Chapter 6

6

ESTELLE

The men don't intimidate me. They may think they do, but they don't.

For one, I know they're not the real monsters here. The assholes that drugged my sister and kidnapped her are. They're also not saying anything about the likelihood of finding my sister alive; another thing I've considered but not accepted.

I will fight to the bitter end to find Tilly. I have no one else in my life except her.

I can't go on in this life without her so it isn't an option.

One time, Halo tried to talk to me gently about the possibility of never finding her, or worse, finding her remains. It's on the news almost daily; the trafficking situation in America. Bodies being found in unmarked graves. I can't even go there.

Like I've said over and over, if Tilly wasn't here anymore, I'd feel it.

Hearing about the Carusos and their recent move back to Louisiana sent chills down my spine. Of course, I knew most of what Cash said, but it was the first time I'd heard the Rebels have an alliance with the Cartel here in Louisiana. That could come in very handy for me. I trust the Cartel about as much as I could throw them, but it's another avenue. The Cartel may make out they have a moral compass just to appease Cash, but I find the likeliness of that highly doubtful. Where drugs and guns are concerned, nothing is off limits. And people are worth a lot; more than gold and diamonds. More than oil. And gangs are willing to kill and do whatever it takes to get it.

"And if I need to speak to the Cartel?" I ask. I may be a PI but it's not like I know where their operations are. They change locations all the time. They have street gangs all over Louisiana. "How do I go about that?"

Brew and Haze both snap their gazes to me simultaneously with a look of disbelief on their faces. Haze's mouth even hangs open slightly.

"Is she serious?" He thumbs to me but talks to the other men in the room.

"Deadly," Halo answers for me. "I don't know if you gentlemen really understand the lengths we will go to in order to get Tilly back. There is nothing we won't do, even if it means walking into the lion's den; we're quite prepared to do that."

Gentlemen? I almost laugh out loud.

"Even put yourself in that kind of danger?" Cash throws back. "That's incredibly naive as well as stupid. The two of you wouldn't stand a chance against the Cartel, or anyone else for that matter who decided they didn't like the look of you. You think the Irish are pretty boys who won't think twice about ending a life if their territory is threatened? This game you're playin' is dangerous."

"It isn't just me," I say. "I have a team, they can be assembled if and when I tell them to. I'm not afraid of danger, and I've no intention of upsetting the order of things, but if I have to then I will." While I don't have an army, I know people in low places. People I've done plenty of shady shit for. Men who I've caught cheating on their wives who now own multi-million dollar portfolios. Men who I've helped get out of a similar situation where the wife was doing shady shit. I've done a lot of morally grey recon and surveillance for my clients, and I know that I didn't do that just to be Mary Poppins. I've gone above and beyond for a reason, and that's why my business is so highly regarded in this city.

They owe me, and I will come to collect.

"She talks tough." Brew stares at me. "But all of that talk don't mean shit in a real life situation."

Halo raises her hands and everyone, including me, looks at her. "Actually, she's a complete badass. A fully accomplished kickboxer, and she's done karate since she was eight." She gives them a wink. "Oops, I forgot, she's also a champion pistol shooter and has a knife collection that would rival Paula Deen, not that my bestie can cook, but you get my drift."

I internally facepalm myself. Paula Deen? That's a new one.

"You think you boys are the only ones allowed to be tough because you have a penis?" I shoot back.

Brew shrugs. "It helps."

Sexist asshole.

"I gave up relying on men for anything sometime back and took matters into my own hands. So pardon my fucking French if I don't roll over and drool just because you showed up."

Brew's eyes go wide and Haze chuckles.

"Got a mouth on her," Brew mutters.

"Not used to women speaking their mind?" I throw back.

He palms the back of his head. "I'm all for that, sweetheart . Just usually involves the broad bein' naked and across my knee squealin' for more."

A small gasp sounds from Halo next to me, but I ignore it. Usually, a man like Brew might be my type; strong, muscled, handsome and broody, but he's a little too cocky for my liking. A little too sure of himself.

Cash draws my attention back to him. "Let's stop with the pissin' competition."

