25. Jonah

25

JONAH

Lace’s eyes dart over Mateo. “I didn’t know they were the mob when I first started working there! And I left when things started to get weird.”

“Weird how?” I press, our voices lowered.

“They wanted me to engage in illegal activity. I refused and then I ran… I got scared.” Lace bites her lip and it makes me all the more protective. “I knew they weren’t good guys, but I also didn’t know that the Judices were taking over operations at the casino. Mateo told me before that he killed his brother, the Underboss.”

“This just gets better,” I mutter. Lace looks up at me and it’s hard to stay mad at her. “From now on, no more secrets. You’re makin’ it hard to protect you when you’re not tellin’ us the whole truth.”

“Bandit’s right,” Manny says. “Cash could’ve had the Bracken Ridge Rebels step in and check on things in Phoenix.”

“I never thought they’d come after me,” she says, shrugging her shoulders.“Okay, I was worried they might, not because I did anything bad, but because I know what they do to people who know too much about them. It’s why I’ve been working at the coffee shop and keeping a low profile.”

Manny’s face softens. “You’ve been living with this the whole time you’ve been here? That’s crazy, babe.”

She nods. “I was stupid. I should’ve at least told my brother, now I’ve made a real mess of things.”

“Lace!” Riot bellows. “Move it!”

She winces and it makes me want to punch her brother in the face, just like he did to me. He had his shot, albeit I probably deserved it, but he won’t get that chance again.

Audrina comes out of the back with Nevada, and Hustler moves toward her. They can deny it all they want, but those two have chemistry. “We’re going to the clubhouse,” he says, one arm around her shoulders. “It’s all gonna be okay.”

“West, I don’t like this.”

“I know, Baby Girl, but we gotta do what Cash says until we get it all worked out. You’ll be safe there.”

Nevada looks between the two. “I’ve got it from here,” he says. “Mom’s fine ridin’ with me.”

Hustler and Nevada share a glance, but Hustler doesn’t say anything. I see his nostrils flair.

We move toward the fray as everyone files out to leave, Mateo behind his men as I fall into step beside him. I’m not gonna let this fucker out of my sight, mafia don or not.

“Are you still mad at me?” Lace whispers.

I turn to look over my shoulder and give her a half smile. “Hard to stay mad at you when you look like that.”

She’s gonna learn the MC way; no secrets. We’re a family, and no matter what happens between us, I will protect her with my life, and so will Manny. A lot of shit just went down, and Riot being angry at us is the least of our problems until we sort out the Arizona mafia.

“It’s gonna be okay,” Manny reassures Lace. “You’ll see. You’ve got nothing to hide from us, nothin to— Shit! What the…”

A crack rings through the air, then we hear it again as Manny dives in front of Lace and I shove Mateo back toward the door instinctively.

“Fuck!” Cash yells. “Down! Everybody down!”

Hustler cages Audrina against his body as they tumble to the ground next to me and Audrina screams, Nevada diving to the side.

“Mom!” Nevada calls.

“I’m okay!” Her voice is shrill. Hustler still covers her with his body as everything happens in slow motion.

I tumble back, pushing Mateo toward the ground as I reach out for Lace as she falls. Blood. Someone’s blood…

Lace! Manny! Fuck!

Manny turns, practically straddling her, his face as white as a sheet as he holds her head before it hits the ground.

Everyone around us starts scrambling, guns drawn, loud voices buzzing all around, but I blur it all out.

“Lace! Manny! Is she okay? Who’s bleeding?” My heart races as I move toward them.

Lace blinks, there’s blood on her white shirt and my heart plummets. I pat her down, checking for a wound as my heart races and blood pounds in my ears. “I’m okay!” she cries, her eyes on Manny. “Oh no, Manny! Bandit look!”

I glance at Manny and his eyes meet mine, his voice is calm when he says. “I think I got shot.”

“Fuck!” I dive toward him. “Get back inside! Lacey move, keep low.” I shove at Lace as she stumbles onto her hands and knees. I pull on Mateo’s arm, trying to get him to move faster as he crawls back through the door with Lace, Hustler and Audrina already moving behind them. I pull Manny against my body and heave him inside. Ripping open his shirt, my eyes go wide. “Holy fuck, he’s hit, he’s been fuckin’ hit. We need an ambulance!” There’s blood oozing from the space between his shoulder and his chest. I press my hands against it, immediately coating my fingers in blood.

“I’ll call Casey,” Rock says, coming in behind me. “Fuckin’ Jesus Hell Christ.”

Casey is Crystal’s sister and an EMT who helps the club out from time to time.

