Chapter Ten
Ghost
“W ho the hell are all of you?” Ray greets from his front porch. He lives in a nice neighborhood surrounded by nice vehicles. Knowing that my girls are living in that small apartment in that fucking dangerous complex while he’s here pisses me off even more. “Wait, you’re the one fucking my ex. Careful, that fat pussy will get old fast. She’s very boring in bed, isn’t she?”
“Steady, brother,” Xander says from my side. “Once the custody battle is finalized, Ray here will take a long trip overseas. Until then, we just scare him.”
Nodding, I fix my bike and dismount, my brother’s right behind me.
“Just came to talk, Ray,” I say. “We have something you need to know.”
“Is it about Amara?” he asks. “Well, might as well come in. Besides, all my neighbors are watching through their windows. Nosey lot.”
“He’s kind of stupid,” King says.
“Not sure you can all fit inside my dining hall, but it must be important if you had to bring such a large crew along. Come on then.”
When everyone is inside, my club lines the walls behind me while I stand in front of Ray.
“Ray, honey, who are all of these people?”
“They’re friends here to tell me something about Amara.”
A woman emerges from the hallway, and I have to bite back a sigh. She’s too thin, almost frail, with short hair dyed a shade too bright to be natural, cut into an uneven bob that looks like it was styled by a lawnmower. Her makeup is caked on, with thick eyeliner and clumpy mascara that only emphasize her sunken eyes. She’s wearing a tight, low-cut top that strains over her bony frame, and a pair of jeans that hang off her hips like they’re two sizes too big. She’s tried too hard to look young and fashionable, but it’s only highlighted how out of place she is.
“Friends?” Her voice is high-pitched and slightly nasal, carrying a note of suspicion. She’s clutching a cigarette in one hand, the red-painted nails chipped and uneven. She leans against the doorframe in a way she probably thinks is seductive, but it just makes her look more unsteady.
“Yeah, friends,” Ray repeats, patting her on the arm. “This is, uh…”
“Ghost,” I supply, not bothering to mask my disdain.
She gives me a once-over, her eyes flicking over my leather jacket and the patches that mark my rank. “Well, I guess I’ll leave you boys to it,” she says, trying to sound nonchalant but her voice wavering. She casts one last nervous glance at Ray before shuffling back into the shadows of the house, her footsteps echoing down the hall.
As she disappears, Hayes leans in close and mutters, “Trying too hard or what?”
I nod, keeping my eyes on Ray. “We’re here for answers.”
“Oh, I bet you are,” he laughs. “I just know that woman has already dug under your skin. She probably wants you to learn that damn sign language. It makes you look like a retard. I refuse to learn it.”
“Then why are you fighting to keep seeing her?” I ask, buying time.
“To fuck with her mother,” he laughs. “The second I win, I’m shipping the brat off to some private school on the other side of the country. Some place where they try and teach people like her to be civilized.”
I see,” I growl. “I guess I’ll get to the point. About an hour ago, we were made aware of the beatings you’ve been giving Zoe.”
“Is that what this visit is about?” he asks nervously. “You see, it’s like this. My wife can’t understand the kid’s alien language. Hell, no one can. She didn’t do as she was told, and, as her parent, I decided she needed to be punished. Simple as that.”
“Simple as that,” Mitchell mutters.
“And all the other times?” I ask, fighting the rage inside, wanting to kill this man where he stands.
“Basically, the same reasons,” Ray answers, stepping towards the hall. “The kid doesn’t listen. Then she flings her hands around as if I know what the hell she’s trying to say. I’ve told her multiple times to use a pen and paper. It’s not my fault her mother doesn’t discipline her enough.”
Ray takes another step towards the hallway, likely thinking he can escape whatever is coming, but he stops dead in his tracks. Reynolds is already there, leaning against the doorway with a lazy grin, his massive frame blocking the exit completely.
“Sup?” Reynolds drawls, crossing his arms over his chest.
Ray freezes, eyes darting between Reynolds and me, realizing there’s no easy way out. “You can’t be serious about this,” he stammers. “She’s just a kid who needs discipline.”
I shake my head slowly, taking a step closer to him. “Zoe and Amara belong to me now. If you ever touch Zoe again, even a small bruise, the next beating won’t leave any air in your lungs.”
Before Ray can react, I move quickly, grabbing his arm and twisting it behind his back. I push him forward, bending him over the dining table with enough force to make him gasp. My other hand grips the back of his neck, holding him in place.
