Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Repo was lost in his own head, so he didn’t hear a word Blake or any of his brothers were saying. Just as well. After his night with Ginger, he was a surly son of a bitch at best. Honestly, he was dead certain he wasn’t fit for public viewing or interaction, but when the president said jump, you damn sure replied with a how high.
Except Repo jumped for no man, so there was that.
“Right, Repo?”
Blinking to attention, Repo glanced around the table, noting all the expectant, scruffy and bearded faces. They looked about as good as he felt. Reclined in his chair, the veritable picture of ease, Repo simply said, “Right.”
Blake stared him down. “So, you’re in agreement then.”
“Sure.”
“Then you clearly haven’t been listening to a word any of us have said.”
He had him dead to rights, and they all knew it. Not one to mince words, Repo’s reply was simple. “Nope, but you’re the boss. Your word is law.”
Blake continued to stare, and whatever was going on behind those gray eyes of his, Repo didn’t have a clue, nor did he care enough to inquire. He had more important things on his mind…like how he was going to persuade that stubborn mule of a woman to be his.
Shaking his head, Blake said, “So we’re in agreement that until we know more, everyone will continue to sit tight and mind their fucking business. Which brings me to Red.”
At the mention of Ginger, Repo got real fucking focused.
“Our man here,” Blake said with a jerk of his chin toward Repo, “has a hard-on for her, and he’s got it in his head to claim her.”
There was a collective groan around the table, which got Repo’s hackles up since he’d already told the POSs what was up, proving they still harbored some misguided notion they had a chance with her. They did not. And they’d all just ensured he’d be keeping a close watch on all their hairy asses. He glared at each and every one of them just to be sure they understood.
Holding up his hand, Blake continued. “I know, I know. Red has that magic touch you boys love so much, but a claim is a claim, and Mr. VP isn’t getting any younger.” Repo’s lip curled, and Blake laughed. “Don’t growl at me, you fucker. See, boys, take a toy away from a dog, you get bit. Same thing here. Don’t touch what ain’t yours, got it? From here on, Red is off-limits. And I expect every single one of you to not only abide by that but also to watch out for our fellow brothers at arms. If you see anyone overstepping, put ‘em in their place, but keep it out of the hospital, okay? I don’t need any blood spilled right now.”
Country was the only one brave enough to speak up, and judging by the cocky smirk, Repo knew he wouldn’t like whatever was about to come out of his mouth. “So, just so I have this straight, no touching means no diddling or otherwise fondling, caressing, or poking of any kind, right?”
Suppressing a laugh, Blake said, “One hundred percent nothing beyond an exchange of words.”
“So, we can talk about those things, but not do them then.”
Repo jerked upright in his seat, leaning forward with his arms on the table. “You have a woman at home. Don’t make me tell Talia, you prick.”
Country threw his hands up, his eyes wide, the very picture of innocence. “Wasn’t askin’ for me, my man. Just lookin’ out for the rest of these poor bastards. You know they’re all a few crayons short of a full box.”
“Hey, I resent that,” Moose declared, that Ving Rhames baritone voice pouring over the room. “You know I have a degree.”
“In mechanics,” Taco clarified. “Fixing an engine ain’t the same as a physicist.”
“I’m a helluva lot smarter than you, dickhead.”
“Then why do I get all the pussy?”
Before a fight could break out, Blake slapped the gavel down. The loud clatter silenced the room immediately. “And on that note, everyone get the fuck outta here. Go do whatever with your day, and make it a good one.”
As the room began to clear out, Repo kept his ass planted. Looking to his president, he asked, “What are you so eager to get back to?”
“I have a brand-new wife going through a pregnancy-spurred hormone spike. What don’t I have to be eager about.” He winked, a sly smile lighting his face.
“Good on you, brother,” Repo said, genuinely happy for the guy.
Standing, Blake pushed in his chair, and Repo followed suit as they headed for the door at a lazy pace. “How’s it going with Ginger? Any progress?”
Repo scowled at the floor. “She’s got a fortress made of steel and backed with barbwire in that head of hers.”
“She wasn’t always that way,” Blake murmured, and they both grew silent as thoughts of what Hawke had put her through flashed through their minds. “Keep at her,” Blake advised. “She’s a good woman, and she’s worth the fight. I’m sure you already know that or you wouldn’t be wasting your time, but maybe it bears repeating.” He shrugged. “All I know is, when you find a good woman, you fight for her.”
He wanted to ask why Blake hadn’t fought for her, but that was all water under the bridge, and he wasn’t sure he wanted the answer anyway, so he just said, “Yeah.”
Of anyone, Blake knew the truth of that statement all too well. He had fought hard for his wife, Gabby. He knew what it was to almost lose the only light to shine through the bleak and lonely days of life. He’d come out on top of that particular war, thank God.
The same was true for Country, too. He’d been a player before he’d had hair on his balls, but that all changed when he found Talia. The war between the club and the cartel had reached its zenith at the time, and he could have lost her, too, but he didn’t. Proof that someone up there was watching out for their sorry hides. Hopefully, their grace extended to him, too, because with a firecracker like Red, Repo was going to need it.
Repo wasn’t surprised to find the bar empty. He didn’t really figure Ginger would risk coming in on a day like today, knowing he’d be around. Too much heat after last night. She was keeping her distance, and he respected that, but it wouldn’t last long. Not just because she needed the job, but because he fully intended on getting back in her face come nightfall.
Ginger thought she’d shake him with a bit of time? Ignore him till he went slinking away with his tail between his legs? Not a chance in hell.
Repo was just regrouping, taking a moment to breathe. Let her lower her guard some. Then he was going to pounce. Because when Repo got his head wrapped around something—like her tight, hot, wet pussy—he went full steam and he didn’t stop till he had it.
She didn’t think so now, but he was going to lock her down.
And she was going to love every minute of it.