Read Online X Marks the Spot (Executioners MC Book 1) by Kimmie Easley - Free Book Online Page B

resolve. “You’re not going to budge, are you?”
    He stared directly at me. “Not a fucking inch.”
    We spent the next half hour cleaning out my motel room. I was relieved that I’d had the good sense to toss out the beer bottles before heading to court. The next stop Ronin insisted on was the clubhouse.
    “You sure you’re ready for that?”
    He nodded, staring ahead. “Don’t really have a choice. I’m sure they already know that I’m out. I need to report in and see what’s going on. Have you talked to anyone?”
    “Just Ruth. She tried to talk me into leaving.”
    He arched his brow. “Why didn’t you?”
    My voice cracked. I couldn’t look him in the face. “You know why. I don’t want to do this right now.”
    “How’d you leave it?”
    “Good.” I gave a long sigh. “Ruth understands and we left it at that.”
    We remained silent as we made our way across town. I attempted to keep my emotions in check, which was proving to be increasingly difficult.
    “What the hell, brother? What are you doing out?” Stoner crossed the room and embraced Ronin, slapping him on the back of his cut.
    “What can I say? Dynamite comes in small packages.” Ronin smirked.
    I tried to ignore the way the room came to life when he entered. He was intoxicating. Hercules barreled across the room, nearly shoving people out of his way.
    “Hey big guy,” Ronin said as Herc picked him up and squeezed him as if he weighed the size of a small toddler. “Yeah, I’m glad to see you too. Can you put me down now?”
    Herc planted him back on the ground just as Ruth rounded the corner.
    “There’s my boy.” She spotted both of us. “Oh, and my baby girl.”
    “We’re pretty anxious to hear how you pulled it off, son.” Jesse came up from behind and clasped him on the shoulder.
    “It wasn’t me. I didn’t say ten words in court. It was all your legal prodigy here, Prez.” He swooped an arm around my waist.
    I prayed that he didn’t notice the goose bumps covering my flesh.
    Pop turned to face me. I couldn’t get a read on his thoughts.
    “Well, let’s have a beer and hear the tale.”
    Two prospects brought out a round of Buds, passing them out to the group. Ronin took mine and pried off the cap before giving it back. He didn’t even look at me. It was an automatic gesture, just as he had done so many times before.
    My heart fluttered, beating wildly against my chest. For a slight moment, I almost felt like I was home. Almost.
    “Alright Princess, let’s hear it.” Jimmy X plopped down on a bar stool and all eyes were focused on me.
    I leaned against the wall. The room smelled of cigarette smoke and weed, leaving me queasy. I took a swig from the ice-cold beer to wet my dry throat.
    “There’s nothing to tell, really. This was just an arraignment. We have pretrial coming up and we were able to get Ronin out on bail through the next phase.
    “How’s that? Thought being a murder trial and all, he wouldn’t be able to bond out.” Zombie glowered at me, sending a shudder through my body. He was a bad seed, and he made no bones about hiding his disgust for his ‘brother’.
    “Yes, that’s often the case,” I said as I leveled my gaze.
    Ronin stood; his large build was impressive compared to others in the club.
    “My lawyer here is just being modest. The prosecutor asked for no bail. Painted me out to be a real douchebag. Criminal, murderer, and a flight risk. Something about being a gang banger. Jo bitch slapped Garner, gave it to him good. She said I’m not a flight risk because of my ties to the club. She told them you were my family and I would never abandon my family. Now, isn’t that fucking brilliant or what?”
    Everyone stared wide eyed at me.
    “And the judge just agreed?” Jessa had crept in and was now sidled up next to Jesse, her heavy, sunken eyes boring holes through me. No sisterly love lost there.
    “Well, not exactly.” I peered up at Ronin.
    He dropped his gaze to meet mine.