Snake rubs the top of Marla’s head. “Do you want me to take her?”
“Yes! Please get it off me!”
“Then you know what you need to do, sweetheart,” he whispers and places a kiss on the corner of her mouth.
“She went to have an abortion!” Leah cries hysterically. “Get it away from me!”
I stumble backward, my heart nearly stopping in my chest at her revelation. Snake jerks his wide gaze to mine, displaying the same shock I’m sure is mirrored in my own. Of all the scenarios that ran through my mind, this wasn’t even a bleep. I expected her to be on a plane heading halfway around the world. My turbulent emotions morph into raging anger. If Zilphia killed our unborn child, her fate is sealed.
“Where?” I growl between clenched teeth.
“I swear on my father’s life, I don’t know!” she shouts, her eyes wild with fear. “They didn’t tell me. Please get it off me.”
Long strides carry me from the room and up the stairs. I need to round up as many brothers as I can to search for Zilphia. Time is critical. I have to save my unborn child.
“Sure you don’t want me to come in with you?” Meela asks.
“I’m sure.” We’re parked a block down from the clubhouse.
It’s dark out now. After leaving the clinic, we turned our cell phones back on—only to be hit with a barrage of missed calls, voicemails, and texts from Sandman. He knows everything. I don’t blame Leah for telling my secret; anyone would have under the circumstances. Her tear-filled voicemails begging for my forgiveness broke my heart.
I spoke to her briefly and assured her there was nothing to forgive before powering off my cell phone again; Meela did the same. I wasn’t ready to go back, so we had lunch and browsed a few stores. Later, we saw a movie, wandered around the mall a bit more, and then had dinner.
As we neared Kent, I switched my cell phone back on and saw more missed calls, voicemails, and texts from Sandman. His threats have my stomach in knots, especially the threats concerning my grandmother. The last voicemail was from ten minutes ago,and from the loud music and chatter in the background, I knew he was at the bar.
“You don’t have to face him alone.”
“Yeah, I do.” I sigh and undo my seatbelt. “I already put Leah in danger. I’m not going to put you in danger too.”
“I can take care of myself,” Meela quips in her usual sassy tone.
“I know you can, but this isn’t your fight,” I say, turning in my seat to face her. “Thank you so much for being there for me. We haven’t known each other long, but you’ve been an amazing friend, but no one can protect me from him. And anyone who tries will probably end up dead.” I push the car door open. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”I hope.
“Okay.” Meela leans over and gives me a tight hug. “Call me if you need me.”
“I will.” I inhale a fortifying breath and exit the vehicle.
I could very well be walking to my death, but there’s no point in running or hiding. Sandman said he would always find me, and I believe him. He hates me too much to ever let me go. I square my shoulders and walk through the gates of the clubhouse.
The men guarding the entrance let me pass, no doubt recognizing who I am. Quite a few people linger outside, and dozens of eyes track me as I make my way to the bar entrance. I’m sure they’ve all heard about my disappearing act.
“You should’ve stayed gone. Sandman’s gonna fuck you up six ways from Sunday, girl.”
I glance over, finding my antagonizer slouched against his Harley. I raise my chin, refusing to show fear. “Where is he?”
“Inside, getting wasted.” Cricket ambles toward me, a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. “I’ve seen him in a rage plenty, but never like this. He just might put a bullet in your skull tonight. Something he should’ve done a while back if you ask me.”
“But he didn’t ask you, now did he?” I retort sarcastically.
“He didn’t,” Cricket admits. “But trust me, your days are numbered, baby killer.” He tilts his head sideways, his intent gaze appraising my physical attributes. “I don’t understand his obsessionwith you. Never did, honestly. There’s absolutely nothing special about you. You’re average at best. Sandman has a string of beautiful women itching to get at him.”
“Then tell him to take his pick and leave me the fuck alone.” I push past him and storm into the building.
Cricket is a fucking asshole, but I can’t fault him for hating me. He’s protective of his best friend, always has been.
I scan the smoky interior and spot Sandman sitting at the bar. His messy golden mane is unbound, falling in loose silken waves around his broad shoulders. I gasp in surprise, noticing his slumped posture and the way his forehead rests heavily in his upturned palm. He looks so defeated.
It’s a foreign concept to associate with this deadly man. Did he feel the same defeat the night I betrayed him? “I have no idea who this guy is.He forced me in here and started kissing me…”Those words were bile on my tongue, but still I said them and ignited an all-consuming hate that led me to this very moment.
