Page 85 of Property of Rattler

Saint raises his hand. “So, she gets nothing. I suggest we come to an arrangement with her. When she comes into her inheritance, she pays the club. But let her off the hook with regard to staying married to Rat.”

“I fuckin’ want her to stay married to me,” I shout.

They ignore me.

“What about ongoing protection?” Tempest asks.

I go to speak, Bullseye shoots me a glare. “Let’s hold off on that discussion until I’ve spoken to the Pakhan.”

This time he can’t shut me up. “I’m her husband. I’ll provide protection. With or without the club.”

Saint just raises a brow. Okay, so I haven’t done a great job of it up to now. Doesn’t mean I won’t be able to in the future. Then I rerun my own words back through in my head.Am I really proposing to leave the club?I stare down at my hands, eyeing the gap where a finger used to be.Could I put loyalty to her above my brothers?The only answer I can come up with is I hope it doesn’t come to that.

I realise Words is trying to get my attention. When I look at him, he asks, “Does she want to stay married to you?”

I go to open my mouth, but Bullseye gets in first, “It would appear that she does.” He sighs. “Rat, she’s young, she’s got her whole life ahead of her. If the Pakhan agrees, she’s free to do whatever she wants. She should make that choice.”

“I…”

He cuts me off and repeats, “She gets a choice, Rat. And maybe even you should take a step back.” His hand raises to stop my anticipated protest. “You’ve got to admit you were forced into close proximity with her, with no one to depend on except each other—and that’s down to me, I admit it. Then, came a shitload of all fucked up. Emotions run high in situations like that.” He brushes his hands back through his hair. “Maybe you both need time to decide whether a committed relationship is really what you both want. And,” his eyes sharpen like knives as they focus on me, “if you’re still of the same mind, but she chooses annulment, divorcing your ass or whatever it takes, you fuckin’ let her.” I sit with my mouth open like a landed fish.

“No need to get a judge involved. I can just wipe the county clerk’s records, the marriage will never have existed,” Genie offers.

“Just get her ring back. Club bought that.” Of course, that’s from Stalker.

I’m getting angrier by the minute. Forgetting my injuries, I, again, attempt to stand, then my legs give way beneath me, and I collapse headfirst onto the table.

“Easy, Bro,” Short pulls me up and gets the chair re-situated under me.

My grand gesture gone nowhere, all I can do is cry out, “I don’t want to let her go. Why is no one listening to me?” I get twelve pairs of eyes staring at me.

Tempest shrugs and lets out a sigh. “Because you’re an asshole. And you’ve mocked those with ol’ ladies repeatedly. How can we believe the change of heart?”

Surprisingly, it’s Freak who extends an olive branch. “What if we give you a chance, Rat? See where her head’s at now Stone’s no longer a problem, and once, if we can, we’ve got the Russian off her back. If she wants to stay with you, then bring it back to the table. We’ll vote then on making her your ol’ lady.”

I’d rather we take the vote now, as I know what her answer will be. She wants our marriage to be real. As do I. I’m certain no amount of time or soul-searching is going to change that. She’s the first person to really care for me. She sees me. I know in my gut this is real.

“You’ll speak to the Pakhan soon?” I almost plead when I address the prez.

His features have softened as his eyes meet mine. “I will, Bro. And when it’s all settled, if you’re still of the same mind, we’ll take the vote.” He sits back in his chair. “Moving on, I’ve one other point of business. I propose we patch Knight in. He’s done his fuckin’ time and has proved his loyalty.” Correctly reading the room, that there’s going to be no objection, he goes straight to calling for a formal vote.

I try to be interested, but I’m still seething they’re not taking my relationship with Ames seriously. I thought I’d leave this meeting able to make her my old lady now.

Around me they’re all calling out ayes. I give an off-handed nod when they get around to me.

When it’s decided, Words leaves the room to call the prospect in. It makes me recall when seven years ago, it was me standing, quaking, at the end of the table. Not knowing why I’d been summoned into church.

I’d been a different person when prospecting, eager to please, and willing to do anything to join this family of men. Then, when I got my patch, as Ames had observed, like an errant child, I’d pushed at the boundaries. My just desserts had been doled out tonight, when nobody seems able to believe I’m serious about Ames.

Knight enters. Just like I had when it was my time, he waits at the end of the table, his feet apart, hands behind his back. His expression stoic, waiting to be berated for any perceived failing. Possibly even worrying he’s going to be kicked out.

Bullseye fixes his glare on him. “You criticised my age yesterday, Prospect.”

“I’m sorry.” His face has blanched.

“Is that all you’ve got to say for yourself, Prospect?” Tempest barks.

I wasn’t sure that Knight could pale further, but he does. “I thought I was a better option. I’m sorry I have no excuse.”