Down & Dirty by Reese Madison Read Free Book Online Page B

that’s as far as we get.”
    “Hm. Want to make it a real bar?”
    “Can’t, Slider has a rap sheet, and since he owns the property he can’t get a liquor license.” She explained pouring us wine.
    “I’ll talk to Joe, he might be able to help.”
    “Help with what?” He rounded the corner and came through the door.
    “We’re talking about fixing this place up, make it a real bar, but Slider can’t get a liquor license.”
    “He doesn’t need one. I own the controlling shares of the property, if you want a license, get one.” He stated like it was the most simple thing in the world.
    Salina and I looked at each other.
    I said, “I guess that settles that. Want to do it?”
    “Hell yes!” She clapped. “I’m going to go find my husband.”
    I looked at Joe as he approached, “Thank you.”
    “Yup. I gotta run out for a bit. Slider’s putting the club on lockdown until we get back.”
    “Why?” I felt a little sick with worry.
    “We got a Mexican gang trying to settle in over on the east side. They’re responsible for a couple home invasions and Slider’s had enough.”
    “You’re going to fight?”
    “Maybe, depends on whether they take the show of numbers as a sign and get out, or fight to get the territory.”
    I noticed he looked thicker and poked his chest. “You’re wearing a vest.”
    “I’m not stupid.” He picked me up by the waist and set me on a table and held my chin. “Stay here, keep your phone on you, and don’t drink too much. We might need a hand if this gets ugly.”
    “I can’t shoot the broad side of a barn at ten paces.” I confessed.
    “Not like that. Make sure you have the keys to the SUV’s ready to come get us if we need you. I’ll send you the GPS coordinates to your phone when we get close.”
    “I’m starting to get scared.”
    He ran those thumbs over my jaw like he does, “I love you, don’t ever forget that. If you need something to keep you busy start on this place. Slider doesn’t know it, but if I die you get my controlling shares.”
    “What??!” I blinked.
    “Shh. Don’t worry about it, nothing is going to happen to me. I have my reasons for what I do, you don’t need to understand them right now.” He kissed me passionately as I clung to him with fear, desperation, and need. I need him to be okay.
    He finally stepped back taking my hands. “Stick close to Salina, she can shoot the fleas off a dog at four hundred yards. In fact, have her show you how to shoot. The sooner the better.”
    “I barely know you and I’m sick to my stomach worried about you.”
    He leaned in and kissed my neck under my ear, “I love you too.” He touched my face and left quickly leaving me sitting there in shock.
    Salina found me a few minutes later, “Come on Red, let’s go see them off. It’s tradition. I always keep my eyes on the guys as long as I can.” She waved her hand for me to join her.
    I jumped off the table. “This is going to suck isn’t it?”
    She put her arm around my waist, “Yes. There’s a lot of good having the club as your family, but the bad is never any fun. It makes us stronger, closer. You’ll understand as years pass.”
    “I don’t’ want to lose him, or see him hurt. I feel sick.” I admitted.
    She gripped my hand. “Suck it up baby doll. You can puke when they’re out of sight. Strong men need strong women. We can only be weak when they can’t see us.”
    I took a steadying breath. “Okay. Suck it up.” I told myself and watched as they expertly filed out onto the street and disappeared in the distance.
    Then I promptly threw up in one of the large barrel trash cans with Salina holding my hair. “Calm down girlie. They’ll be okay.”
    If only she was right. My phone rang about two hours later. “Joe?”
    “Get Salina and meet us at the hospital off Dobson. Slider took a hit in the shoulder, he’s okay, but it’s a big bullet and he’s in surgery. Try not to freak her out.” He instructed.
    “Ah