“I could stick my tongue in your mouth if you think that would help.”
“Later, Dino,” she says, patting my cheek. “I’d like to stop by Ruby’s place and check on her first.”
“Because you’re a sweetheart worried over her or because you want info?”
“Can’t it be both?”
My smile says what I can’t. Minka is too fucking fascinating to ever let go. Even if she smacks me upside the head every day for the rest of our lives, I’ve found my Missus Dino.
22
Minka
Redeeming My Dark Deeds
Ruby’s trailer sits at the back of the Lush Gardens Trailer Park. We park in the guest lot and walk around looking for the right place. After I text her to say we’ve arrived, I wonder if she’ll make a run for it.
Dino is watching me rather than where we’re going. His movements remain smooth as he flawlessly dodges kids running around in the evening. The trailer park has a festive vibe, but I’m tense.
My bluff at the bar worked for now, but I’m unsure how to grab Black without making a show of it. He has to be waiting for us at this point. Will he come looking for us again or go into hiding?
“Jane,” Ruby says, appearing from between two trailers.
Her nearly black hair is wrapped up into a messy bun. Wearing jean shorts and a white tee, she matches the curly-haired girl at her side.
“This is Chevelle,” Ruby says.
“Hi,” the kid whispers. Despite her smile, she’s watching us like we’re aliens ready to rip off our human masks.
“We wanted to see if those bikers hassled you,” I say, walking with her to a community picnic table.
“They’re obnoxious more than anything.”
Ruby is difficult to read. Dino isn’t as he remains on guard nearby. We’re in enemy territory, and he’s ready to shoot our way out.
“My boss at the bar said I was fired until Black said otherwise.”
Sitting at the picnic table, I shrug. “Black might not be saying much of anything soon.”
“Really?”
“It’s what I heard, but people talk. Only time will tell.”
“I can find work in Hickory Creek, but I made solid tips in Common Bend. I’ll figure it out either way.”
“We’re looking to get your car back,” I say while Dino tenses at the sound of approaching voices.
“Don’t waste your time. Black’s guys trashed it.”
“Sorry.”
“It’s fine. The thing was on its last leg. They barely shortened its life.”
Glancing at her kid, I feel like an asshole for bringing this heat on Ruby. If I’d talked up another person at the bar that night, then they’d be hiding out from Black. The sheriff rains shit on everyone around him.
“Just keep your head down a bit longer and we’ll see about fixing some of the problems Black created.”
If Ruby wants to point out that I technically brought trouble down on her, she chooses to keep her mouth shut.
“I’m not trying to be rude by not inviting you in, but this place is small, and everyone talks. They’re going to talk anyway, but everyone is already running their mouths about you two.”
“Are they saying nice things?” I ask
Ruby and her kid smile in unison. “They’re saying you’re going to burn down the Bend and then do the same to Hickory Creek.”
“Why would we mess with Hickory Creek?”
“They say you work for the Reapers. They also say a war is coming between the two clubs.”
“I met with the two clubs less than an hour ago, and they aren’t ready to rumble. Who knows with men, though?”
Ruby smiles again. “I don’t blame you for anything,” she says, standing up. “I just want to make that clear. You’re doing a job because of the trouble Black caused. People don’t like him, and they’ll be happy when he’s gone, but they’re nervous about what comes afterward.”
“I’m thinking things will go back to the way they were before Black. I don’t know really. People aren’t always square with me.”
Ruby nods and gestures for Chevelle to stand up. “We should get back. Like I said, you two make people nervous. My mom and sisters live at Lush Gardens too, and they’re ready to come charging to my rescue. We better return before they embarrass themselves.”
“Stay safe and call if you need anything.”
Nodding, Ruby begins walking away and then pauses. I see her struggling with whether to keep her mouth shut. Sighing, she turns around.
“Black has a cabin up in the hills. I hear that’s where he’s holed up waiting for you.”
“Thanks.
Ruby glances at Dino and back at me. “You two will make some pretty babies.”
Dino gives me a cocky smile while I grin awkwardly. “Nice to meet you, Chevelle.”
The girl smiles, but she’s as wary of us as her mother. I look forward to Black being nothing more than a bad memory for Ruby and the rest of the people he’s shit on the last few months.
Dino wraps an arm around my shoulders while we walk back to the SUV.
“I want to name our first boy Luciano after my dad.”
“Sure.”
“What was your father’s name?”
“Eddie.”