I still can’t speak. My heart slams against my ribs.
Ghost tilts his head toward me, just slightly. “You okay?”
I nod, my throat tight.
Outside, sirens rise, sharp and fast.
“Police are on the way,” one of the prospects says. “We called as soon as they stepped through the door.”
The man in the leather jacket snarls. “You don’t know who you’re messing with.”
“No,” Ghost replies, eyes burning. “You don’t.”
The cops arrive in a blur of motion. Guns drawn. Voices barking orders.
The men are cuffed. One resists and ends up face-down on the floor.
Jessica tries to walk out like she wasn’t part of this.
“She brought them here,” I manage, voice quiet but sure. “She told them where to find me.”
Jessica turns, panic breaking across her face. “You can’t prove that. I didn’t know—”
“Save it for the judge,” one officer snaps, grabbing her arm.
“Nya!” she cries, her voice cracking. “I’m your sister! I didn’t mean for it to go this far! Please!”
I say nothing.
I just watch as they lead her out.
Then, silence.
The shop feels still again, like everything inside it is holding its breath.
Ghost turns to me.
His hands come up, touch my arms, my face, like he’s checking for injuries. Like he still can’t believe I’m okay.
“Why did you leave?” he asks, voice barely above a whisper.
“I had to open the shop.”
He leans in, pressing his forehead gently against mine.
“I don’t want to lose you from my sight. Ever.”
I nod, the corners of my mouth lifting. “You can’t keep me locked up. You know that, right?”
“I know.” He sighs. “But there will always be someone from the club keeping an eye on you.”
“Okay.”
Then I step into his arms. And I let myself shake.
For the first time in forever, I let someone else be strong for me.
And he is.
