Sinner's Steel

“C’mon man,” Sparky said. “Let him do his job. If he says they wouldn’t have made it …

“Fuck.” Zane fought their hold. “It’s my choice. I’m willing to take the risk.”

“But I’m not.” Jagger came up behind him. “I almost lost you once. I’m not losing you again. She was my friend, too, Zane, and T-Rex is our brother, but even I can see there’s no chance.”

As if on cue, the rest of the roof fell in, the building imploding in a burst of flame. The police arrived and cordoned off the area, forcing the Si

“I’m sorry, man.” The firefighter Zane had assaulted ushered him back from the raging inferno. “There’s nothing we can do.”

Noooooooooooooo.

Pain suffused Zane’s body, filling his lungs until he thought he would drown in anguish. Blind with panic, he stumbled across the street, feeling for his bike, his only port in the storm of regret and longing that swept through his soul. He slid onto the seat, clutched the handlebars, doubled over, and let himself go. If he could do it all again, he would tell her what really happened that night he left. He would tell her his feelings had never changed, not even when he’d seen her with Mark. He’d tell her that he’d never had a serious relationship because every woman reminded him of her—every face, every laugh, every smile. And if she was with someone else, he would win her back. Or die trying.

Maybe it wasn’t too late. Maybe he was giving up too soon. He’d made that mistake back in Stanton. He wouldn’t make it again.

He shot up in his seat, saw Jagger standing beside him. “I’m here, brother. Whatever you need.”

Zane drew in a ragged breath, forced himself to get it together. “Go

“They think they found a body—”

Zane cut Jagger off with an abrupt shake of his head. “It wasn’t her. Or T-Rex.”

“Neither of them are answering their phones, brother. When has T-Rex ever failed to answer a call from the club?”

Zane’s hands tightened around the handlebars. “What does Viper gain by killing them? He wants Evie. And they’re not go

“Never thought of you as an optimistic man.” Jagger flicked the kickstand on his bike. “But I’ll follow you to hell and back. Just like you did for me.”

“I’m a desperate man,” he said.

“Well then let’s ride, desperado, and find your girl.”

*   *   *

Evie slumped against the passenger door of Co

“They’ll kill him, Co

Co

“He doesn’t want her.”

“I’m sure he was just saying that to make himself seem tough.” Co

“Of course he wants her,” Co

“He won’t want me now that I stabbed him,” she said, following Co

“Don’t talk like that.” Co

“I need to call Jagger and tell him what happened.” She fished around for her purse and froze. “My purse … It was in the shop. And my phone was in it.”

“Then it’s gone.” Co

“Why do you have Tank’s number?”

“He’s hot. He’s cute. He’s a biker. And he spent last night in my bed.” She bit back a grin.

“You and Tank? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Co

“Not anymore.” Evie called Tank and he promised to get a message to Jagger and Zane to call as soon as they could.

“I think you’re right. I need to get out of town,” Evie said. “Ty’s at home. His best friend’s older sister, Moira, is babysitting today. We’ll have to pack, pick up some supplies, rent a car…”

“I don’t think you should be making any public appearances.” Co

“You don’t need to be involved. This is about me and Viper and the Si

“If I didn’t have to have two hands on the wheel, I’d give you a slap.” Co

“Co

“Shush.” She drew in a ragged breath, forced a smile. “I’m thinking about what to wear when Tank takes me for a ride through the mountains. Do you think they make red leather biker trousers?”

“No.”

“I’ll get my grandma to whip me up a pair. She’ll be overjoyed to see me since I haven’t visited her in six months. By the way, did I mention I’m taking you and Ty to stay with my grandma in Joliet? You’ll love her, but she’s got a sewing addiction. So bring an extra suitcase ’cause you won’t need to buy clothes for you or Ty for the next few years.”

*   *   *

Evie hit the ground ru

“What’s going on?” Ty stood in the doorway, his forehead creased in confusion.

“We’re going on a little holiday.” Evie tore a dress off its hanger. “Co

“What about your work?”

Evie paused, not wanting to lie, but not wanting to worry him either. “I’m taking some time off.”