Lace is crying, but Manny just has this look on his face that resembles… peace. Fuck no, not on my watch. “Listen here, you cocky little shit,” I mutter, checking the back of his body for an exit wound; there isn’t one. “You’re not goin’ anywhere, you got me?”

“Call 911,” Lace screams.

“Casey will be quicker.” Rock crouches to help me move Manny, so he’s half sitting. He holds the phone to one ear and makes the call.

“Here, let me do that.” Hustler takes the phone off him, not before adding, “Need to control the bleeding. Put some pressure on it.”

“Fuck,” Nevada says, seating Audrina down opposite us. “Jesus, this is bad.”

“There’s no exit wound,” I say in a panicked voice. I rip my shirt over my head and press it against his body.

“Manny,” Lace cradles his head. “Oh, my God, please be okay, please be okay!”

“It’s okay, Chantilly,” Manny whispers. “Did I tell you I love you?” His eyes flick to mine as I stare down at him, dumfounded. My hands are shaking. “Your eyes, they have pretty flecks of green and gold.”

“Is it a bad thing that he’s talkin’ nuts?” Rock gives me a look. Clearly, he didn’t hear any of what happened earlier, with Riot screaming at us.

“Casey’s on her way with another EMT. We need to stay put,” Hustler says, bending down as Audrina hugs her knees, tears streaming down her face.

“I don’t feel anything,” Manny says. “That’s a good thing, right?”

Hustler takes over, checking his wound, wincing when he sees how bad it is. He takes one look at him and says, “He’s goin’ into shock.”

“Hey, I can still hear you. I haven’t lost the use of my ears,” Manny complains.

“What day of the week is it?” Rock asks.

“Uh, Sunday?”

All our eyes meet. It’s Tuesday. Then again, I’d be struggling to tell you what day of the week it is without being shot.

“I take it that’s not the right answer.” Manny frowns. “But I mean, I feel okay, just kinda sleepy…”

“Who am I?” Lace pleads, her hands on the lapels of his cut.

“Lacey.” He smiles. “My mom had pretty eyes just like yours, but she wasn’t anything like you. You’re a good girl.”

Confusion. Rapid breathing. Pale, clammy skin. This ain’t good.

My eyes go wide and Hustler grimaces, sliding him up a little. “What are you doin’?” I bark.

“Making him more comfortable, can’t do shit until he gets to the hospital, but can’t sit him all the way up,” Hustler replies. “If they don’t get here soon, I’m gonna get it out myself.”

“Are you qualified to do that?”

He gives me a look. “I was in the army years ago. Helped amputate my buddy’s leg if that helps.”

Huh.

“He’s so pale,” Lace’s voice trembles as Riot crawls through the space.

“Lace? Are you okay?”

“No!” she sobs. “Manny’s been hit.”

Riot turns to me, holding Manny against me as I hold my shirt to his chest. “Holy fuck.”

“Don’t sit him up,” Hustler warns. “Wanna stop the blood flow first. Manny?” Hustler taps Manny’s face. “He’s losin’ consciousness.”

My heart races as I shake him.

Everything in my life that has made me who I am has led me to this point. I can’t lose him.

I won’t lose him.

“I’m here,” I tell him. “We’re all here, you’re family, and we love you.”

Lace

I stare at Manny, and my heart constricts. Everyone is surrounding him, working frantically as I mumble. “It missed his heart, and any vital organs. It should be okay, right, Hustler?”

He pats me gently on the arm. “Wait here with Audrina. Don’t move.”

“But I want to be with Manny.”

He smiles softly as Audrina takes my hand. “I know, honey, but Casey will be here any moment and we need to get him to the hospital, where he’ll be in the best hands.”

“Is he going to be okay?” I can barely stammer the words. All of my trauma comes flooding back and I start falling apart. I hate myself for it. This isn’t about me. This isn’t about my freaking trauma. I start to shake and Hustler’s brow furrows.

“Lace?” he crouches toward me.

I feel Audrina’s arms around me. “I think she’s having a panic attack.”

“Just breathe,” he says as my brother moves back toward me.

“It’s okay, sis, I’ve got you.” Riot helps me with my breathing exercises; breathing that I’ve been doing since I was twelve and had to learn how to do everything again. “Just take it easy. Help is on the way. You gotta stay strong for him, he’s gonna be looked after by the best people.”

I shake my head. “What if he’s not, what if he?—”

Riot pulls me into his chest as he holds me, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “It’s gonna be okay, this is Manny we’re talkin’ about.”

I sob into my brother’s chest as he holds me. I’ve never been so afraid. The chance that we could lose him is just too strong.