For one thunderous breath I say, "Fine by me. We're almost done here anyway."

"What you gonna do?" Nevada, who's been very quiet, pipes up.

I turn to him. His eyes watch me with concern; I can tell by the way his voice holds an edge to it, rather than his usual jokey self. The way his hands are balled into fists on the table though? That I can't answer.

"What does it matter?"

"I said I'd help."

"I don't need your help."

Halo clears her throat. "Uh, that isn't exactly true. I think we need all the help we can get."

Some may say I've got a chip on my shoulder, but I don't much care for what people think about me.

I give him a sarcastic smile. "Don't you have a business to run?"

"You been lookin' me up?" He pumps his eyebrows.

Shit. Why do I insist on blurting things out without thinking about it first?

"Oh, I do all my research before I make any important decisions; like coming here today, Buttercup. I never do anything without full consideration first."

Snickers sound across the table. He wants to keep changing my nicknames? I'll embarrass him in front of his ‘club brothers'.

"You two fuckin'?" Haze's words cut across the room.

My lips part but no words come out. How the hell did he come up with that conclusion?

I screw my nose up and let out a tired sigh. At the same time as I say, "Definitely not," Nevada says, "Workin' on it."

Halo giggles beside me. I don't even bother to shoot her a look. I know she's going to be talking about this for days to come.

I flick my eyes to Nevada. "You're wastin' your time, and mine. Even if I did have the precious moments of my life to waste, I wouldn't be wastin' them attempin' to tame you."

He grins. "Tame me? Woah, slow down, I'm already tame as a pussy cat."

Haze sits back like he's enjoying the show. "That just means you're pussy whipped."

"Better than not knowin' my way around one." He smiles smugly.

Have I only just noticed Nevada's adorable dimples? Holy shit.

"You boys are hilarious." Halo claps her hands together. "How do I get initiated?"

I elbow her in the ribs and she glances at me sternly.

"My bedroom," Brew offers.

"Gonna have to fight Riot for her," Nevada pipes up. "He's got first dibs."

I shake my head in utter disgust. "First dibs? What are we, in kindergarten? Halo has free will…" But I trail off when I glance at my friend, blushing and glassy-eyed.

She's actually enjoying this meeting.

"No need to argue, there's plenty of me to go around." She beams at them, sounding pleased with herself.

Haze gives her a cocky grin. "Just cleared my schedule." He squeezes his brother on the shoulder. "Too bad you're busy this afternoon."

There's no way I'm letting my friend go with either one of them. She may be a grown woman, but I've no idea who these jerks are, and while she may be up for a roll in the hay with one or both of them, that ain't happening on my watch. Halo might think she's up for rough and ready, but not with these guys. She's too innocent for any of them, Riot included. I saw how he looked at her with hungry eyes that trailed down her body. Her tits get everyone's attention because they're as big as her head, but that's no reason to lose all your manners and just stare at them. Men are so uncouth.

"Like I said, Riot won't be happy about that." Nevada's eyebrows pull down.

"Riot ain't here," Haze tosses back.

"Shut the fuck up," Cash barks. "I ain't got time to sit here with you arguin' about ridiculous shit, when I have a ton of other pressin' matters to attend to today. Like the brothers said, your best bet is findin' footage of that second bus. I'll get Jett and Rock to help try and track the bus using satellite surveillance, but I can't make any promises. Got me?"

"There's one other clause." Nevada raises a finger. I don't miss the way Cash glares at him from across the table like a father would an errant child. "These ladies gotta experience a night at the clubhouse. That way Brew, Haze and Riot can fight it out like real men, win Halo's affections the good old fashioned way."

I don't need to glance at Halo to understand she's down for that. Though, nothing can be gained from coming here again. At least we have something to check out, not that it's much. Frankly, I was hoping for more, but if Rock and Jett — whoever they are — can use satellite surveillance, that'll be helpful and it'll save me some time.

"The old fashioned way like stickin' a pool cue up your ass?" Haze chuckles.

Nevada just laughs. "Talk it up, princess."

"I think we've seen and heard enough profanity for one visit." I smile sweetly.

