The Riot Kings clubhouse smelled of beer, motor oil, and tension thick enough to choke on. Eleven members sat around the main table, faces grim in the fluorescent light. Valentina stood at the head, Axel beside her, feeling the weight of suspicious eyes.
"You brought her here?" Denny's voice cut through the silence. "Duke's girl? To discuss club business?"
"She's got intel," Axel said. "Worth hearing."
"Intel from the sheriff's office?" Another member—Jake—leaned forward. "How'd she get that? What'd she have to trade?"
"Watch your mouth," Axel growled.
"I'm just saying what we're all thinking." Jake's eyes narrowed. "Duke's locked up, his brother shows up acting like our savior, and suddenly Duke's girlfriend is playing detective. Seems convenient."
Valentina forced herself to stay c
