grinned in a way that made Dashâs hands ball into fists. âSheâs always been a feisty thing, but there are times thatâs not a bad thing at all. No guesswork about what Ellie wants or what she thinks.â
There was obvious subtext, but Alamo kept his mouth shut. Whatever Ellen did or didnât do with either of these men was her business. Heâd met her once, and although she was intriguing, she apparently wasnât as single as heâd thought from the sounds of it. Maybe she and Dash were one of those crazy couples who were on and off again like a strobe light. She hadnât seemed like that sort of woman, but Alamo had spent only a couple of hours with her and most of those were either riding in silence or listening to her sing.
Dash, for his part, looked like heâd been chewing glass.
Killer glanced at Alamo. âDash says sheâs hands-off, man. Thatâs clear?â
âCrystal.â
Killer nodded and turned back to Dash. All grins were gone as he said, âDonât start shit with him for giving the girl a lift home because you fucked up again. You keep treating her like that and sheâs going to stay gone one of these times. You want to keep her? Man up, cuz. If not . . .â He shrugged. âJust donât start trouble in the house because of a girl who isnât even your old lady. We clear?â
âIâm not a Wolf, cuz ,â Dash said. âYou donât get to tell me what to do.â
Then he walked away.
Once he was gone, Killer pulled up a stool and motioned to the barmaid that she should get him and Alamo both a drink. Then he said, âDash isnât a bad guy, but heâs shit on sticking to anything. Club or woman. But he and Ellie have been screwing around for years.â
âI gave her a ride. Thatâs all,â Alamo pointed out.
âClear over to Memphis,â Killer said blandly. âWhen Ellen sings, people talk. We got a call. Echo likes to know what sheâs doing.â
âShe was upset.â
âThat happens a lot where Dash is concerned,â Killer said. âThose of us who know about them donât say anything. He might not be patched in, but heâs family . . . so if he says sheâs off-limits, she is.â
Alamo nodded.
Killer motioned to the barmaid. âPlenty of girls to go around, man. Dash certainly doesnât limit himself. He just likes to have Ellen to go back to when heâs feeling like he wants a little talking or cuddle or whatever with his fucking. She deserves better, but for some reason, she puts up with him.â
The barmaid came over with their drinks. She was a cute little thing, all curves and smiles. âHere you go.â
Alamo took his drink from her, but he didnât comment on Ellen. Whatever her deal was with Dash, it wasnât Alamoâs business. He wasnât getting involved. His temper was already an issue. That didnât mean, however, that he was going to be a dick to Ellen because of Dash.
Once the rather pretty barmaid walked away, Alamo said, âJust so weâre clear: I told Ellen she could call if she needed anything, and Iâm not going to take my word back.â
Killer nodded. âKeep it platonic. I donât need to deal with property issues between you two. Youâre new here, and Echoâs happy to have you. Says youâre worth keeping here. Donât fuck it up. If you do, it becomes my problem, and donât neither of us want that to happen.â
âMakes sense,â Alamo agreed. Heâd heard enough about Killer to know that he was a lot more experienced with violence than someone their age ought to be, but heâd been raised in the club and working for them since he was a kid. He was the current presidentâs son whether or not anyone said so. It didnât take more than a glance to see their resemblance. Alamo had no intention of coming to blows with
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