I land a series of quick, precise blows to his ribs and stomach, making sure to avoid his face. Each hit is calculated enough to make him feel the pain without leaving obvious marks. Ray tries to struggle, but my grip is ironclad, and the fear in his eyes tells me he’s starting to understand just how serious we are.
“You think you can do whatever you want because she’s a kid?” I hiss in his ear. “That ends today. You touch her again, and we’ll be back. And I promise, Ray, it won’t just be me next time. We’ll take our turns, and you’ll wish you’d never laid a hand on her. You don’t touch what belongs to me.”
I release him roughly, and he collapses onto the floor, clutching his sides and gasping for breath. My club stands silently, their presence a looming threat that fills the room.
Ray looks up at me, his face pale and eyes wide with terror. “I... I understand,” he croaks. “It won’t happen again. I swear.”
I nod, stepping back and adjusting my vest. “Good. For your sake, I hope you’re telling the truth. Now get out of my sight before I change my mind and let the rest of my pissed-off brothers take their turn.”
Ray scrambles to his feet, backing away towards the hallway, where Reynolds steps aside just enough to let him pass. He disappears into the house, leaving the room heavy with tension.
I turn to my club, their faces set in grim determination. “Let’s get out of here,” I say. “We’ve made our point.”
As we leave the house, I can’t help but feel grim satisfaction. Ray learned his lesson today, and if he’s smart, he’ll never forget it. Zoe and Amara are safe. And that’s what matters.
***
Hunter: Next fight has been scheduled for this weekend. Venom is on the roster to cage it out with Beckam. Fucker doesn’t stand a chance against our guy. I might throw around a rumor that Venom isn’t feeling well and might not be his best. If people bet towards Beckam and he loses, we’ll make big bank.
I roll my eyes at the message I received this morning from Hunter. All that man cares about is money.
“We have a problem,” Hayes says from the doorway of my office at the Cage. “Hunter is out here causing a scene. I’ve kicked his ass out twice, but the fucker keeps finding a way back inside.”
“Tell him to get his ass in here,” I sigh. “The idiot just can’t help but be the center of attention.”
“Yeah, well, he’s drunk.”
Fuck. It’s almost one in the morning, and I don’t have the time or patience to deal with his shit.
“What the hell are you doing, Hunter?” I ask when I reach him. “Where are your clothes?
“He’s trying to touch my tit,” some woman says. “And earlier, he shoved his hand up another woman’s skirt and tried to play with her pussy.”
Double fuck.
“Get off the bar and put your damn clothes back on,” I growl. “Then you and I need to have a talk.”
“Oh, hey, Ghost. Did you know your dancers make upwards of thousands of dollars a night? Hell, I can dance.”
Hunter moves his hips back and forth, his placid cock out where the world can see.
“I’m calling you a cab,” I say. “You’re going home and sleeping the drunk away.”
“Fuck you, Ghost,” he slurs. “I’m making some dough. Join me.”
“Get the fuck down, or I’ll knock you down.”
Sighing, Hunter fumbles around until he’s back on the floor.
“You used to be fun,” he says. “What happened? Is it that bitch you brought to the club? Did she turn you into a pussy?”
Without thought, my fist flies forward.
“You broke my nose,” Hunter says, blood running down his face. “I’ll be sorry you’ve ever met you. I mean, you’ll be sorry for meeting me. I mean… fuck you, Ghost.”
“When you sober up, you and I are going to have a serious conversation about our partnership,” I say.
“When I sober up, I’m going to fuck you, Ghost,” he says. “I mean, when I’m sober, you’re going to get fucked. FUCK! You know what I mean. We can’t be friends anymore.”
It takes nearly forty minutes to get him dressed and into a cab.
“Your friend is a nut,” Hayes says. “And the drunkest man I’ve ever seen.”
“Even drunk, all he can think about is money,” I sigh. “I’m thinking about buying his half of the company. It’s time that Hunter and I part ways.”
“Don’t think he’s going to agree with that,” Hayes tells me. “He’s too money-hungry.”
Hayes is probably right, but it’s a problem I’ll have to deal with later.
“Speaking of money,” I say once we’re back in my office. “Nothing has come up missing lately.”
“Knox seems to think whoever it is knows that we’re getting close,” he says. “But we don’t think it’s any of your workers.”
“Could it be someone from one of the supply companies?” I ask. “I know Knox already looked into them, but maybe he missed something.”
“It’s not impossible. However, every penny that passes from the Cage’s account goes through me or Knox. Including the tips. If a single dime vanishes, we will know where it vanished from.”
