Chapter Six

Chapter Six

HIGHWAY

The meeting with the Khans has cleared them of involvement in the rally shooting, but Gwen's unauthorized surveillance jeopardizes our relationship with them. Reaper's anger over the phone was palpable, and I'm seething too.

Gwen, headstrong and willful, has a knack for getting under my skin. Despite the excitement she brings, she needs to learn our ways and understand the boundaries we uphold.

As we pull into the compound, Reaper waits outside the clubhouse, a silent sentinel of authority. His subtle gesture of a chin lift calls me to him. Winchester and I dismount, striding across the compound with purpose, ascending the stairs in unison.

"Winchester, meet us inside," Reaper directs, and Winchester acknowledges with a nod before continuing on his path. Reaper's hand rests on my chest as he halts me. His question catches me off guard. "Do you like this woman?"

"W-what?" I stammer, taken aback by the sudden inquiry.

"Do you like her?" His gaze pierces through me, demanding honesty.

"Yes," I admit without hesitation.

"If you're keeping her, you need to let her in," he asserts, his words weighted. It's a departure from our club's strict code of secrecy, a breach of tradition that leaves me unsettled. "Not everything, but enough. Lucy has my back. If you believe Gwen has yours, then she deserves to know, but…" he pauses, his gaze drifting to Gwen, "… make it clear she can't breathe a word of it. Understand?"

"No," I respond, uncertain of the implications.

"Then figure it out," he commands, his tone final. His attention shifts to Gwen. "You. Inside. Now."

Turning, I look at Gwen. She's clutching her camera to her chest and looks apprehensive.

Good.

She should be worried.

Hell, she could have gotten herself killed.

Reaper casts one final glance in our direction before striding back into the clubhouse, disappearing into the confines of our meeting room.

"How worried should I be?" Gwen's voice breaks the silence, laden with uncertainty.

Pursing my lips in a hard line, I look into her eyes. "You fucked up. But you're a big girl, right?"

"You shut me out. What was I supposed to do?"

"Maybe, trust me?"

Turning, I walk inside and take my place at the table. Gwen steps into our meeting room, and Reaper shuts the door.

"What were you thinking?" Reaper's voice cuts through the tension as he strides around the table, taking his place at its head.

Gwen, undeterred, places a hand on her hip. "Let's be clear, you shut me out. I was simply following a lead."

"By trailing me and Winchester?" my tone bristles with frustration. "Did it even occur to that pretty, pampered brain of yours that you could have been in danger? Why do you think we met with the Khans? For our health?"

Gwen throws her hands in the air. "Oh, shut it! I came to you with evidence, and you all shut me down. What did you want me to do? Sit at home like a good little woman and do nothing?"

I rise from my seat so abruptly that it slams against the wall. "No, I expected you to trust me and let the MC handle it," I retort, my voice echoing with frustration.

"That'll do," Reaper interjects, his authoritative tone halting our exchange. We both turn our attention to him. "What did you hope to accomplish by tailing Winchester and Highway?"

"To find out who went after the MC."

"And why do you care?"

Gwen glances at me. "My sister is in this life." She turns to face Reaper. "You're her partner. The MC has been good to me and my dad." Gwen sighs. "I only wanted to help." Her voice has dropped to a whisper.

"You were lucky. The Khans could have made you disappear without a trace."

"I'm—"

"Now's not the time for you to speak." Reaper stands. "Winchester, give her a crash course on how not to be seen."

Winchester nods. "I can do that."

"Highway, make sure she stays out of trouble. And Gwen, you don't ever go off on your own again. When we tell you it's club business, you keep out of it. Are we clear?"

"Y-yes."

"Good. Now, I've got to debrief Creed." Reaper leaves the room.

Gwen is the first to speak. "What just happened?"

"I think Reaper knows your sister and knows you won't go away quietly. Come on, I'll show you how to blend." Winchester stands. "Unless you'd rather he handed you over to the Khans?"

"No, no, no. He was scary."

"You haven't seen scary," I state as I stalk out of the room.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Gwen asks as she grabs my arm.

"Oh, princess, you're going to learn what that means later."

Winchester laughs, and Gwen lets go of my arm and steps back. I give her a once-over, then walk up the stairs to my room.

Women in this life do as they are told, and no matter what Reaper has to say, Gwen will do as I say.