It didn’t matter. As club president, it was his job to keep everyone safe and Beth posed a threat.
“Answer me.”
“When he gave me to you.”
He slowly tightened his grip. She could still breathe. “If you’re lying to me, I’ll find out.”
“I’m not lying. I promise. I wouldn’t do that. I’m not lying.” She started to cry. Her hands went to his wrists. “Please don’t hurt me. I came with nothing. I don’t have a cell phone, or internet access. I can’t get into contact with him. Why are you doing this to me? I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“Then why is he saying he’s got inside information?”
“I don’t know.” She sobbed. “What could I tell him? That you like black coffee or whipped cream on your apple pie? There is nothing I can tell him about you or the club.”
He saw the truth and he let her go.
What had he done?
He stepped closer to her and she stumbled back. Her actions were so rushed she fell over. She scrambled to get to her feet and when she did, she whirled around, shooting him glares. Her hand went to her throat.
“I didn’t hurt you.”
“You were going to. I’ve been there for you. I’ve been open. I told you that I love you and you still think I’d betray you?”
“Beth, the club would want to know answers.”
“Why not ask me? Why did you have to scare me and threaten me? I’ve done nothing to you.” She wiped at her face even as more tears spilled down her cheeks.
He attempted to get near her but she shook her head. “No!” She screamed the word. “I don’t want you coming anywhere near me.”
“Don’t forget who owns you.”
She laughed. The sound wasn’t happy. No, it was full of grief that he’d put there. “Of course. How could I ever forget? I’m just someone to be used. To get pregnant and not care about. There’s no way I’d be able to think for my own. I’m not loyal, am I? I’m nothing more than a piece of meat to you.”
“Beth.”
She shook her head. “No. I don’t … trust you. I guess my love means absolutely nothing because you instantly thought the worst of me.” She sniffled.
When she turned on her heel and ran, he didn’t stop her. He watched her go, following behind her as she dashed into the clubhouse. A couple of the women looked at him. Some had hope in their eyes as if he’d turn to them for comfort. It wasn’t going to happen. The only woman he wanted had run from him, not that he blamed her. He’d just fucked up in the biggest way possible. Why did have to sabotage everything good in his life?
Forge didn’t want to have to question her in front of the club. He fucking wouldn’t.
Walking to Hound, he glared at him. He wanted to hurt him, to slash his face, to annihilate him. He didn’t. “I want everyone at church. No waiting around. All of them. Don’t make the prospects collect cell phones. Make it an emergency,” he said.
He walked into the clubhouse.
No sign of Beth. She was probably in their room. He paused at the entrance to the church room. All of his men would be there in a matter of moments.
He needed to fix things with Beth, but right now, she needed some space. He’d grabbed her around the neck. Would he have been able to choke her? To extinguish all the life out of her eyes?
Stepping into the room, he took his seat at the head of the table.
He was a damn good president to this club. He’d always put it first. His life, his very existence had been for the Hell’s Slaves MC. He’d bled for them. For the first time in his MC days, he truly believed he’d put the wrong thing first. The club should have come second. It would always be there, waiting for him. Beth was a living breathing person who wanted nothing more than his love.
He had to make it up to her.
Chapter Ten
“That fucker thinks he’ll use our club as a pawn for his other debts. After I took his daughter and waived off the money he owed, this is how he repays me?”
Forge made his intentions crystal clear.
Peterson was going to die. It wasn’t a matter of someday. It was happening. All his brothers in arms had specific instructions to get the job done. And he was going to make an example of the first whore to open her mouth about Beth again. Forge wasn’t going to tolerate whispers and accusations. His house needed to be put into order.
Club life was hardcore. Unlike with Beth, if one of these assholes smelled blood or weakness, they’d eat him alive. He had no grand illusions otherwise. He’d taught himself never to trust, for good reason, but he had to learn when to draw the line or he’d lose the woman he loved. Once Peterson was dead, no one would be able to play her against him. It was hard enough falling for a civilian, so he didn’t need all this extra bullshit in his life.
“There’s some talk he already sold our rivals inside information,” said Dog.
“I want every man with ears on this buried. Peterson, his hired hands, the clubs he’s given information to. This is going to be a big fucking cleanup.”
“We don’t know what he’s leaked,” said Dog.
“After tonight, we’ll know.”
“Peterson’s girl,” said Vicious. “She involved?”
Forge clenched his fist under the table, taking several cleansing breaths before speaking. “Don’t fucking mention her. Not one fucking time. She’s innocent. If anyone thinks otherwise, bring it to me personally.” He scanned the room, making eye contact with as many men as he could. “Questioning
