Jerry Langton Three-Book Biker Bundle Read Online Free PDF Page B

judgment,” Steve said. “You saw her up there on stage and that lowly bastard telling her what to do and you snapped.”
    â€œMy friend, she’s chosen one path and it’s about time you chose another,” Steve said. “There’s lots and lots and lots and lots of pussy out there. I can get you anything you want from pretty well anyone you want; you do not need to link your future to hers.”
    â€œYou’re right.”
    â€œSay it again.”
    â€œYou’re right.”
    â€œPerhaps you’d like to elaborate.”
    Ned caught on. “It was wrong of me to act stupid when confronted with that situation,” he said. “Kelli is a stripper, she took on a career choice that has certain drawbacks, and I have to live with that and move on with my own career.”
    â€œExactly what I was thinking,” Steve said. The assembled bikers laughed.
    â€œNow we come to the small matter of how you are going to make up for your indiscretions of last night.” He said something in what Ned took to be Spanish to the man beside him, who nodded but did not otherwise change the expression on his face.
    â€œThe first matter on the agenda is the custodial work done by young Mr. Peters and young Mr. Rautins,” he said. “How long did you two work?”
    â€œTwo hours, at least,” piped up Peters.
    â€œReally? I spent two fuckin’ hours in the fuckin’ VIP room with those fuckin’ losers and fuckin’ skanks?” Steve feigned shock. “Two hours? That would be $500 to each.”
    â€œFine,” Ned peeled ten hundreds off his wad of cash and distributed them to Peters and Rautins.
    â€œAlright then, now comes the matter of Mr. Lessard and Mr. Johansson,” Steve said. “They provided essential security—$700 each.”
    Ned did as he was told.
    â€œAnd, of course, we cannot forget our good friend, Mr. Williams,” Steve motioned to the man sitting next to him, who made no indication there was anyone in the room other than himself and Steve. “For various services rendered, $1,500.” Mr. Williams made no noise or gesture other than stick the index finger of his right hand up. Steve corrected himself. “My apologies, I meant two thousand dollars.”
    â€œWhat did he do?” Ned protested.
    â€œProfoundly important things you are not yet privileged to know about.”
    For the first time, Mr. Williams acknowledged Ned. He swiveled in his chair and faced him. Ned couldn’t see through the lenses on Mr. Williams’ sunglasses, but the older man appeared to be staring him down. Ned had no choice, he passed the man two thousand in cash. Mr. Williams then shook Steve’s hand and left without a word.
    â€œBe grateful,” Steve admonished Ned.
    â€œI guess that just leaves you and Dario . . . ”
    Gagliano stood up and addressed Steve. “I think it would be more appropriate for Ned to settle up with me at a later date.”
    â€œWise,” said Steve. Then he stood up and sat on his desk, facing Ned. He leaned in so that their faces were just a few inches apart. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re just gonna have to do me a couple of little favors . . . ”
    â€œLike what?”
    â€œI need to hear you say it ’s over between you and her,” Steve growled.
    â€œIt is.”
    â€œThen you won’t mind if I send a couple of guys to your house to remove all her stuff.”
    â€œUh . . . no, of course not . . . where ya gonna put it?”
    â€œAnywhere you want, just not your house—you okay with her parents? No, wait, Mallory’s her best friend, right? How about her place?”
    It occurred to Ned that giving Kelli’s stuff to Mallory (who worked for Steve) would keep her uncomfortably close, but he didn’t mention it. Instead, he said: “Yeah, yeah, sure.”
    â€œIf I ever see you with her again, you may just never see