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“Who were those women a moment ago? The blonde, the brunette? They’re practically naked and clearly care for you.”
“They’re nobody to me. Say the word, and I’ll never see them again.”
“You’re being ridiculous.”
“No. Maddie. You’re ridiculous. I can’t believe you’d sink so low to go after my brother.”
“I didn’t know he wasn’t you.”
“So, there’s the truth.”
“Beau, it’s been a long time. I’ve been married and divorced. I have four kids.”
“And when you found out he wasn’t me. You’re still with him. How long? How long have you been in Nashville?”
“Two weeks.” That answer worked for both questions.
“You’re not in love with him. You’re in love with me. Bubba goes around pretending to be me.”
“He does, but he’s nothing like the real you.”
“You’re right. Bubba’s who I used to be. One version of what I could’ve been. An imagined version who got out of prison and went on tour saying woe as me. While I, the real Beau, your Beau, I really got shit out of prison and had nothing but the friends I made on the inside. I made this club what it is. Here’s where crazy shit goes down. Do you even know about this life, the biker life?”
“No.”
“Kingpin’s the name now. My only name or Prez. I can’t believe you’re with my brother.” Kingpin wouldn’t let it go.
“You know what? I think I will leave,” I said, getting to my feet.
He banged his fists on the table. “You want to continue to see my brother. You won’t give us a chance?”
“I don’t know what I want. Especially after tonight.”
Kingpin stood. He looked put out. “Then leave. Go on and pretend he’s me.”
Tearing up again, I left out the front door. Thankfully, Hannah hadn’t left.
Chapter 12
Kingpin
In my anger, I told Maddie to leave, and she walked right out. I went after her but noticed someone else who stopped me in my tracks. Her daughter, Sky. She was hurt. Oh, fuck. I’d forgotten she was here. The girl sat on the floor with a big gash in her leg. Eve kneeled over her, bandaging her up. Wondering if Maddie saw her, I paused to see if she was okay.
Running my hands through my hair, I approached her. “Crazy night.” I squatted down, checking her leg.
Before Sky could say a word, Eve stood up and spoke up. Her hands flew to her hips. “Why in blue blazes would you do this on my opening night?”
“Oh, shit. I’m sorry, love.” Fuck. I’d convinced the girl to get a band together. Told her if she did, they’d always have a gig here. Hallow helped with her nerves. In less than a year, she’d gotten over her crippling stage fright. As someone who grew up wanting to sing, I found great pleasure in nurturing her talents. “You nearly played the whole set.”
“But we didn’t. I had one more song. Kingpin, it was special. I wrote it myself. Your brother brought a big time producer with him. I’m sure he won’t be back now. You’re nothing but trouble. I’m about to disinvite you from our weddin’,” Eve scolded me. Quickly, Eve had gone from a woman scared to death of me to being one of the few I let berate me. That was only because I found her southern sayings and temper charming. If she wasn’t taken and way too young for me, she’d be on my radar.
Speaking of someone too young for me, but not as young as Eve, my attention returned to Sky. “You going to be okay?”
Pointing to her leg, Eve explained, “She passed out when this happened.”
“Passed out?”
Sky leaned back on her palms, looking pale and weak. “Yeah. I can’t take the sight of blood anymore.”
