Chapter Five #3
Her even breathing told me she hadn’t woken.
I smiled, loving the fact she called for me in her sleep.
Whatever it took, I would slay her dragons.
Usually. In this case, the ball was in her brother’s court.
Unless those assholes tracked her here. If they even tried to take her from me, I’d gut every last fucking one of them.
Didn’t matter if I died in the process. I’d do anything for Dakota.
I kissed her forehead and tried to think of ways to keep her occupied, for however long it took for Specter to resolve his fuckup with the Cartel.
I could tell she was going stir-crazy already, needing to leave the house.
Even though my house wasn’t near the fence line, it didn’t mean someone couldn’t hide in the surrounding woods and spot her with some high-powered binoculars or through a sniper’s scope.
I’d stay with her every second of the day if I could. If the club knew about her, some of the old ladies would take turns visiting. Then they’d be in as much danger as Dakota. I couldn’t risk it.
My phone chimed, and I checked it. Wire had sent something. I clicked on it and smiled at what I saw.
No one has any fucking clue who you really are. Even the club doesn’t know your true last name. What the fuck?
There was a reason I’d assumed another identity long ago.
Another lifetime, for that matter. It wasn’t something I’d been very proud of, and I’d hoped it stayed buried.
Looked like Wire had found out the truth about me.
Should have known. Eventually, one of the hackers was bound to stumble across it.
What are you getting at? I asked. I saw the little dots and knew he would respond in a moment.
If someone dug enough, they’d hear the President of the Devil’s Boneyard was Halden Roberts.
Even though you keep that name pretty hidden.
It’s on your legal documents, which I’m guessing no one ever sees except the DMV, Vital Records Office, or IRS.
No one would look at the Devil’s Boneyard for Romeo Halden Strayer.
I cracked my neck. I hadn’t even seen that name written out in forever. No one had known me as Romeo in over three decades. Again, what’s your point?
The eye roll emoji was nearly enough to have me roll mine for real. What was it with everyone and those damn emojis? I sent some back to one of my brothers once, to see if I could annoy the shit out of him as much as it did to me. Hadn’t worked.
Dakota Angelique Masters married one Romeo Halden Strayer today… in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Was he for fucking real? I might not have ever been told my woman’s full name, which in hindsight might seem a little fucked to some people, but I knew he meant the woman lying in my bed.
What the fuck? There’s a reason that name was buried!
The phone rang, and I answered quickly, not wanting Dakota to wake up. My pregnant wife, thanks to Wire.
“Why aren’t you using your connections to keep her safe?” he asked.
“Because I don’t have them anymore. I left that world first chance I got. Granted, this one is just as fucked up sometimes.”
“Your father was a ranking member of the Bratva based in Los Angeles. You don’t think that could be handy?” Wire asked.
“Look. If Stripes found out who my family was, he’d lose his shit.
My dad isn’t a nice man. Assuming someone didn’t take his ass out.
Even if they hadn’t, he’d be in his eighties by now.
I haven’t seen him or spoken to him since I was seventeen.
I left. Changed my name and as much of my appearance as I could, and I have never looked back. ”
“Your woman deserves to have your true name, and it’s only my two cents worth, but I think you need to stop hiding who you are.
You’re not only the president of your club, but your Bratva ties could keep the wolves from your door.
Not just this time, either. It could be a permanent solution to giving your club a bit of peace in the years to come. ”
I sighed and closed my eyes for a moment. “I know you mean well, but no good would come of me doing that. Romeo Halden Strayer needs to stay dead and buried. Besides, I’m sure my father had plenty of enemies who’d love to take a shot at me.”
“Too late, seeing as how he got married in Vegas today. I’ll keep watch.
If anyone goes looking, I’ll find out why.
Worst case, your father’s people search for you.
Best case, the people after Dakota were sent on a wild goose chase to the other side of the country.
” Wire went silent a moment. “And you need to talk to Stripes and the rest of your club. They should know the truth. Your entire life right now is built on a lie. Eventually, the wall you built will crumble. You’ll need their support if that happens, but it would be smarter to rip the fucking wall down on your own. ”
I couldn’t exactly refute his logic. I’d hoped the truth would stay buried, along with Romeo Halden Strayer. Looked like I was wrong, seeing as how Wire just resurrected me.
“Fair enough.” I looked at Dakota. “Thanks, Wire. I wanted to make her my wife, but I didn’t dare with everything going on. I didn’t want to lead anyone to her.”
“I’ll keep you posted. For what it’s worth, I understand why you cut your ties.
I also know that you’d do anything for your woman and kid, like I would for mine.
Keep that in mind when it comes to possibly taking back your identity.
It might not be as bad as you think. And as for Stripes, he hasn’t lived in Russia in a long-ass time.
I don’t think this will be as big an issue for him. ”
I thanked him again and ended the call. If I’d thought I might sleep at some point, I’d been wrong.
With all the new information, and even more worries, circling my mind, there was no fucking way I’d fall asleep.
I decided to brew a pot of coffee and figure shit out.
I’d already told Scratch to call Church at noon. I needed a solid plan in place by then.