling her lips. “You really think she can give you what you need? I know exactly how you like to party.”
“Layna,” I warn, “let it go.”
She laughs softly. “Just saying—no one knows how to please you like I do.” Her eyes flick past me and she smirks.
I turn and see Livy walking toward us, expression unreadable.
Layna’s voice turns syrupy sweet. “Is that her?” She slides a hand across my lower stomach.
“Why don’t you ditch her, come party with me and Tickles? We’ll make you feel real good.”
“Am I interrupting?” Livy asks, voice calm but cold.
“No,” I say at the same time Layna snaps, “Yeah, bitch, you are.”
I move to shut it down, but Bear’s faster. He grabs Layna by the throat, his voice a deep growl. “Listen, cunt. You see that cut Livy’s wearing? Did you read the patch?”
Layna chokes, eyes wide. “That doesn’t mean she’s club. She’s not claimed.”
Bear’s grip tightens, his voice low and deadly. “She’s club. She’s mine—my family. If Livy says you’re out, you’re fucking out.”
“Bear.” Livy steps forward, her hand on his arm. “Bear, it’s fine.”
He looks at her, eyes still burning. “You want me to kick her ass out?”
Livy shakes her head. “No. You need to calm down. I’m fine. I trust Blade. He’d tell me if he didn’t want me.”
I slide my arm around her waist, pulling her close, and press a kiss to her temple. “I was just about to tell Layna that I’ve already got the only woman I’ll ever need.”
Livy looks up at me, eyes soft but questioning, a little hurt glinting underneath. She still gives me a small, tight smile. “Let her go, Bear. I’m fine. You don’t need to defend me.”
Bear exhales and drops his hand. “Get,” he growls at Layna.
Layna glares at Livy as she backs away. “Watch yourself, Layna,” I warn her. She flips her hair and disappears into the crowd.
Ayita steps up beside Bear, rubbing her temple. “I have a headache,” she mutters. “I think I need to go home.”
Bear nods. “Yeah, I’m ready to go too.” He looks at Livy. “Sorry about that, Livy. It won’t happen again.”
“It’s nothing,” she says softly. “Honest.”
I touch her arm. “You want to talk to Hangman for a bit, or are you ready to go?”
She hesitates, then shakes her head. “I really want to go. I know we haven’t been here long, though. If you want to stay—”
“Hey.” I tip her chin up. “I’m with you—right by your side.”
Her eyes soften. “Okay. If you’re sure.”
“I’m positive,” I tell her, meaning every word. “I’m going home and loving on my woman.”
“Hey, Bear!”
We all look up and see Ranger standing off to the side. “What’s up?” Bear asks, sounding damn tired.
“I got something I need to talk to you about. It’s important,” Ranger responds.
“Ayi, you head on home. I’ll come after I finish with Ranger.”
“Whatever,” she mutters, clearly not happy.
Olivia shares a concerned look with me, but I shrug.
They have to work it out and they will eventually, I’m sure.
We say our goodbyes. I wrap my arm around Olivia, guiding her out of the firelight toward the car.
Every step, I can feel the tension bleeding off her, the night air cooling her nerves.
I open her door, help her in, then walk around to my side, jaw tight, hands on the wheel.
As I start the engine, I pray that tonight didn’t fuck everything up.