“Just remember that one hundred percent of those tips are to be divided evenly between the service workers.”
“Understood. Oh, Taylor called and said to let you know that Oasis will be closed this weekend for some remodeling and that all of the men will be available if you need them.”
“It wouldn’t hurt to have the extra security this Saturday,” I admit. “I guess Venom is on the roster for a cage match, so I’ll need someone to take his place as head of security.”
“Speaking of the devil,” Hayes grins as Venom and Reynolds burst into the office.
“I know he’s your best friend, but I’m going to fucking kill Hunter.”
“I have rounds to make,” Hayes says as he exits the room.
“What did he do this time?” I sigh, flopping down on my couch.
“He’s a fucking lunatic,” Reynolds shakes his head. “I mean, how stupid can a person get?”
“As Sophia and I were walking to the door, Hunter grabbed her by the back of the hair and rubbed his dick against her ass,” Venom growls. “Xander almost took control of my fucking body to kill the bastard.”
“I put his ass in a cab myself,” I sigh. “Why the hell is he back?”
“Don’t know, but I tossed the fucker over my shoulder and threw his ass in lockup,” Renolds says. “I was going to call the cops and have him taken away for the night but seeing as how he’s drunk off his ass and knows all about the Undercage, I figured that wouldn’t be the best idea.”
“Probably not,” I agree. “Well, he can just spend the night in our lockup. The idiot should have gone home when I told him to.”
“I can’t let this go, Ghost,” Venom growls.
“I don’t expect you to,” I tell him. “Just wait until his ass is sober so he won’t forget the lesson. Since we’re talking about Hunter, are you still interested in buying his partnership out?”
“Hell yes,” Venom smiles. “It’s about fucking time you kick that bastard out. He’s been using you for money for years.”
He’s right, of course, but I’ve always had a soft spot for Hunter ever since we were kids. He was an only child, and his parents were always high on something or passed out with needles in their arms. He didn’t have the upbringing that my brother and I had.
But I’ll admit that any tender feelings towards my old friend have long since gone.
“We’ll have a meeting in a couple of weeks to get things started,” I say. “If you decide not to buy in, it’s no hard feelings. You can still have your job managing the Undercage.”
“Which will be a lot easier without Hunter always whining in my ear,” he says. “I won’t change my mind, brother. I need to go collect my woman from Emily before she tries to talk her into something stupid, but I look forward to working with you and not for you.”
“I’ll be around if you need me, Pres,” Reynolds says.
I nod my thanks as they both leave the room.
I lean against the back of the couch and sigh. I need a vacation. Preferably with my woman who doesn’t fully believe that she’s my woman.
Not that it’s all her fault. I’m being pulled in so many directions with the Cage, the Undercage, missing money, my club, and Hunter that I haven’t given Snow the attention she fully deserves.
I feel like I’m one more issue from drowning.
Needing to hear Snow’s voice, I pull out my phone and hit her number.
“Is everything okay?” she answers.
Fuck. It’s one in the morning.
“I’m sorry, baby,” I apologize. “It didn’t cross my mind that it was so late. I’ll let you go back to sleep and call you in the morning.”
“I was working,” her sweet voice says. “Are you alright? You sound off.”
“I’m better now that I’m talking to you. How’s Dove?”
“I had to take her to the doctor today,” she tells me. “About her bottom. It was still swollen after three days, and I got worried. The doctor had no choice but to call it in. I gave the police the pictures I took and told them everything Zoe said happened. I hope Ray doesn’t mention your little trip.”
“He won’t, babe,” I say. “It wouldn’t matter even if he did. People don’t take kindly to abusers. Why didn’t you call me? I could have taken you both to her doctor. I hate it when you take a taxi. Don’t trust them to keep you girls safe.”
“Oh. Uhm. Well, I did send you a text. When you didn’t respond, I figured you were either asleep or just busy. It’s no big deal. It’s only a ten-minute drive.”
What the fuck?
I pull my phone from my ear and quickly search my texts. Sure enough, I have an unread message from Snow.
Hey. I know it’s early and a Friday, but I need to take Zoe to the doctor to check her injuries. She’s already screamed out in pain twice today, and I’m getting really worried. I know it’s silly to ask, but can you come with me? If not, that’s okay. I know you’ve been really busy lately. Just let me know. Thanks.
“Ghost, are you still there?”