“Cops were called,” I hear Cash from the entryway. “One of his men got hit, too. Didn’t make it.”

Mateo is sitting opposite on his phone as he barks orders at someone in Italian.

“This is such a mess,” I whisper.

“Fuckin’ Shade,” he mutters. “She snuck back into town, not like she’s gonna announce her presence.”

“This still isn’t over,” I sob. “She’s still out there, did anyone get a shot in?”

“We got plenty,” Riot mutters.

“My men are swarming the area,” Mateo tells us. “If she didn’t get hit, then she’ll wish she had been. Who the fuck is this bitch?”

“She was goin’ for my sister,” Riot explains. “Some months ago, she came after me but escaped when I was rescued. She’s a highly trained sniper, and I’ve no doubt she’s been biding her time. This was the perfect opportunity to get everyone here in one place.”

Mateo frowns. “I had a phone call about Lace’s whereabouts…” He shakes his head. “Didn’t make much sense at the time. I just wanted to find her.”

“I didn’t do shit!” I’m hysterical. “I keep telling you that! Now Manny’s been shot and he might not live through this!”

“Don’t say that,” Bandit’s voice is low, like I’ve never heard it. His face is also pale, agony written all over him. We’ve all suffered so much loss.

“I should call Shep,” I whisper. “He needs to be here.”

Riot takes my phone out of my hand. “I’ll do that, but we need to get to the truck out back. Nevada, JJ, and Chains are pullin’ up anytime now.”

“I want to go with him!” I know I sound like an errant child, but I don’t want to be separated.

“That’s not gonna happen, Lace,” Riot says. “We’ll meet the ambulance at the hospital.”

I know he’s right, but I don’t want to hear it. This is bringing up too many memories, too many awful things that I thought I’d buried forever. That’s the thing; past trauma always finds a way back to haunt you. You’re never really free of it, the pain lives on no matter how much older you get.

It all happens so quickly. The back door flings open and Casey and two other EMTs come in with a stretcher and start firing questions at Hustler and Bandit. I stand, not caring if the stupid shooter is still out there. I’ll take my chances. They lower the stretcher and do what they need to do as Riot holds onto my shoulders.

“Please, Casey, please do everything you can,” I whimper.

She gives me a soft smile and starts dictating orders to the others, asking Hustler questions as she assesses the wound. It all happens so fast, I barely get a chance to touch his cold, clammy face when he passes by. I feel Riot let go and his arms are replaced by Bandit’s. He holds my back to his chest, cradling me. “We’ll meet them at the hospital,” he mutters. “They’re gonna do all they can, angel, okay? None of this is your fault, don’t ever think that.”

“But she came after me.” My words are barely audible. “She wanted me.”

“And he protected you, which is his job,” Bandit says.

I turn in his arms, my tears flowing freely. “I can’t lose him. We can’t lose him.”

Bandit’s eyes meet Riot’s behind me, then settle back on me. “All we can do right now is pray, sweet girl. Manny needs us now more than ever, got me?”

Mateo and Cash stand close by, as Bandit’s eyes lock with Mateo’s. The mafia don speaks. “You saved my life. For that I owe you, anything, anytime, when this is over.”

Bandit rubs his chin, his eyes narrowing like he might just have an idea. “Gonna hold you to that.”

Mateo nods. “You got it.”

“Let’s get gone,” Cash says. “Mateo and his men can stay at the clubhouse, cops gonna arrive any second, and we need to get the fuck out of here with that body unless we wanna start answerin’ questions.”

“I’ll stay here and deal with it,” Hustler says, turning to Audrina, he adds, “You need to go with the boys to the clubhouse.”

She shakes her head. “What about you and Asher? I can’t leave you here.”

“We’ll be fine,” Nevada says; Asher is his real name. “Gotta stay and help, need to get out of here.”

Cash nods. “Gonna leave Hawk, Nevada and Jett to clean up and stand guard. The rest need to move on Shade before the cops get wind, gonna have to explain the shooting somehow, but it’d be better if she turned up dead.”

“There’s nowhere that bitch can hide,” Mateo warns, and I see the warning in his glare.

“Do as I ask, Audrina,” Hustler tells her. “I don’t want you here where it’s not safe.”

It looks like Nevada wants to step in, but he holds his tongue. “Mom?”

“I want to be with Lace, at the hospital,” Audrina replies, her eyes flicking to Nevada’s. “Most of the club will be there.”

Hustler looks like he’s considering it, and I wonder if the two of them realize they’re acting like an old married couple, not two people who work together. He turns to Nevada.

“You askin’ me for permission?” Nevada balks. “Look like you’ve got it handled.”

