Relenting (Dirty Cops #2)

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

Bentley

“ S o, what’s the deal with you and Rox?” Shiv asks as soon as we enter the back room, the one the Savage Knights hold church in. I take a seat on one of the leather chairs and look him straight in the eyes.

“I’m staking my claim,” I state. “As soon as we’re done here, I’m meeting with Axle, making it official.”

He throws his head back on a laugh, as if I’m a goddamn comedian. What the hell is so fucking funny about what I said? His ass finally settles back down, giving me a look like I’m crazy.

“Your ears clogged?” He raises a brow. “Didn’t you just hear her out there? Pretty damn clear she’s not interested.”

Yeah, I heard. But if he peered a little closer, he would know that was all an act. I saw the way her body reacted before she put up the tough front. The moment she laid eyes on me, hers lit with fire. Her pretty cheeks pinkened, and her lungs started to breathe heavier. And those lush tits tightened right up, and it’s not like a breeze blew in.

The girl may be putting up a damn good fight, but deep down she fucking feels it. I thought that last night may have been a fluke. That maybe my sleep-deprived brain had been playing tricks on me. But when I stepped in that room, I knew it was real. The need to be close to her was nagging at me from the inside out. It took a fucking life force for me not to hook my hand around her neck and pull her in for a kiss. But I was damn sure she’d slap me across the face, and I didn’t want Shiv to throw me out on my ass for pressing my will on the girl. Even though, I know she wants it.

“She was screaming a different tune this morning; the connection was burning hot. But for some reason, the girl’s trying to lock me out now.”

“Pretty sure that’s because that heart of hers was banged up from someone from her past. Look…” He sits forward. “I know Rox better than anyone here, and I know she’s carrying some baggage, but if you can lighten that load for her, show her how fucking incredible she is, then you’ve got my blessing. She could use a man like you in her life. Someone who’ll protect her in this fucked-up world. But if you hurt her”—his eyes narrow in.—“you and I are gonna have a problem.”

I shake my head. “Don’t intend to hurt the girl, Shiv. I’m hoping to find exactly what you have with Chrissy.” Hell, right now I’m just trying to get the girl to let me take her out on a date. But tonight, I’m not taking no for an answer. I refuse to be put in the same category as whatever asshole who hurt her. That heart of hers may need some time to mend as well as some good old-fashioned TLC to learn to trust again, but if she gives me a chance, she’ll see that I’m a safe bet.

I’ve never really taken interest in anyone before, nor did I bother wasting anyone’s time. But this girl is different, and if I didn’t feel it or didn’t see the potential for something real, I wouldn’t be here making my claim; it’s not just to make it so she’s off-limits. That’s the intensity of what’s rocking through me when I look into her eyes. I can feel it down to my bones. She’s meant to be mine.

“Well, best of luck to you, brother. Now, what’d you need to see me for?”

“I looked into Chrissy’s dad like you asked. The man is fucking pond scum, Shiv. Got some big players in the game, which means I don’t think we can handle this off record like we wanted. If anyone catches wind that he’s been eliminated, they’ll go underground. So we need to bring him in. We’ll claim tax evasion, that way it won’t alert any red flags.”

He lets out a low curse. “Want that fucker dead.”

I nod. Can’t blame him for that. Any man who’d try to sell his daughters’ virginities to the highest bidder deserves to be fed to the sharks. “As soon as we get what we need from him, he will be. We just have to play our cards right. Also means I’m gonna have to make some calls. Need men on the inside for this one.”

“Just who the fuck is the bastard involved with?” His eyes shoot up to his hairline.

“One very high-ranking judge,” I tell him. “Dirty bastard was already on Sheriff Ryker’s radar, but it looks like we now have the evidence we needed to throw the fucking book at him. But if he’s involved, that means others could be as well. So first, we’ve got to fish out all the scum from the pond, find out every fucker involved, and then we can eliminate each and every one of them.”

“I’ll relay all this to Axle, and we’ll gear up here.” He nods. “Until everyone’s been handled, I’ll make sure Chrissy and her sister are well protected.”

“Sounds good. As soon as I get the clearance, I’ll be making the arrest. And I can assure you, he’ll be given the royal treatment while he’s locked inside.” I’ve got just the prisoner to play babysitter. Madden is fucking unhinged, and man, does that boy have it out for abusive dads who’ve hurt their little girls. He’ll be the perfect one to extract the information we need and keep the bastard in line.

“You let me know as soon as you have him. Don’t want that fucker on the streets for one more second. I want my girl and her sister safe.”

I tip my head. “I’ll let you know once he’s in custody.”

“Appreciate it, man.” He holds out his hand as he rises. “I’m gonna go let my girl know. Then I’ll call church to discuss everything with the men.”

I shake his hand. “I’ll give the Prez the heads-up. Once you meet and come up with the plan, you can fill me in on it.”

He nods in agreement, then we part ways. Him going in search of his girl. Me going in search of the Prez.

“Well, fuck,” Axle says, shaking his head once I’ve filled him in on everything. “There’s always fucking something.”

Ain’t that the fucking truth. I deal with criminals on the daily, and to top off that shit, I’m up against dirty cops, and apparently dirty judges too.

“Well, you just let me know what you need from us,” he says. “Damn appreciate you handling this.”

I nod. And on that note, that brings me to my next conversation.

“There’s something else I want to discuss with you, Axle.” He looks up, dread already filling his stare. “I want to stake my claim on Rox.”

His eyes shoot up to his hairline, which seems to be the common reaction. “Where the hell did that come from? You two been seeing each other and I didn’t know about it?”

“Just met the girl last night,” I admit, feeling damn sheepish about the fact. Most men spend time getting to know their women before they decide to jump all in to a future, but when it comes to this girl, I’ve got no patience to wait. There’s something deep in my gut telling me she’s the one.

His chuckle doesn’t surprise me. Already know what he’s thinking. That I’m fucking crazy. “I’ve been wondering who would have the damn balls to take that girl on, never imagined it’d be you. But I see it now.” He nods. “The man to wrangle that girl in is definitely one armed with cuffs.” He chuckles some more. “The boys are gonna be pissed that she’s off the market. Not that you want the details, but your girl is a fan favorite.”

My jaw locks up tight, teeth clamping together as jealousy simmers to the surface. No, I don’t want the details. “Yeah, well, that shit stops now. No one’s allowed to touch her. You and the club have my full respect, but if someone tries to cross a line with my girl, he’ll be dealing with me.”

“Once a claim has been made, my boys know the consequences. It’s one of our most sacred laws. They won’t cross a line, or they’ll be out, so rest assured, Officer, she’s officially your Old Lady. But if you do anything to break that girl’s heart”—he pins me under a warning glare—“just know you’ll be dealing with me.”

“I would expect nothing less.” The Savage Knights are like a tight-knit family. They protect their own, women included.

“Now, is there anything else you want to drop on me this evening, or is that all?”

“That’s it.” I smirk. Now, it’s time for me to get my girl and take her on that date she promised. Although, I’m guessing I’m going to have one hell of a fight getting her out the door. But if she tries to fight me, I’ll just have to pull out my cuffs like the Prez suggested. Although, maybe I should pull out my cock instead being as though her body has a soft spot for me, and it’s right between her legs.