Cash levels me with a look. "Better rethink that if you wanna meet with Jett and Rock. They'll be here mid-week. Could be a good idea gettin' acquainted, though I'd suggest bringin' your guns, you might need them."

Of course, he thinks that'll scare me off. I inwardly groan at the idea of coming back here again, but if it means getting my hands on surveillance that I can't access myself, then I'll do it.

"Thanks for the invite, and the tip." I go to stand. "Boys, it's been real."

Halo stands too, pushing her glasses up her nose. "It was really… uh… great meeting you all." She waves and I know it's just nervousness, but really, she's not going to win any awards for badassness in my book.

The only qualm I have about appearances is that I don't want anyone thinking we're pushovers. If people think that you're weak, that's when they strike. Unfortunately, years of investigative work have made me cynical and untrusting.

Cash lifts his chin; I don't think the man has smiled once. "Don't be runnin' off doin' dumb shit, got me?"

I give him a withering look. "I never make dumb decisions."

One eyebrow pops, indicating that he thinks that's a complete load of shit. Okay, maybe I don't always make the best decisions under the sun, but I always come out on top.

The brothers stay seated and just watch us like a couple of hawks, ready to pounce. I may have pissed a little in their cereal, but they're big boys, they'll get over it.

Nevada stands too. I don't know what he thinks he's doing, but I need to get out of here and pull up all my resources. Now I have a location, with Jett and Rock's help, we may be able to at least get within the vicinity. I know it's a long shot. I know it's been months. I know all of that, but if I don't try every single angle, then that means I'm failing Tilly. She's still alive.

I turn to Nevada. "We can find our own way out."

He ignores me, moving behind me as we file out of the room. When we're out in the hall and Halo walks ahead, I turn again. "Are you deaf?"

"Nope, because if I was, I wouldn't be able to hear that haughty tone in your voice when you're tryin' to get rid of me, but secretly you don't really want me to go."

"Uh, huh. Found me out again. Why am I so transparent?" I flutter my eyelashes before turning it into an eye roll and turn back toward the front doors.

I need to get back to my office.

I wish his voice wasn't so endearing when he calls out, "Mama?"

Of course, like an idiot I turn around. "Yeah, Pretty Boy?"

"I'm gonna help you find your sister."

I walk back toward him slowly. He needs to hear this, even if my body fights against me. Every instinct I have is on fire, battling between my head and my heart and my libido. He's looking mighty fine again today; a skintight black muscle t-shirt, a sleeveless cut and his hair gelled back a little. He hasn't shaved, and there's that fucking sexy scent that I want to bathe in.

"You don't want to do that and we both know it. You're just like all the other bikers I've ever met. You want to be the first to say you've fucked this snatch, am I wrong?"

His eyes dance with amusement as they wander down to my throat. He swallows hard. "Be lyin' if I said I didn't want you in my bed, Mama. But you're wrong about everythin' else."

"Am I?"

Oh, he's very sure of himself. Standing straight, his hands on his hips, I feel short. He's a lot taller than me, like a giant towering over my small frame, and when did his arms and shoulders get so wide? Fine. I admit it; he has looks, but that's it, or at least that's what I tell myself. Nevada isn't in this for the greater good; I doubt he gives a crap about my sister or any of my problems. If I bang him and get it over with, the cute disaster might leave me alone.

Then again, toying with him is fun when I can see how badly he wants it. The smirk on his face to the way he's at complete ease even when I'm poking at him. I don't think any other man I've met before has reacted so calmly. I guess my mom always told me I was a troublemaker.

"Yep. Ever since you told me about Tilly, that's all I've been thinkin' about."

I'm surprised he even remembered her name… Wait, did I tell him her name? Or has he been doing some investigation of his own?

"Why do you care so much? You don't know her, you don't know me?—"

"I care about you."

I snort. "From meeting me in a bar one time."

"And at the weddin'. We keep meetin' like this, it's gotta mean somethin'."

"You think if we fuck, that'll solve all your problems?" I smirk. "Of course, you're too young to realize that sex complicates everything."

"What if it really isn't just about sex."

