Page 96 of The Price of Love

“I’m at a crossroads myself. If the Thorns vote to put a territory patch on our backs, I’m done. And if the Thorns keep going in the direction we are, I’m done. I can’t risk my career, my family, my life.”

Storm nods. “I respect that. And I agree with you. This isn’t what I want for the Thorns, and I’m willing to fight to save our club. Are you?”

Halo tilts her head. “What are you asking?”

“Frost is gonna destroy it, and she’s not going to back down.” Storm lays her hand over her name patch on her cut. “I love this club. It saved my life in more ways than one. I might not be the best leader, but I’m the best we got, and I’m not backing down.” Storm looks at me and smiles. “I’ve had my doubts whether I’m up to the challenge. But I have someone in my corner that wouldn’t let me give up.”

I flash her a smile.

Storm looks back at Halo. “I have no idea how far Frost’s cancer has spread. She took advantage of Aces’ death. Of my inexperience and my grief. But I ain’t done fighting. I’ve talked to Nails, asked if she’s with me. She is. So I’m gonna ask you, Halo. Will you stand by my side in this fight?”

Halo stares at Storm for several beats before she says, “I’m with you.”

The crease in Storm’s forehead eases. “Thank you. That means I’ve got myself and three officers, while Frost only has Jinx.”

“Hey,” I say. I can’t help but be a shit. “I don’t recall being asked.”

Halo and Storm both laugh, while I try for a serious look.

Storm grins. “Fine. Dimples, are you with me?”

I put two fingers on my chin and look toward the ceiling. “Hmm.”

There’s a twinkle in Storm’s eyes when I look back at her.

“Always,” I respond.

CHAPTER 37

JAZMIN

I push open the door to the meeting room and hit the lights. The table will haveta wait for Nadine. I ain’t dragging it and scuffing up the floor.

It’s been five weeks since our last church—May gave us an extra Saturday—but with how fast everything’s moved, it still feels like no time at all.

The shit happening with the club is enough, but it ain’t the club that’s fucking me up. It’s Dimples. Drama has surrounded me most my life, but I can’t think straight anymore, especially when she’s around.

But I gotta keep it together. I can’t be staring at Dimples all meeting. She was with Storm and Halo yesterday, but I don’t know what they were doing. Last night, the club filled up fast, and Dimples steered clear of the bar, so I ain’t had a minute with her.

Everybody’s running their mouth about what’s gonna happen tonight. Some say Frost is gonna tear Storm up, but my money’s on Storm. More patches agree with me, but too many seem torn. It’s something I don’t plan on telling Dimples.

Some of the newer patches were talking shit, wondering why Storm doesn’t just toss Frost out. Jesus. I’m just a prospect, but I know Storm can’t go kicking out the VP. Clubs have protocols—rules—and Frost ain’t broken a serious enough one yet. Unfortunately, being an asshole isn’t enough to get her kicked out. Besides, Storm hasta play it smart since Frost has supporters, or it could rip the club in half.

I’d finished getting half the chairs set up when Nadine strolls in. Guilt hits me. She’s been scarce this week. I ain’t talked to her since last Saturday.

“How’s your grandma?” I ask.

Her brow furrows, and she stares at me. Then it clicks. “Oh, thanks for asking. She’s doing good. Got out of the hospital yesterday.”

“Sorry I didn’t text ya.” I feel bad about it.

She waves her hand. “Don’t worry about it. Last Saturday was nuts.” She chuckles. “Hell, I almost forgot about my grandma.”

I laugh. “But she’s gonna be okay?”

“Yep. Doctors say she’ll be fine.” Nadine picks up a chair and puts it in place. “But I don’t think things are gonna stay calm here. What’re you hearing?”

I’m not sure what to say. I gotta watch my mouth. Some of what I know ain’t mine to tell.