“One down, many more to go. Next time you're in town and want a job, let me know. I can use more guys like you. Thanks for your help tonight too,” I say, reaching my hand out to him.
“You got it, black bird,” Raiden says and walks off to his car. Looking back at the house one more time, I watch as the fire burns everything that was once there. May the demons burn with them. These girls deserve some peace, and I hope I’m about to give them some.
“See you at the safe houses,” I say to Chad, and he pulls off. I hop in Reyes’ truck and pull out behind him. I could use an iced coffee and an energy drink right about now. Maybe something for the pain in my arm and leg.Pain is just weakness leaving the body,I think to myself and crank the radio up
Chapter 30
Reyes
I’m pacing back and forth in the kitchen, trying to be patient and wait for her to come home. She’s been gone most of the damn day, and I’m trying not to panic, but after her wreck, I just don’t want her out of my sight. Literally just tie us together so I can keep my eyes on her at all times and make sure she’s safe.
“Brother, I’m sure she’s fine,” Damien says, walking into the kitchen.
“She hasn’t texted, called, or anything,” I reply, stopping to look at him.
“We knew this day was coming.” He pauses to chuckle. “She is too independent to want to be kept under our thumb and be watched.”
“I know, I just can’t help but worry.” I let out a frustrated sigh.
“We got shit to do tonight, so stop worrying. Our girl is as tough as nails. I feel like she’d give the devil himself a run for his money.” And I know he’s right. She’s probably got her guard upmore now than she ever has. I’m just curious what her meeting was about though. I pick up my phone as it buzzes on the counter and read the messages.
Unknown-
Multimedia Message
Unknown-
Time’s ticking boys. Here’s what proof of life there is left.
Damien walks up behind me and I push play. What we see is sickening and heartbreaking. Luis sits in a corner on a dirty mattress, passed out and chained to a wall. I watch as Bret walks over to him and injects him with something, God only knows what.That’s it, we got to get this shit done tonight. We have to get my brother back.Damien looks at me and I already know what he's thinking. He’s ready to get Luis back–no matter the cost.
We get ready for the night, gathering whatever we may need, and then walk to the garage to leave. I stop at the doorway and spin on my heels, making Damien bump into me.
“I swear I hate this plan and I feel like we shouldn’t even be going to do it,” I inform him, my gut is tight with anxiety and bad feelings.
“I don’t either, brother, but it’s just long enough for him to think we’re playing his game so we can get our brother back,” he says, and I let out a defeated sigh. Turning around, I walk into the garage.
After locking the house up behind us, we get into Damien’s car. Raven will kill us if she figures out what our plan is. I take that back, the minute she finds out, she is definitely going to murder us. Cut our balls off and feed them to the wolves. The drive to the safe house is silent. We both know this is risky,and even though Eddie talked to Lilly about the situation, she still isn’t happy about it. I wouldn’t be either if it were my kid. She told Eddie if it weren’t for Raven and liking us so much, she’d tell everyone to go get fucked. We could hear most of their conversation because she was yelling from the other side of the phone. That’s why I stormed out of the gym. I just needed a damn minute, and I couldn’t even look at Raven as I walked by. Zeke and Eddie both reassured her that Blakelyn would return home the same night, and we even hid a tracker on her clothes just in case shit did go south. Which we’re praying doesn’t happen, but you never know with this fucker.
I’m so lost in space, thinking about all the shit that could go right and wrong, I don’t even notice when we pull up to the gates and the guard taps the hood to let us in. We drive through and park,I’m ready to get this over with.Getting out, I run my hands through my hair and grip the roots.Here goes nothing.
We walk through the courtyard, making our way towards Lilly’s house. It’s getting way too late out, and I’m honestly over the games Bret is playing. It feels like months since I’ve seen my brother and I still feel like a pawn on his board. Blakelyn shouldn’t even be out, but here we are, about to do one of the most unspeakable things. Betray Raven, and that’s something I never thought I’d do, not willingly at least. God, she’s going to have our balls in a fucking hand basket for this. As we approach her door, I reach up to knock, but it opens, and the look on Lilly’s face when she sees us says it all. She’s terrified and doesn’t agree, but fuck, what else can we do?
“Boys,” she grits and pins us with a stare just as Blakelyn comes up beside her.
“Where’s Raven? She comes with you.” Her small, soft voice is like a strike to my heart. I’ll make damn sure not one hair on her little blonde head is harmed.
“We will see Raven later. I’m sure she’d love to see you.” Damien replies, and Blakelyn's face lights up.
“Hey, sweet girl, they need you to help them with a favor. Is that okay?” Lilly asks, squatting down to Blake’s level.
“I’ll always help her. She's my best friend and she helps me, Mom.” This little girl truly has a heart of gold. Been through so much in life and still cares about others.
“You can always say no, Blake. Your voice matters here with all of us.” I bend down and smile at her. Lilly ushers us further into the house.
“Raven trusts you, right?” she asks, looking between me and Damien. We both nod in response. “Then if she does, I do, too.” And that statement alone brings a smile to my face, but also makes my heart drop, right here on Lilly's living room floor.I’m betraying my girl,is all I can think about.
“Okay, so here’s our plan. You ready?” I ask, sitting on the couch, and she comes to sit next to me.Fuck, here goes nothing.
