Page 53 of Twisted Fate

“I hear talk, you know?”

“About?” He hummed, my eyes narrowing with annoyance.

“That there’s another crew in town.”

His gaze snapped to mine instantly, his hands tightening on the wheel until his knuckles turned white.

That was my question answered about whether they were friendly or not.

“Where the fuck did you hear that?”

“Around,” I replied in a bored tone, continuing to watch him as anger crossed his face.

“Damnit, Donovan….,” he bit out, and I finally sighed, deciding to just tell him.

“Claire heard about it and mentioned it to me. I think she was worried because I hang around you guys, and if shit goes down…”

“Obviously you aren’t listening to her advice then?” He asked dryly, making me snort.

“She didn’t give me advice, but it’s common knowledge that I’m close to the crew and I’m dating your right-hand man. I’m a target regardless, so I may as well be in the middle of it. I don’t feel like being kidnapped in my damn sleep or anything, so I’m safer around you guys than I am if I stay away.”

His face softened as he glanced over at me while continuing to drive along the old road.

“You know we’d keep you safe, even if you did hide out for a while, right? The guys would kill anyone who tries to hurt you.”

“I know, and I’ll kill anyone who tries to hurt you guys too,” I replied, smiling slightly as he parked near the shed and some of the guys wandered out to greet us.

I always felt at home there, despite no one really wanting me there.

I’d never become friends with anyone, but they’d say hi and seemed friendly enough.

Slash led me inside, sauntering straight to the bar in the corner and getting us both a beer.

I leaned against the bar and downed half my drink before glancing around.

“So, you going to tell me about this other crew that I know you already knew about?”

He looked pissed off with me, but his voice was gentle.

“The Devil’s Armada crew have been in and out of town for years. We are usually at peace, but last time they rolled through, bullets flew between us. They have no reason to be here and they didn’t tell us they were coming, so it can’t be good. Skeet’s on edge, as you’ll notice. He hasn’t told you anything about them yet?”

“Should he have?” I frowned, but he shook his head, despite appearing surprised.

“No, but he seems to open up to you, so I wasn’t sure if he’d brought it up. Skeet’s childhood best friend runs the Devils, and obviously after last time they were here, it didn’t end well. He was like a brother to Skeet, so ignore his mood for a while, yeah? He doesn’t mean to be a prick.”

“He’s never mentioned anyone else that he was ever close to outside of the crew,” I stated, a conflicted expression taking over his face.

“Don’t blame him for it, babe. Hunter and Skeet grew up together. Hunter’s older brother ran the Devils his whole life, so when he died, Hunter thought it was best that he took it over. Skeet was already with us by that point, but they didn’t let it affect their friendship.”

“So, what happened?”

He sipped his beer and handed me a cigarette, lighting one for himself before speaking.

“The usual. The Devils wanted a leader that wasn’t half in another crew. Hunter chose his own crew, and when the bullets flew between us, he walked away when Skeet was shot. Skeet’s just pissed off at himself for not being able to let go of Hunter. Be careful about the subject, okay? He doesn’t like talking about it, so probably don’t ask him questions.”

I nodded, finishing my cigarette in silence as Slash spoke to some of his crew, but one guy turned to me and gave me a nod of respect, his hazel eyes watching me through his short light brown hair as the fringe covered his eyes slightly.

He was slim, but he appeared to be well toned as I took in the tattoos on his biceps.