too much, he stepped backward, needing to leave.
A body nudged his arm. "Aldridge?"
He whipped his gaze to the man beside him. His body, hard and alert, ready for an attack.
"I heard you got out of the pen." The man stayed close and continued. "Kurt Ramchett, President of Bantorus Motorcycle Club."
Jeremy dropped his gaze to Ramchett's leather vest and remained silent. He remembered.
Kurt folded his arms across his chest. "Your dad's probably filled you in on the changes. While Silver Girls is no longer owned by Bantorus, the club is still involved. The same way Moroad is involved. We protect the women."
Jeremy widened his stance. He never took to anyone telling him how to run his life before prison. He wasn't going to start giving a damn now.
"I'd hate to think you were threatening me." Jeremy remained in position. "I'm Moroad. I don't touch Bantorus girls."
"I want no problems between us." Kurt faced Jeremy. "Ink and Lilly think a lot of Tiff. She's—"
"Is Bantorus claiming ownership over her?" Jeremy dipped his chin.
Kurt shook his head. "Business only."
"Then I'd suggest you find someone else to talk to because I'm not interested in whatever you have to say." Jeremy paused. "As far as I'm concerned, Moroad will continue whatever agreement they have with your club, but understand that what I do with Tiff isn't any of your fucking business."
"You've been gone a long time," said Kurt.
"Yeah, and I'm back." Jeremy caught a flash of blonde hair behind Kurt and never took his gaze from the president of Bantorus. "Looks like the show is almost over. I'd like to look at some pussy before I need to head out of town, so if we're done here..."
Kurt nodded and walked away.
The area Jeremy spotted the blonde hair now empty, he turned back to the crowd. He found Tiff without trying, his gaze locked on to the woman he'd spent a lifetime wanting.
Tiff stood with her back toward him, and he'd recognize her anywhere. He took in the proud, bare shoulders. The slight tilt of her hip encased in red. The straight blonde hair skimming the curve of her ass. He swallowed a groan. She'd kept her long hair.
Turn around.
He held his breath.
Fucking turn around.
He had to see her face.
The arched brows that raised and lowered with her mood. The full mouth that smiled with everything she failed to contain or the smirk with attitude she'd throw at him when he disappointed her. He wanted it all. Every small memory kept locked in his head, untouched by anyone else.
The music stopped. The crowd clapped, cheered, and stood. He lost his view of Tiff and slipped out of the room, taking the wide carpeted stairs to the second floor. He'd always known he'd return to Tiff, to Federal, to his club. It was time Tiff learned he was back.
He turned the door handle at the top of the stairs. "Fuck."
The door, locked and secured from the inside, kept him out. He studied the casing on the door, the deadbolt, the almost concealed wire running along the edge, over the door, and to the high ceiling. She had the place secured with an alarm.
He walked down the steps. The dancers hurried past him toward the room at the end of the hallway. Unfamiliar women who gave him a second glance and grabbed on to each other, fear etched on their faces and curiosity in their eyes. He lifted his chin in acknowledgment not to raise any alarm and have them scream for help.
Katie strolled into the hallway, recognized him, and opened her mouth. He gave a short shake of his head, silencing her.
"Jeremy," she said on an exhale, stepping in front of him. "W-welcome back."
"Hey." He lowered his voice. "I need a favor."
Katie moistened her lips and glanced over her shoulder, then moved him farther away from the entrance of the main room. "Moroad members aren't allowed back here with the women when the show is over. We need to change out of our costumes."
He gazed over her head, watching for Tiff. "I need you to get me upstairs."
"I can't do that." Katie frowned. "Even