“Why we checking on Sable? It was her choice to leave, so fuck her.”
“I don’t need to explain anything to you. Remember that and we’ll get along just fine.” He revved his bike and took off out the open gates into the darkness. This far out in the country, there were no streetlights or points of civilization for miles.
As they entered the town, the businesses were closed and there were few cars on the roads. His eyes were focused on the third row-house with the green shutters just ahead. The lights were on inside. Dog slowed his bike to a crawl, finally dropping a foot once directly in front of the house. Redneck stopped behind him.
“What are we going to do?”
“Nothing,” said Dog.
“Really? I thought you were testing me. I was ready to smoke the girl.”
Dog bristled. “You aren’t going to do anything,” he said. “One piece of advice, never act unless you have the all-clear from a higher up. The consequences could be ugly.”
“Forge made it clear.”
“Good. Now wait here.” Then he added, “Keep a lookout.”
That would keep him busy. It wasn’t that Dog hated Redneck. He’d proved himself time and time again as valuable to the club. He’d been there when they killed Peterson. He was a ruthless and loyal motherfucker. But Dog still equated trust with weakness. They’d all trusted Hound, Forge’s last enforcer, but he’d turned on the club.
He wouldn’t make the same mistake again.
Dog got off his bike, scanning the area before crossing the lawns. He peered in the side windows, heading to the back of the house. There was no sign of her.
He climbed up on a garbage can out back, braced his foot on the downspout, then used the strength in his arms to pull himself up on the second-story windowsill.
There she was. Sable was sitting cross-legged on the big bed, a pile of photos scattered in front of her. He couldn’t get a good look at what she was doing, but at least she was alone. But for how long?
A car door slammed shut. “Fuck!” He dropped down to the ground, landing in a crouch. Forge had told him to keep his distance and he’d parked in front of the house. Even if Redneck rode off, Dog’s bike would still be left behind. Hank Little would become suspicious and the entire plan would be fucked.
He walked along the shadows on the side of the house, hoping Hank wouldn’t notice him. Hoping he’d be able to keep control and not slit the cop’s throat.
That was when he noticed the full uniform coming toward the door. She’d order a pizza. He exhaled, bracing a hand on the side of the house. He approached the kid in the red and yellow stripes, taking the pizza from his hands. Dog reached into his pocket and gave him forty bucks before telling him to fuck off.
He rang the doorbell.
Footsteps echoed inside the house, then the porch light came on. Sable opened the front door then froze in place.
“You should always check who’s at the door before opening it.”
She scowled. “Why are you here, Dog?”
“I’m not allowed to check up on you?”
He pushed his way inside the house. The air smelled sweet.
“They’re vanilla-scented candles.” She took the pizza from him and walked back to the kitchen. Her long black hair was brushed out smooth, flowing past her ass. She was only wearing a pajama shirt that didn’t reach her knees. He ground his teeth together as he watched her move.
She set the box down then turned around, resting her hands on either side of the counter.
“How you getting along here?”
Sable shrugged. “I’m alive.”
“Hank come by?”
“We have a lunch date tomorrow at the diner. I’ll use the chance to tell him I’m out of the club. That will get things moving.”
“What do you mean a date?”
“Forge wants me to warm up to him. That’s the entire plan, isn’t it? Get close to him, then get closer to Grass.”
He chewed on his lip, holding back so many things he wanted to say. “Don’t get too warm. We just need information on Grass.”
“How am I supposed to get close to him if I don’t pretend to like him?”
“Are you sure you’re even pretending?”
She stormed off, ignoring his question. He followed her to the living room, grabbing her arm to stop her. “This wasn’t my idea, Dog. It was Forge’s idea to use a club whore to fuck around with the cop. To get close to Grass. To save the club from a political nightmare.”
His entire body bristled. A territorial claim he’d never known burned hot in his gut, twisting and turning until he felt like he’d wretch. The thought of Sable and Hank together was indigestible.
“I don’t like the plan,” he said.
“You didn’t say anything to Forge about it. As far as I remember, your lips were sealed. You watched me leave.”