RUTHLESS HOLD (A Back Down Devil MC Romance Novel)

“Fuck, bro,” Erik said. “Do you get…”

“He’s right,” Miller said. “We’re not going to start navigating these waters with the words of an old lady.” Miller put a hand up as Trev was about to explode. “But we have a plan. And we have a vote to take.”

Miller gave a nod to Trev.

All eyes were on him.

“I’m going to give up my cut,” Trev said.

Everyone murmured.

“What are you talking about?” Shay asked.

“I’m going to give up my cut and head north. I can convince Ripper shit is bad here. He’s after this club. He doesn’t want Miller as President. He wants one big charter and he wants to run it through a deal with the O’Nuall family. Now, I don’t have proof of that. It’s all words. Shay and Miller bring up points about that with old ladies. But something bad is going to happen if we don’t act. I’ll go north and give everything Ripper wants. I’ll stand by him and watch as he makes the calls. I’ll see the proof.”

“Jesus Christ, brother,” Blaine said. “That’s sabotage. I mean, the risk of yourself…” Blaine looked at Miller. “This risk here for us. Trying to set up not just another brother but a charter President.”

“A President who has lost his mind,” Gaige said.

“Maybe he has the right,” Landon said. “Shit. Jenn got pregnant by Griffin. I mean, do we know what Ripper actually knows? He’s been living with that…”

“Griffin is dead,” Trev said. “Let’s not forget that. If his name is fucked in all this, then we deal with that later. If his name is clear, then he rests peacefully as is. This is about Ripper. Giovanni’s death doesn’t add up. There’s proof that he had a problem with Giovanni. The rest of his table is unsure of who to believe. This is our chance to figure it out.”

“And if Ripper is clear?” Erik asked. “I mean, that will put a target on us. Charter to charter. A war.”

“That’s a risk I’m going to take,” Miller said. “And if that risk causes a war and I’m wrong, then I will give up my patch. I’ll cut it off and hand it to my VP. Then you can vote on my fate. Reaper or outlaw. How’s that for fucking proof?”

The table went silent again.

“That’s not going to happen though,” Gaige said. “I’ve talked to Jasper. He’s convinced something is wrong.”

“Then let it be his problem,” Jace said.

“It’s our goddamn problem,” Miller said. “When he’s up there making this charter look bad. When he’s trying to turn the charter against its own club. And if he’s dealing with the Irish and he killed Giovanni…”

“We vote for the reaper right now,” Gaige said. “If Trev finds that Ripper has been dealing with the O’Nuall family and killed Giovanni, he meets the reaper.”

“We vote now,” Miller said. “Trev is leaving soon. Tonight.”

“Christ,” Blaine said. “Tonight, brother?”

“Has to look legit,” Trev said. “I make it look like that when Jenn showed up and I learned of who Eden was, I threw a fit. I took on Miller and Gaige and they stripped me, kicking me out. I have to sell this hard. I believe in this, guys. I’m willing to be there alone to prove this. To prove I deserve this seat. And, shit, this is my way of honoring Griffin.”

“I vote yes,” Gaige said.

“Yes,” Trev said.

“Okay,” Nate said.

“Fucking hell,” Shay said. “Aye. For the MC.”

“Yes,” Erik said.

Landon rubbed his chin. He looked at Trev. Slowly, he nodded. “Okay, yeah.”

“Fine,” Jace said. “Yes.”

Blaine was last. He pointed to Trev. “You better come back here in one piece. I am not watching your ass get tossed into a hole. You got me?”

“I’ll be back,” Trev said.

“Then I vote yes,” Blaine said.

“Okay,” Miller said. “We’re all in on this. Ripper meets the reaper.”

Miller smacked the gavel.

Everyone stood and went to Trev. They all hugged him. Patted his back. Told him he was fucking crazy for doing this. Then they all one by one went to the clubhouse. It was just down to Trev and Miller.

“I never gave a shit about a leather cut before,” Trev said. “Then I came down here and saw the way you did things. The family thing. I get it, Miller. I’m going to protect this. But I need to know you have my back no matter what. Ripper has to die.”

Miller put a hand to Trev’s shoulder. “I know, brother. I know. Just make it right. I’ll have two charters to deal with then. But if everyone agrees with the result, then the reason won’t matter as much.”

Miller hugged Trev.

“Thank you,” Trev said.

“Let me get you a drink,” Miller said. “Before this mess starts.”

“No. I have to be with Eden.”

“You’re trading booze for *… you usually go for both.”

“I just need to be with her,” Trev said. “Just in case.”

“Okay, brother. Get the hell out of here. I’ll come for you in an hour.”

Just like that… Trev had a timeline on the rest of his life. One hour.

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