“I was lookin’ for Cash,” Hustler grunts.

“She’ll be safe at the hospital,” Cash says. “Manny needs all the support he can get.”

Hustler looks like he thinks that’s a bad idea. “The hospital it is, but stay with Riot and Bandit and do not move from that hospital waiting room until I get there.”

“I think she’s a grown woman capable of makin’ that distinction,” Nevada interjects. “Right, Mom?”

Audrina pats Nevada on the shoulder. “He’s just looking out for me, for all of us.”

Cash clears his throat and Hustler breaks eye contact with her. Nevada grumbling something about nobody telling him anything anymore.

I smile sympathetically as her eyes meet mine. She comes toward me and folds me into a hug. “I’m sorry, Lace. We all love Manny so much.”

The tears flow again as I hug her back.

“We need to go,” Bandit tells me softly. “Manny will want us there when he wakes up.”

I know that it’s inevitable that Manny will have surgery, and so much can go wrong… as I’m well aware.

“I love him,” I tell Audrina.

She tucks my hair behind my ears, just like a Mom would do, smiling down at me. “I know, honey. I’ve known for quite some time that you and your boys may be up to more than just playing scrabble.”

I frown. “You did?”

She taps her nose. “Women’s intuition.” She leans to my ear. “And the way they both look at you isn’t exactly like a friend would.”

I bite my lip, shaking my head at how dumb we were to think this could go unnoticed.

“I guess not.”

She hooks her arm through mine as Hustler gives her one longing look and we move toward the back door.

The only thing that matters right now is Manny. I need to be close to him with Bandit. I need to hear his voice and his laugh. This can’t be the end. I don’t know how to go on without him.

The wait is agonizing. All the boys are here, and they switch in and out between securing Muso’s; a window was smashed during the shooting, and then there was Mateo’s bodyguard to take care of.

Bandit is close by. I don’t think he’s taken his eyes off me since we got here. He’s cradled me, cuddled me, kissed me in front of everyone, and nobody has batted an eye.

I hear Indigo’s soft voice behind me. “Here you go,” she hands me a cup of coffee in a paper cup. “I’m sorry, it’s all they had.”

“It’s fine, thank you.” I take the cup from her and blow into the hot liquid. I feel numb.

“I’ve never seen Jonah like this.” Indi refuses to call him by his biker name. “Is it true what Harlem told me?”

I look up at her. “Would you be mad if I told you it was true?”

She shakes her head. “I could never be mad with Jonah. He’s the best brother I could ever wish for. When Jill passed away, he was an instant single dad and a widower. I’ve never met a stronger man than him. I want him to be happy… and if that’s with, uh, the two of you, then I’m okay with it.”

I bite my lip. “We didn’t plan on it. We were just gonna fool around.”

She waves a hand in my face. “I don’t think I need to hear the details,” she laughs.

I smile softly. “I don’t know what Jonah’s told you, but he and Manny… they’re a thing, too. It’s not just them and me.”

She nods. “I kinda got that idea, and while I’ve got my reservations about that whole throuple scenario, I’m not one to stand in anyone’s way.”

“But now this,” I whisper.

Indi smiles softly, her dark hair bobbing in front of her eyes. “Manny is one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. He’s suffered horribly from trauma, and look how much he’s achieved. He’s a fighter. A survivor.”

“I want to believe that. I want everything to go back to how it was.”

“They caught Shade,” Indi whispers.

My eyes go wide. “They did?”

She nods. “She didn’t get far. Boys were on the ground quickly and Mateo’s men helped locate her.”

“I want to see her. I want to do to her what she did to Manny.”

Indi shakes her head. “She’s dead.”

My eyes go wide. “She… how?”

“They shot her trying to escape. Trust me, I’m sure they’re not happy about that, but at least she’s gone now,” Indi says, cupping one side of my face. “She can’t hurt anyone anymore. It’s over.”

Relief floods me, but then I think about Manny and him lying on a bed in an operating room. Anything could be going on in there. He may not make it… I shudder and Indi takes my cup from my trembling hands and sets it down on the table. I fold into her arms.

“We’ve got to use everything we have now to bring Manny back,” she whispers. “He put himself in front of you, Lace. I think that speaks volumes about how he feels.”

“I only just got to tell him.” My voice is so jittery I can’t even tell if she can understand me in between my sobs. “I told him I loved him and Bandit. What if I never get to tell him again?”

She rubs my back and tells me it’s going to be okay. “You will. We all know Manny won’t give up that easily. You’ll get to tell him, Lace, I know it.”

I just hope her words are not in vain. Without Manny, none of this is worth fighting for.