Page 22 of Bullet

At one time, Crush would have walked away from the club and disappeared. But Guard has made it so that Crush and I are family. There’s nothing more important to Crush than being part of a family, and so here we are, going over the books together while he grumbles.

“Why are you adding the bill for Amelia’s place?” he asks.

“Because the club shouldn’t be out the money. I’ll take it out of my account.”

“Hell, no!” Crush replies. “That’s not right.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Did we charge Ava when we replaced the floor in her studio?”

“No, but⁠—”

“Did we expect money from Risk when the pipe burst in the bakery and Hanna panicked?”

“Well, no.”

“Then why should we charge Amelia?” he asks, throwing out a hand.

“They’re old ladies. I haven’t made it official yet. You know the protocol,” I remind him. “First, we call a meeting, then I say my piece, and everyone votes. Haven’t had time to do that, and I’m not going to expect the club to be out because of it.”

“Then I’ll pay for half,” he insists.

“You don’t have to do that.”

He interrupts me. “Yes, I do. She’s the closest I’m going to have to a sister, and I take care of my family.”

“What the hell are you two talking about?” Blade walks in with his woman, Emryn. “Who’s a sister?”

“Bullet is putting up his own money for Amelia’s roof repairs,” Crush tells him. Blade shakes his head.

“It’s only fair,” I explain.

“She’s your old lady,” Blade says.

“Not officially,” I answer.

“Amelia is wonderful. We all love her. She’s already been inducted into the Lady Pride.” Emryn adds, “That must count for something.” She flits her gaze from Blade to me.

“Look, I’m glad that you all like her because she’s special to me, but the Pride has a system, and with so much going on, calling a meeting to make it official that Amelia is my woman doesn’t hit the top of the pile,” I tell them, glancing at my watch. “And I’ve got to head over to the school. I’m picking Amelia up.”

“Don’t bother. Izzy and Saint are bringing her by to save you a trip.” This comes from Ava as she walks into the compound with Guard’s arm around her.

“Good, Ava’s here. We can solve this right now,” Emryn says.

“Not the time,” Blade interjects, giving his girl a warning glance.

“Solve what?” Ava asks.

Emryn purses her lips, clearly contemplating whether to forge ahead or not. Then she blurts out, “Bullet wants to pay for Amelia’s roof because it’s not official that she’s his old lady.” She throws her hands up and turns to her man. “I’m sorry, but this is just silly.”

Guard makes his way over and stops right in front of me. His hand clamps on my shoulder. “Is she it for you?” He stares long and hard into my eyes, then answers his own question. “I can see that she is. Rip up the invoice, brother.”

“The guys need to vote,” I tell him.

“Fine.” Guard shrugs. “We’ll vote. Most of the men are on their way here anyway. The rest we’ll call and get their votes.” The room starts to fill with Pride brothers and their girlfriends and wives. “Quick meeting,” Guard announces. “Keep Amelia busy until we’re done.” He kisses his wife, then goes to the meeting room, calling over his shoulder, “Let’s go, Bullet.”

There’s nothing left to do but to follow our leader. Guard makes the meeting short and sweet.