Chapter 15
Harrison needs to know about our plans. He’s always had our back, and now, we need his support more than ever.
I step outside the tattoo parlor and jump on my Dyna. I pull out of the parking lot followed by Brick and Blue and head toward the warehouse on the border. It’s our territory but still where no one ventures.
I nod to the guys to move away and keep their eyes peeled as I go inside.
“Rock,” Harrison’s voice is gruff but welcoming.
Taking off my sunglasses, I shake his hand, noticing he’s eyeing my brothers. “Security, sorry about that.”
“Sure thing. What’s up?”
I take a deep breath, organizing my thoughts before I speak. “We’ve got some things going on, and they’re gonna stir up trouble.”
“That’s why there’s a lot of panthers patrolling? And keeping an eye on me?” I nod and his eyes get wider. “Is it about Ashley?” His tone shifts, instantly sensing the gravity of the situation.
“Part of it.”
He comes closer. “Is that why you moved her in the neighborhood?”
“I love her, that’s no doubt about it but we caught the fucker who chased her...”
“Is she in danger?” he cuts me off.
“The neighborhood is locked down and she”s safe.” I hold my hand out because if he keeps interrupting me this will get longer. “There’s always someone with her even if she doesn’t know it yet but from today, she’ll be escorted.”
“You said she’s safe.”
“The Vipers are looking for revenge. Slay was their deputy and they’re getting armed. It also seems like they want their territory back.”
“The fuck they will.” He pauses. “Slay?”
“The bastard who caused Caroline’s death.”
“Fuck!”
“That’s why you have two panthers on your back, I wanted to make sure you’re safe too.” I know how he feels about it, but we can work it out. “There’s a delivery they’re waiting for and the warehouse on Stateline should be their meeting point.”
“When?”
“This afternoon.” I sigh in frustration.
“In broad daylight? Weird, isn’t it?”
I pace back and forth. “seems so. We do keep an eye on all abandoned places,” not that there are plenty but still if Drew tricked us, we won’t let them take the guns.
I proceed to lay out all the details, explaining the brewing situation, the possible risks, and the moves we’re about to make. I leave nothing out, trusting Harrison with every piece of information I have. This is not a Black Panther war. Somehow, they know he was the one to share the details and take Slay down.
“This could get messy, but we’re not backing down,” I conclude, my voice firm and resolute. “I need to know if I can count on you if things go south.”
There’s no hesitation in his voice. “You know you can count on us, Rock. We’ll have your back, no matter what.”
I had no doubt, but I never give things granted especially now that his daughter is involved.
We exchange goodbyes feeling a weight lifted off my shoulders. Harrison’s support means everything, especially in times like these.
With Ashley’s name now permanently etched into my skin and Harrison backing us up, I feel a renewed sense of determination.
After sending a text to Denise, I ride to Icylight. I need to see her. It’s an urge I can’t push back.
The security nods at me, as I walk through the door and go straight to the rink.
“Come on Ashley, speed up!” Raven, her coach shouts. She does it and the jump makes her fly. God, she’s so beautiful. As if she can sense me, she looks around but I move backward. She needs to be focused on her training.
“Di, eyes on her.” I demand as guilt washes over me for not staying longer.
“We’ll go back to the hood, Prez.”
“Thank you.” I murmur glancing on the ice rink again. Love you Princess.
I’m on the ice, gliding through my routine, my body moving in harmony with the music playing in the background. Raven, watches me closely, offering occasional pointers and I swear God the more she yells, the more I want to punch something. She’s been acting weird lately and the text message I spotted on her screen left me a bit skeptical even though she said it’s for another skater she’s training. Her bullshit though, was a red flag for me and I talked to dad about it. The intensity of the training leaves me breathless, but I push myself harder, determined to master every move, every jump, and every spin. And I fucking can’t!
Hours pass in a blur of repetitive figures and exhausting drills. My body aches, and fatigue threatens to overwhelm me, but I keep going. I’m here, alone, chasing perfection on the ice until my muscles protest with exhaustion. The ice is my canvas to paint the emotions I cannot express otherwise.
After a much-needed shower, I move to the cafeteria with Denise for a hot chocolate. I’m not in the mood but Di claims I need it since I burned tons of calories and skipped lunch because I had a call with my uncle. A sudden murmur catches my attention. People are exchanging worried glances, and somehow, I turn to look at Denise. “What’s going on?”
“Have no idea.” She shrugs as the guy hands us our hot beverages.
“Hey Al,” I turn toward one of the hockey team players, “what’s going on?”
“You don’t know?” he leans closer. “There was a mess outside of town. I bet the new prospects were exercising. It seemed to be in the far west.” He peers at Denise.
“We don’t do it here.” She cuts him off with a scoff.
Panic shoots through me, and I fumble for my phone. I dial my dad’s number first, hoping for some reassurance, but there’s no answer. My heart races as I try Rock next, but again, there’s no response. Fear grips me, a chilling sense of dread clawing at my insides.
“Ash, you okay?”
I blink a few times while looking at her. “They don’t answer.” My hands shake as I grab my bag and pull out the keys.
“There’s no need to worry Princess.”
