Page 37 of Tico

“She’s as good as dead if she goes back to them since they think her cover is blown.”

“I know, which is why she isn’t going back to them.”

Chapter 20

Tico

BothEmberandRochellelook up at me in shock.

“After the fights, you’re coming back with us. I’ve made arrangements for someone to go and get some supplies for you, Rochelle. We’ll keep you hidden and safe until this all blows over. Then, you can go wherever you want. Or you can stay.”

Ember opens her mouth to say something but then my phone rings, interrupting her. Pulling out my phone, I see that it’s Wire and my gut twists. “I’m gonna step out and take this,” I saybefore leaning down and kissing Ember’s forehead. “Be back in a few.”

She nods and as I turn, I catch the soft smile on Rochelle’s face at the gesture.

Out in the hall, I answer.

“Talk to me.”

“The three of them are there. They’re not wearing their colors and are trying to blend in. Right now, they’re in the northwest corner as they watch the fights. Bug has caused some problems with the waitresses and is apparently trying to get into their pants from what the bar manager told me. The waitresses have all ignored their advances so far. Hopefully they won’t try to pull any other shit tonight. The bouncers have been warned and are keeping an eye on them. Most of our guys are in their usual spots but a few are fanned out amongst the crowd. Scooter and Drone have been watching our guys closely.”

“Is it just those three or did they bring others?”

“There are four others with them, also not wearing colors. I asked Pyper the names of the other members to double-check what my system brought up. She confirmed who they were. Stitch, their medic, real name Brian Cross. Crank, their secretary, real name Roger Wright. Rover, their road captain, real name James Davidson. And lastly… this one surprised me. Wrench, their cleaner, real name Marcus Diederich. Daemon’s uncle. I don’t know if they have any other people hiding outside out of camera reach or that are still at the hotel. Pyper gave me the names of the rest of the club, which matches what I found, so my system should let me know who all is here. Another problem is, I don’t know if they have any Oasis guys with them or not.”

“Chingar(Fuck),”I curse under my breath. I pause, weighing the options.“Let me know when you find out more. Keep aneye on the ones here for the fight and let me know if they try anything.”

“Will do, Prez.”

I hang up and stare down the hall as my mind races.

Why did Daemon’s uncle tag along?

From what Daemon told me about him, he hates everything that’s happened since Scooter killed Daemon’s parents. That he wanted out but never saw a way out. As for the women, his wife is among the best treated in the club and he never brings her to club events as a way to keep her safe.

So, is he here willingly? Or was he forced to come?

And what will Daemon do when he finds out he’s here?

The door behind me opens and I turn. Ember steps out and I can tell she’s shaken from everything Rochelle told her but I’m almost positive she won’t let herself break down. Not yet at least. I check the time and realize more time has passed than I previously thought.

Ember steps forward and it’s written all over her face and posture that she’s at war with herself. Taking a chance, I pull her into my arms. At first her body remains stiff as a board with tension but after a few seconds, her body relaxes.

“I don’t know if I’m going to survive this,” she whispers. “If they get their hands on my sister and me…”

Her voice trails off and I tighten my arms around her. Her shoulders tremble slightly, but I just hold her.

After a few moments, I pull back slightly and grip her chin, making her look up at me. “Vicious, you are one of the strongest women I know.”

She opens her mouth, most likely to say otherwise, and I shake my head.

“You are. Yes, we just met today but don’t forget that Daemon told us how the Chrome Vipers operate and how they and Oasis treat women.”

Ember stiffens slightly in my arms at the mention of them. Her eyes widen in worry and I know where her mind went. I release her chin to caress her cheek.

“Only Taco and I know the full details; the others just know the basics. But you can bet your luscious ass that none of us are going to judge you for surviving in that fucking hell hole all those years. And I’m sure the conditions worsened after Daemon left.”

Ember hesitates but gives a small nod. “Yeah, they did,” she whispers.