“Sounds like you’re suggesting something.” He mutters, running his hand over his jaw.
I nod, “‘Cause? I am. We need to . . . think outside of the box. The cult’s been mainly operating around your area, still sticking close to the universities, yeah?”
“They have . . . what’re you suggesting, Tala?” Stoney questions, narrowing his eyes in on me.
“I want to send one of my newest prospects down to your charter, to work specifically undercover. I want her to try and find out about this cult. Hell, I was gonna have Omen talk to you about this, but I want us to have a regent program.”
“A what?” He looks at me like I’m speaking a foreign language.
“Isn’t that what the kings and queens did, way back when?” Horse questions.
“Yes, it was, and I want to bring it back. Someone from my club will be in Stonewall Mills, and someone from your club will be here at my club. They will act as our regents, ensuring our policies are being followed. Say they’re babysitters or what have it, but, I really feel like this could be a good idea in the long term. I . . . I believe our alliance is stronger than ever now because of Destiny, and because of that, implementing a regency program will be nothing but a success.”
“My guys aren’t used to women bein’ in the club unless they’re whores.” Stoney mutters, looking around the rooftop, I know he’s already counting how many women we have here.
“Well, then they should start getting used to it. I have just the girl. She has no family up here, but she’s trustworthy as hell. Fierce as fuck too. She met Iris at an art class up here, but she’s quickly proven herself,” I pause for a moment and look for her, “Ainslee! Come here, will you?”
Ainslee comes over from where she was chatting with Nikki and Gold, smiling at both Horse and Stoney. “Hey there, I’m Ainslee.” She extends her hand and shakes with them both.
“Scottish, are ya?” Stoney smirks.
“Yep,” Ainslee replies.
“I think Ainslee should stay at Horse’s club, considering he’s closer to some of the universities. I’ll put Ainslee in some classes and she’ll be keeping an eye out for anything unusual.”
Ainslee’s eyes sparkle with excitement. “You tapping me in, coach?”
I chuckle lightly. “Yes, just explaining my plan to Stoney and Horse.”
Stoney rubs his palm over his mouth as he mulls over the idea, “Who am I supposed to send to you?”
“Whoever you want. There’s no rush, Stoney. Take your time. I just wanna get her down there as soon as possible. She’s exotic, devious, and has a good head on her shoulders.” I say whatever I damn well need to in order for him to agree.
“Shit, alright. Fine, but the boys at Horse’s club are gonna eat her up.”
Ainslee cackles, “I highly doubt that. I don’t swim in their waters. She’s more of my type,” Ainslee points to me.
“Well, damn. You’re sendin’ a firecracker down to us. Aren’t you?” Stoney chuckles.
“I am, and I know she’s going to come up with something. She always does.”
“What can I say? I’m resourceful like that.” Ainslee quips with a giggle.
“Alright. We’ll make it work. When is she gonna come to the club?” Stoney questions me.
“A month, maybe. Would that work? It gives her time to finish her classes up here and get enrolled down there, all of the logistics.”
“Yep, sounds good. Horse and I will be leaving in a couple hours to head back home, but I’ll give Tracker an update on what’s going down when we get back tonight.”
Much to my surprise, I thought they’d be sticking around a little while longer. “Leaving already?”
Stoney nods, “Yeah, we have lots of shit to be getting done. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I promised a little girl I’d eat a cuppie cake with her.” Stoney doesn’t even wait for a response as he walks by me, and Ainslee takes her leave as well, leaving Horse and I alone.
“Things will get easier in time between the two of you. I’m sure of it.” Horse comments.
“I hope you’re right. I really do.”
“I know I am. You two might be fuckin’ hotheads, but neither of you are dumb. You’ll get this sorted sooner rather than later.” Horse says, patting me once on the back he goes off to where his father’s headed.
When they walked in the club the other day, I was terrified our entire alliance was going to go up in flames, but, now it looks like somehow we’ve salvaged it, and made it stronger.
Chapter Eleven
Somehow I always knew no matter how far we drifted away from each other, that we would find our way back together again.
~ The Better Man Project
Cowboy
I’d be lyin’ if I said I wasn’t glad Stoney and Horse left. Their presence only made me anxious, maybe even pissed if I’m bein’ honest. I know they both had conversations with Tala and made her believe things are gonna be good from this point on, but I’ve been told things that’ve only ended up changing. If she wants me to be optimistic I will, but deep down I’m going to be cautious as fuck.
It’s been a week since Destiny’s birthday party and things have been calm, quiet even. Ainslee leaves in about three weeks to head down to Horse’s charter and somethin’ about this just isn’t sitting well with me. Practically begging for trouble.
“Nikki said she’d watch Destiny tonight, you know, if you wanna take me out or something,” Tala mutters, wiggling her eyebrows.
I chuckle lightly. She knows damn well I want to take her out tonight, considering I asked her if we could find a babysitter. “Get yourself dressed up, baby. We’re goin’ out to a nice restaurant.”
“What