I cross my arms over my chest. "I find that very hard to believe."

"Because I'm your Pretty Boy or because you think I don't have a brain?"

"I'm sure you do, to get this far within an MC at such a young age."

"I've worked hard." He stares at me. I can tell this is a sore subject by the way his bottom lip shakes a little. It must mean something to him that I didn't realize before. I get the brotherhood side of a club like this, but there's something more.

"I can see that," I say. "Owning your own business at twenty-five. You did go to Catholic school after all, which means your Latin theory checks out. Your parents divorced a couple of years ago; your mom resides in your renovated basement and your dad moved to Florida. You studied industrial design in college before dropping out, which leads me to believe that you're an artist of some sort, though you chose to buy your own business at twenty-five and did a traineeship in heavy diesel mechanics. How am I doin'?"

His eyes blink a few times, disbelief written all over his face as the blank look I get makes me feel a little smug. Oh, you weren't expecting that, Pretty Boy? I bet you think all women are only good for one thing and one thing only.

"So you read up on me, the question is why, Mama?"

I drag my eyes away from his broad chest. I can see his tattoos peeking out and it's fucking turning me on. "I read up on everyone, so don't go around thinkin' you're special."

"Wednesday," he says. "Be here at about eight o'clock. I'll rustle up Jett and Rock and we'll talk then. I'll make sure that they work on this new lead until then, okay?"

We stare at one another for a few moments. I try to gauge if what he's saying is actually true; does he really give a shit? Or is he really just trying his luck because he has a fantasy about an older woman?

More to the point, do I care?

I haven't had sex in a while, but I hear it's just like riding a bike. I used to love sex, not that I'd sleep around, but casual sex can be fun with the right guy. There's just a lot of wrong guys out there, which is why I worry for Halo. She's only twenty-five and a little innocent in the ways of the world.

There is no way that she's not gonna make sure she's available to come with me.

"Are you gonna say please?" I match his cocky grin.

He pulls my hip before I can stop him, my chest crashing against his as he grips the back of my neck with his free hand. My breath catches in my chest as I pant like a captured animal. The feel of his hands on me… It feels… electric.

Keeping one hand on my hip, and the other on the back of my neck, his mouth is at my ear in seconds. "Pretty please, Mama. I'll be on my best behavior." The gravelly sound of his voice, and the feel of his hard cock pressing against my lower belly tells me otherwise. Oh, it tells me that Nevada is indeed the wildcard of this MC. My body screams at me to cup his ass… Feel his arms… Hell, do something! Yet my head yells louder, telling me to get the hell outta here before I get snagged.

"Touch me again, Pretty Boy, and that knife to your balls will feel like cotton candy compared to what I'll do to you if you try that stunt again."

I can feel his breath on my neck. He's taking his sweet time feeling me up, and I wish he'd move his hand higher to cup my breast, knead it, tug on my nipple… No! That's the last thing I want, and I don't need Cash and the Nomad brothers coming out here to fucking catch us like a couple of horny teenagers. Plus, Halo is right outside. This absurdity has to stop, yet I'm powerless to do it.

"Promises, promises." He lets go but doesn't step back.

I berate myself for the effect he's having on me; my nipples pebbled, my heart racing and my pussy slick as goddamn slip n' slide. Asshole!

I don't need this shit... But I do need an orgasm. Oh, boy, could I go one of those with this deliciously annoying man.

Our eyes meet one more time and I turn without words, strutting away from him, I fight every urge inside me to not turn around and drag him upstairs.

Get a hold of yourself!

I came here to find my sister, not to romp around with a man who's younger than me and has too much to say for himself. Even if having an orgasm or two might take the edge off my grumpiness lately, it's still no reason to overlook why I'm really here.

Though, as I stomp away, I feel like a spark has lit inside me. Not just because of his touch, but more importantly because I have a new lead. This time it could go somewhere. It's the break I've been waiting for in so many months. It's something, at least.

Who knows, if Nevada plays his cards right, I might throw a little snatch his way. But I doubt very much he'd be able to keep up with me. I smile at the idea. Then again, maybe he can.