Knox stepped forward, tossing a bucket of ice-cold water on him. He came to, crying as Razer stepped back in the circle, his eyes still blazing with hatred.
Viper stepped forward. “He passed out, so it’s someone else’s turn. Shade, you gave yours to Razer; it’s my turn now. I hate the bastard, and as much as I want my turn, I’m giving it to you, Razer.” Viper stepped back in the circle.
Razer stepped out of line, going to Rider’s truck and taking out a box. He carried it back inside the circle and took off the duct tape before he kicked the box over, spilling the contents onto the ground.
“Shit!”
“Fuck!”
Several more obscenities followed as the brothers took several paces backward, widening the circle as two rattlers slid out of the box.
Saul began screaming when their tails started shaking. He swatted at them as one struck his arm and the other struck his face several times.
When one would have slithered away, Cash stepped forward with a metal pole, slipping a noose over its head. Using a boot, he placed it back in the box before grappling the other one then placing it back inside the box, as well. He then packed it back to the truck.
Shade watched as Cash carefully taped the box closed again then saw Rider’s worried gaze. The brother didn’t want those mean fuckers getting loose on the ride home.
“Aren’t you going to pray to be healed?” Razer snarled. “You didn’t give a shit when you let your own daughter be bit every fucking year. You didn’t take her to the doctor once when she was a kid. She didn’t even have medical records until she was pregnant!” Razer squatted down next to him, watching the poison take effect. “You’re going to die knowing the pain you put Beth through.”
Saul’s eyes rolled to the back of his head as Razer stepped back in line.
Viper stared down at Saul mercilessly. “Train.”
Train stepped forward. “Razer can have my turn.”
“Mine, too,” Lucky called out.
“He can have mine,” Knox said.
“Damn, you all are taking all the fun out of it. He can have mine,” Rider complained.
Razer left the circle, going a few feet away to pour gasoline onto the wood which had been placed at the bottom of a large pit. Taking out his lighter, he took off his do-rag, setting it on fire then throwing it into the wood. Flames soared from the pit.
Razer walked back to Saul, picking him up from under the shoulders then dragging him toward the pit and dropping him at the edge. Reaching down, he felt for a pulse.
“I’m going to give you the last prayer you’re ever going to hear.” Razer looked up at the bright blue sky. “I pray to God there’s enough left in you to feel this, you son of a bitch!” With that, Razer kicked him over the edge and into the fire.
Shade stepped up to him, placing his arm around the brother’s shoulders. Razer’s chest was heaving with unspent rage.
“Go home to your wife and kids,” Shade stated over Saul’s screams. “I’ll take care of this.”
Razer nodded, turning to leave, but then he spun back. “You used all your IOUs to get them to give me their turns, didn’t you?”
Shade remained silent, staring back at his friend who had stood by him through the years while he had denied to himself that Razer was as close to him as any blood brother.
“Thanks, Shade,” Razer said huskily.
“Anytime, brother.”
Chapter 95
Lily was dressed in a robe, brushing her hair, when he entered the bedroom later that night.
He was tired as fuck. He had stayed to cover the hole with five other brothers and then had to drive to the Porters to argue with Greer for extra weed for the night’s party. The brothers from Ohio had cost him an hour of his time as well as an argument with Greer.
The angry Porter had made out like a bandit for his weed, claiming it was meant for another buyer. Shade had to give him more money to get him to give him the order, and then the stubborn asshole hadn’t wanted to give it up until Shade had threatened to find another supplier. He would make sure not to smoke any until Greer was over his anger. He didn’t trust him. He had probably pissed on it when he was growing the plant.
“You look tired tonight,” Lily said, putting her arms around his neck then taking a hasty step backward.
“I’m taking a shower now,” Shade apologized, taking off his shirt.
“Want me to join you?” Lily smiled.
“No,” Shade said, unintentionally abrupt. He was so horny he would fuck her before they could have the talk he was determined they would have.
“Oh.” Lily looked down at her feet then up into his face. “Are you afraid I’m going to have another break if you make love to me the way you want?”
Shade stared at her in horror that she believed that. “Of course not,” he denied. “Let me shower, and then we can talk. I had planned to have this conversation with you tonight.”
“You did?” Lily’s eyes filled with hurt.
“Yes. Lily, you’re misunderstanding me. Just give me a few minutes.”
“Okay.”