“Call Mac, Blue, Doc, call everyone. I need to know he’s fine.” My voice is gruff. I dial dad’s office and the rings seem endless. I push the doors and step in the foyer.
“Newtok district… “
“Dave, thank goodness, where’s dad?” My voice comes out in a hurry.
“Fuck, where?” Denise”s voice makes me pull my phone off and focus on her. Seeing her go pale makes my heart stop. “Sure. Got it.”
“Ashley, are you still there?” Dave’s voice startles me.
“Yeah, so?” My eyes are glued to Denise, but still I need to know what Dave has to say.
“Last time I heard from him was in a meeting.” Liar! What the hell is going on?
“Thanks, Dave.” I hang up while piercing Denise in place. “No lies, Di.”
“He’s fine and I got the order to take you to the clubhouse, the others are waiting for us.” She throws her cup in the bin and puts a hand on my back.
I shove it off and step aside but seeing Vin with his vest on backed by two more Black Panthers makes chills run down my spine. “Where is Rock?”
“We should move, they’re waiting for us at the hood.”
I freeze in place. “Where the fuck is Rock?”
Royal steps by my side and grabs my arm. “We don’t have time for whims.”
“Hey,” Denise jumps in.
I clench my fist and punch his face catching him off guard. “Don’t even dare to touch me again,” I blurt out. “whether you take me to Rock, or I’ll swear God I’ll be your worst nightmare.”
“Ash, we got orders, and we cannot…”
“I don’t give a fuck, Di, I’ll deal with it, I need to see Rock. Now!” I’m shaking with rage and my hand is throbbing. Fuck, it hurts like hell!
“He”s gonna have our heads,” Royal complains while massaging his cheek. “Damn, you’re savage.”
I snap my head at him. “Don’t push my buttons or touch me again.”
He raises his hands up in surrender. “We need to get going, follow us.”
Every step I take feels like an eternity. The drive is a blur, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios but eventually we pull into a parking lot. This is a new building and I still haven’t noticed it. I sprint to the entrance, my heart pounding in my chest.
The waiting area is a chaotic mix of emotions—families anxiously waiting for news, medical personnel rushing around. I follow them, checking my phone incessantly for any sign of a missed call or message. My mind is a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. The thought of something happening to Dad or Rock is unbearable. I need answers, I need to know they’re okay.
“Is this a hospital? Are they okay?” I ask while passing through the personnel area.
“Cupcake!” Dad’s voice makes me sprint toward him and hug him.
I move away looking at his dirty face and the stitches on his forehead. “You okay?” I turn around to see if Rock is here but he’s nowhere to be seen.
“I’m okay, nothing a few painkillers may help.” He tries to play cool, but I can smell it. The powerful and intense gun powder. I spent hours with him at the shooting range and I know for sure, he was there during the shooting.
“Where is Rock?” I didn’t miss Denise’s shake of her head. “Where is he?” Dad’s eye veils in sadness and I can’t breathe. I step back while my bag falls on the floor. “He can’t… he won’t…he… he…” My brain is rushing out and I can’t keep up with it. My vision blurs and I shake my head.
“Breathe, Princess, he’s fine.” Denise’s voice sounds so far away.
I blink a few times. “Where is he?” My voice is a plea.
“Room 214 but they’re…” I run toward the room even before he can finish what he’s saying.
210, 212… I burst into the room making the doctor jump as does Rock. He points a gun at me but then pulls it off.
Meeting his eyes relaxes me as I move forward. I drop to my knees and burst into tears. Anger and relief wash over me while he takes me in his arms and makes me stand up. “Trust, you said.” I sob like a child. “Where is Zane? Where the fuck is the trust?” It hurts so much that I can barely breathe.
“It’s nothing Princess, I didn’t want you to worry.”
“Fuck you!” I yank him away feeling so stupid. Why do they all keep lying to me?
He forces me to look at him and kisses me. “I love you.” I bite into his bottom lip, making him growl as he moves away.
“You lied and made them lie too.” I point to the door.
His eyes land on my hand and he takes it. “What’s that?”
I yank it back. “It’s nothing, a little issue.”
“Between you and?”
“Don’t, Zane, you’re in so much trouble.” I growl while walking away. His arm grips my wrist and pulls me into him. His mouth crashes on me leaving me breathless. Consuming me. It burns me inside.
“You have to understand the less you know…”
“Fuck you and your rules! How am I supposed to protect you, Rock? How can I trust you’ll come back in one piece?”
“I’ll always come back to you, Princess, you’re the one who makes me feel alive.” He wipes my tears away while I close my eyes. “I’m the one who should protect you, baby. Not the other way around.”
When we leave the room, he scans The Black Panthers. “What did Royal do?”
“Nothing,” I sigh heavily. A fight is not what I need now. I can stand for myself.
Rock leaves my hand and marches toward him pinning him to the wall.
“Prez, I swear I did nothing but follow orders.”
“Still she’s not where she’s supposed to be.” The fury in his voice makes me smile. I don’t know why but I find it so sexy. Ash, what the fuck is wrong with you?
“I make it clear I’m not a puppet and now I wanna go home, Rock.”