He rose to follow behind the group, keeping a watchful eye on his club members. Lily didn’t stray from Beth’s side for the rest of the evening.
He had thought Beth would be his biggest opposition, but surprisingly, Razer was playing the big brother. Shade was willing to go along with it, for a while anyway.
He watched as she looked back over her shoulder then moved closer to Beth. His gut twisted as he wondered if she would ever turn to him over Beth, if he would be the one she looked to for protection.
They managed to hit all the rides and most of the food trucks before heading to the parking lot. On the way out, Shade caught Viper’s attention.
“I’ll catch up with you later.”
Once Viper sent him a curious look while he nodded, Shade went in search of one particular vendor, easily finding out there was only one which sold blown glass. The old man behind the table was polite yet wary. Shade was used to his appearance frightening some people, though.
“There was a young woman with long, dark hair and purple eyes here earlier tonight. She bought one of your pieces; which one was it?” Shade questioned, scanning the small figurines.
“It was one of a kind. I have something similar…” The old man began to reach across the table.
Shade shook his head, taking out his wallet.
“You make these?”
“Yes … but I only make one of a kind—” Again, he attempted to explain, but Shade cut him off.
“It was accidently broken.” Shade handed him several bills and a card. “Make me another just like it and mail it to the address on the card. When you do, I’ll send another hundred.”
“But this is more than enough.” The vendor counted the cash in his hand.
“Then it will give you the motivation to get it done before I change my mind, won’t it?”
Shade walked away when he nodded. Lily was never going to lose what she wanted ever again.
* * *
Shade walked nonchalantly into the jail cell Knox had opened. He leaned against the wall as Gaige jumped to his feet.
“I’m going to make it simple for you. Get your ass out of town and don’t come back.”
“I have a wife and kids!”
“This the same wife and kids you had when you were sticking your hand up Lily’s dress?”
“I was just playing around. If Lily told you any diff—”
Shade was on him in the next second, his fist punching him in the stomach. When he would have fallen to the floor, Shade jerked him up with his hands on his neck, throwing him to the wall then pinning him against it.
“You fucking coward, I will take your ass out if you say her name one more time. I don’t give a rat’s ass about your family any more than you do. When you get out of here today, Knox will give you an envelope with some cash in it, and you will sign an agreement to keep your mouth shut. Do you understand me?”
Gaige’s face was turning purple, but he managed to nod his acknowledgement.
Shade finally released his throat. “Take your family and leave town, Gaige. If I ever hear or see you again, it will be the last time. I’m giving you enough money for you and your family to start over somewhere else. Do not make me regret my generosity.”
Gaige bent over, trying to catch his breath. “I won’t.”
“Good.” As Shade reached into his pockets, taking out his leather gloves, Gaige watched him with fear in his eyes.
“You really didn’t think I was done, did you?” Shade mocked. “You destroyed something of hers then left a bruise on her arm. I drove that truck you’re so proud of off Pine Mountain. Now, I’m going to break your fucking arm. Then we’ll be even.”#p#分页标题#e#
Chapter 44
Shade sipped his coffee, watching Lily and Beth cross the street in front of the diner. If Lily had turned to walk home again, he would have worried she was trying to avoid him after his move the night before.
“What has you so quiet?” Rider asked, sitting next to him at the table inside the diner.
Train and Cash quit talking to listen to his answer.
“Just wondering how many beers Razer and Viper drank before Lucky’s service so they wouldn’t laugh out loud during it.”
“You going to start going to church every Sunday when you and Lily get together?” Train questioned.
“What do you think?” Shade answered.
The table burst out laughing yet quieted when the women and Razer and Viper came in with their wives.
“Was the sermon good?” Shade asked sardonically.
Both men looked suspiciously at the brothers while they tried to hide their smiles. Shade noticed Lily took a seat between Razer and Winter at the end farthest away from him.