Page 14 of Bloody Mine (Royal Bastards MC: Tonopah, NV)

“I’m heading out! I need to get to my girl.”

Rael nodded. “I’m coming with you.”

We left Xenon and he promised to let Grim know where we were headed. I saw Rael fire off a quick text and knew he was also touching base with our pres. I was far too amped up to do anything but hop on my Harley and pull back hard on the throttle, revving the bike and tearing up gravel as I sped out of the gate.

When we arrived at the apartment, it was locked up and no one was there. Sasha was already on her way to the Crossroads and I was surprised we didn’t pass her or notice the black SUV on the road. Both Rael and I searched the outside but saw no evidence of tampering or anything out of the ordinary.

“I guess the place is still secure,” Rael announced. “She’s fine, bro. Give her a call.”

; I dialed right away, anxious as fuck.

After hearing her voice, the tension eased in my shoulders but not by much. “She’s home.”

“Then we’re good.” Rael tilted his head to the side, contemplating me with an expression that could only be described as conniving. “Wanna have some fun?”

Fuck. Those words should never be uttered from his lips. Rael was more horror than humor.

“I’m afraid to ask.”

“Come on, Bodie. Don’t be a pussy.”

I followed him back to the driveway and our bikes, certain I was going to regret whatever happened next.

RAEL DIDN’T SAY A WORD until we arrived at a little joint that we liked to frequent outside of Tonopah off the beaten path. Place didn’t even have a name on the building, just read LIQUOR on the faded sign to keep out unwanted patrons. It was probably one of the few bars in the state that boasted a clientele of strictly bikers, muffler bunnies, and waitresses looking to lay as many guys in leather as they could. Place had a reputation for fights, booze, girls, and metal music. A favorite of the club when we weren’t home. Nothing compared to the Crossroads but this was close.

“We’re playing fucking darts?” I would rather have been catching up with Mammoth but knew that wasn’t possible which only made me feel grumpy as fuck.

Rael looked offended. “Not darts. Knife throwing. It’s a fuckin’ art, bro.”

Smirking, I shook my head. “I need more beer for this.”

Rael shrugged, grabbing a few bottles off the bar that a cute blonde shoved in his direction with a wink and we approached the back of the room. I noticed the knives he unwrapped from a thick fabric case and wondered where the fuck he had kept them. Never saw or noticed he was carrying a damn thing. Rael was a stealthy bastard. I’d give him that.

“These belonged to Mammoth before he bought his new set. Gave them to me for practice.”

Who the fuck thought it was a great idea to teach Rael how to throw knives with precision?

Mammoth needed to rethink that move but it was too late now.

“You’ve got to be shitting me.”

Rael’s laugh was loud and contagious. “You’re so fucking predictable. Ever do anything unexpected? Just for fun?”

Grabbing one of the long neck bottles, I tossed back a heavy swallow. “My life is far less exciting than yours.” Fucking Mammoth. He was probably laughing right now knowing Rael would sucker some dumbass to join him in his game.

Rael snickered, picking up a knife and playing with the blade, twisting it around in his hand. “I like the way these feel in my palm. I wouldn’t say it’s my weapon of choice but I don’t mind throwing one on occasion.”

Yeah, sure. “Right.”

“Care for a wager?”

“No.” I gave him a look. “I’m not throwing knives.”

Rael pouted like a little kid. “You don’t know what you’re missing. Come on.”

I shook my head, folding my arms across my chest.