He didn’t raise his voice, but Rock’s size alone is enough to intimidate anyone. Stella wisely backs up a few inches. I stand and Sway opens his eyes.

“Easy,” Sway says to both of us. “She don’t know any better.”

I understand what makes Stella tick well enough to know a comment like that would normally piss her off, but she shrugs. “I thought maybe that was why you brought Z down here instead of promoting Shadow.” She jerks her chin at my cut. “On the other hand, it looks like Sway getting shot earned you a promotion.”

Little bitch.

“Hey.” Sway jerks her hand to get her attention. “Watch that mouth of yours. Z’s doing what he was asked to do. It’s not your concern.”

Christ if she really thinks I had something to do with Sway’s shooting, she never knew me at all. Unless she’s hopeful I’m here because I want her back. Both options make me want to vomit. “Why I’m here isn’t any of your business.”

“Give us a minute,” Sway says.

I stare Stella down until she looks away. “Yeah, all right. I’ll check in on you later, Sway.”

Outside the room, Rock turns and glares at me. “The fuck is wrong with her?”

“We haven’t talked in weeks.”

“Watch your back. Especially if she’s visiting the clubhouse.”

“Christ, I hope she’s not gonna be over there. That’s the last damn thing I need.”

“Well, Prez,” his voice drips with sarcasm, “that’s your call to make, now isn’t it?”

Banning Stella from the clubhouse probably won’t help the business relationship she has with the club. But it’s a tempting thought. “Well, gee.” I widen my eyes and pat my chest. “What do ya know? You’re right.”

He cracks a hint of a smile. “Fuckface.”

“You love my fuckface.”

“I do. That’s why I don’t want anyone talking shit about you.”

“Appreciate that.” I glance at the closed door. “I’d like to say she didn’t mean anything, but I’m not so sure.”

“Come on.” He cocks his head toward the waiting room.

Shadow stands and smirks at us. “Stella in there giving him a happy ending?”

Ignoring him, I address the other guys. “Who’s staying tonight? We need to sit down and I want to know who we’ll be missing.”

Two of the younger brothers raise their hands. “We’ll stay.”

“Keep me informed. I want to know if anyone unusual shows up.”

Shadow squints at me. “What’s unusual?”

After last night, this clown shouldn’t be giving me lip. “Anyone not wearing a LOKI cut. That clear enough for ya?”

He gives me a fake-ass salute and drops down into his chair. “Yeah, Prez.”

Rock remains quiet but sticks by my side through the whole exchange. After a quick goodbye to everyone, we head outside.