“I’m so sorry, baby,” I say, feeling like a failure. “I was just now reading your message. I get so many calls and texts through this number every day that I must have missed it. I wasn’t there for you girls when you needed me.”
“We’re okay,” she tries to comfort. “Everything turned out okay. They gave Zoe some strong pain meds to help her and said the bruises looked as if they were healing on their own. It would just take some time.”
“Good. I’ll swing by tomorrow with some ice packs. Maybe that will help as well. So, why are you up so late working?” I ask, changing the subject.
“This author sent me her book with the request to have it finished in seventy-two hours,” she answers. “It’s not common, and I told her that I might miss some things with that timeline, but she was persistent. Even threw in an additional two hundred dollars.”
“Just don’t overdo yourself, baby,” I warn. “How about you, Dove and Sky, spend the rest of the weekend with me at my place.”
“Oh. Uhm. I don’t know. I have to finish this book, and I know you’re busy. I wouldn’t want us getting in the way.”
“Bring your work with you, babe,” I tell her. “My backyard is fully fenced in, so it’s safe for both Dove and Sky to play in. I have two guest rooms that you both can use. And, as for me, there are things I have to do that I can’t ignore, but from this moment on, all of that gets put on the back burner while I make sure my woman is taken care of.”
“You don’t have to worry about me, Ghost.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, babe. As my family, you and Dove get first priority. There’s no sense in fighting me about this.”
“Okay,” she whispers. “So…uhm…when we come over, you want me to sleep in the guest room?”
“Fuck no,” I growl. “I want you next to me in my bed where you belong. I’m a strong man, Snow, but it’ll be hard as hell keeping my hands off you if you’re lying right next to me.”
“Maybe I don’t want you to keep your hands off me,” she says huskily.
Fuck. I adjust my dick as images rush through my head.
“Baby, you’re playing fire.”
“I have burn cream,” she giggles.
“I want you to remember this conversation,” I warn. “I’ll see you in the morning, baby. Get some sleep.”
“I’m heading to bed now. Goodnight, Ghost.”
“Night, babe.”
My mind races with everything I need to get in order for the next two days. I open the Obsidian Family text box and type out my message.
“I’m spending the next two days alone with Snow and Dove. I don’t want to be bothered unless it’s a life-or-death emergency. Venom, I want Reynolds to be in charge of the Undercage since you’re fighting tomorrow night. Pull in whatever men you want for security. Hayes, liquor will be delivered before the Cage opens tomorrow. I need you to be here to deal with that. King and Maddy, I want you two at the clubhouse before three tomorrow. Someone is coming to install a damn pool, DO NOT tell the kids. Blaze and Steel, I know your club is getting remodeled, but if either of you would take control of the Cage tomorrow, I would greatly appreciate it. If not, maybe Hayes can take charge of security, and Taylor can manage the club. I think that’s it. Love you, family.”
With Seventeen people in this chat, it doesn’t take long for the responses to come through.
Venom : My fight is first on the roster. I can help Reynolds once I win.
Reynolds : If you win.
Venom : WHEN I win.
Reynolds : Oh, so Xander’s fighting?
Sophie : Xander isn’t allowed to fight because he broke that man’s arm last time and then laughed about it with King.
King : It was funny. Yeah, brother, we’ll hang out at the club. I’ll also have Knox with me.
Steel : I’ll be there. Blaze has to take care of some paperwork but will also be there before the Cage is even open.
Knox : WE’RE FINALLY GETTING A POOL? HECK YEAH!!!
Maddy : WOOHOO! POOL PARTY!
Sophie : We should add Snow to the chat.
Knox : Doing it now.
Taylor : Maybe you should talk to Ghost about it first, Pup.
Snow : Hello? Who is this?
Knox : Whoops. Hey girl. This is Knox. You’re in a group chat with all of us.
Snow : Who is all of us?
Knox : Me, Sophie, Maddy, Emily, Ma, Pops, Ghost, Hayes, Taylor, Venom (sometimes Miles, but never Xander or Doc), King, Blaze, Steel, Reynolds, Jax, Mitchell, and Parker.
Snow : Oh my.
Ghost : Thought you were going to sleep, babe?”
Snow : I’m in bed, but I was curious about why my phone was beeping so often.
Sophie : The kids finally talked Ghost into installing a pool. But he says not to tell the kids.
Snow : That’s exciting. Who is this?
Knox : Everyone, type out your name so Snow can program them into her phone.
On and on, the conversation goes. I spend ten minutes trying to keep up before laughing at myself and getting back to work.
I love my crazy ass family.