Page 29 of After the Chase

“I’m gonna head out now. Got somewhere else to be. You call me when you have thought more on it.”

I stand and kick the chair back before leaving without another word. Arrogant fuck.

Now I want to get to my Chase, my body has been without him for far too long and I’m gonna swing for whoever talks to me next, preventing me from getting to him sooner.

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHASE

Sitting in a taxi on the way to meet my brother, I think back to earlier when we arrived in New York.

The city hit me like a wall of sound and motion. We've been in Europe for months, moving through quiet streets and ancient architecture. New York is the opposite, aggressive, loud, and relentlessly modern.

Noah and I were in a car service, heading from JFK into Manhattan to our hotel, when Noah’s phone chimed.

"I have a meeting at the Infinity Hotel," Noah says as we pull up at our hotel. His voice is tense, a hint of annoyance.

"Marcus wants to discuss my father's arrangement with the Saints."

“Who is Marcus?”

“He’s the Prez. That’s what they call the head of motorcycle gangs. They make all of the decisions.”

“Okay, well at least it’s a meeting on neutral ground.”

“Hardly. His friend owns the hotel.”

“Is it safe?”

“Nothing is ever safe. I’ve arranged for you to meet Tyler at that bar his partner’s family owns. Starlight. You’ll be safer there.”

"Starlight? When did you arrange this?"

"Just now. You will meet tonight and I will come to you straight after the meeting."

He's already out of the car, waiting for me with the door open. He is so uptight, his shoulders rigid. He doesn’t want this meeting, because for Noah this is a social nightmare.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

“I’m pissed I knew nothing about what my father was involved in. I want the control, but it’s the fucking logistics where I have to talk to people that’s frustrating me. After this, hopefully it will be a silent relationship.”

After a few hours of settling in and having some food, showering and changing for the evening plans, my stomach filled with fear. I don’t like the fact that Noah is going to this meeting alone.

Noah was dressed like a Lord of darkness. Head to toe in black with his leather jacket and all of his rings shining on each finger. His hair was perfectly styled in that messy way, the black strands carefree. He smells fucking good, too. We didn’t speak much before he kissed me and left.

“Only speak to Tyler. Do not engage with those guys or there will be trouble.”

“Don’t worry about me, just take care of yourself.”

And those were our parting words. I stood in the empty hotel room for a moment, processing what has happened since we arrived back in the US. A few weeks ago our only concern was travelling, and now it’s the upheaval of our lives that may throw us into the underworld. And I’ll admit I’m scared. For me and for Noah. I’m also concerned as Noah doesn't like being separated from me. He hates me being somewhere without him, especially somewhere connected to the Kozlovs. But he's allowing it because Tyler is my brother, because this meeting with Marcus is important and dangerous as he doesn’t know the risks yet.

The bar is on the outskirts of the city and I vaguely remember it. We came here a few months ago when Tyler was getting involved with Ivan and the whole Kozlov world, and Noah helped them out with a mess they were in. So much was happening that I didn’t get a chance to take in the elegance of this place. Luxury and money live here with the baddest of people.

As I walk in, there is a jazz band playing on the stage where dark red lighting fills the room with a sensual atmosphere. It’s such a paradox to be somewhere so chill in its vibe and beautiful that has wickedness and evil at its core.

Tyler is already at a booth near the back, away from the main floor. He stands when he sees me, pulling me into a tight hug. I have missed him so much.

"Chase."