Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
Miles
The plane touches down, a jolt that bounces me in my seat.
I grip the armrests, knuckles white.
Billings, Montana—a world away from the Bronx.
As we taxi to the gate, I glance around.
The cabin hums with chatter, holiday cheer spilling over like a cheap bottle of wine.
People smile, laugh, and I can’t help but feel out of place.
My mind’s elsewhere.
I unbuckle and stand, pushing through the narrow aisle.
My heart pounds, anticipation clawing at my chest. I want to see her—Stiletto.
I need her to be safe, but she isn’t right now. She’s still missing.
Stepping off the plane, the cold air hits me like a slap.
I pull my jacket closer, scanning the terminal for the baggage claim.
The buzz of voices swirls around me.
I make my way to baggage claim and get my bags, watching as families reunite, laughter ringing out and it’s incredibly irritating.
I grab my duffel and head toward the exit.
Outside, I search for Suyin, otherwise known as Siren.
She promised she’d be here to pick me up.
I lean against the wall, watching, waiting for a vehicle to pull up.
Then I see her. Dark hair flowing, eyes bright, and I swear she looks relieved when she spots me.
I push off the wall, moving toward her.
“Miles!” She launches into my arms, wrapping me tight. Her warmth seeps into me, a brief comfort amid the storm brewing inside. “You made it. Thank God you’re here,” Siren whispers into my chest. I feel the tremor in her voice.
She’s trying to hold it together, but I can sense the storm behind her eyes.
“Yeah, I’m here,” I say, tightening my grip. I won’t let go. Not now. Not ever.
“How’ve you been?” she asks, pulling back slightly, searching my face. But I can see it—the worry etched into her features.
“Just... okay.” It’s a lie, but I don’t have the energy to explain.
Not when Stiletto is missing.
“How’s Deanna?” she ventures, her eyes darting away for a moment.
She’s probing, testing the waters.
“Not anymore,” I admit, the words bitter on my tongue. “She didn’t want me coming out here, so I broke things off with her. There was no way I was gonna sit back home on my ass.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Siren says, biting her lip. “You’ll find the right one eventually.”
“Yeah, maybe.” I shrug it off. Right now, there’s only one woman on my mind.
“Let’s get going,” I say, urgency lacing my tone.
“Yeah,” I say, holding her close. “Do you know where she is?”
Siren pulls back, her smile faltering. “Let’s get you in the truck first, then we can talk about this.”
Emotion swells in my chest, but I keep my expression steady.
I’ve always cared for them but with Stiletto? That’s different. Too complicated.
We push through the heavy glass doors.
The cold air hits me like a shockwave. Montana’s winter bites deep, but it’s nothing compared to the chill settling over my mind.
The two of us walk up to a massive black truck.
It’s lifted, tough, just like the guys I know. Behind the wheel sits someone I don’t know, but he’s got a cut on which means he’s part of the club.
Siren gestures, “This is Bull. He’s our club’s Enforcer.”
I nod, not sure what else to say. “Nice to meet you.”
Bull grunts, eyes scanning the lot.
Something’s off. I feel it deep in my gut.
“What’s going on with your sister?” I ask, urgency creeping into my voice.
Siren hesitates, glancing at Bull.
There’s a heaviness in her eyes, words stuck somewhere between fear and hope.
“Like I told you before, an enemy has her,” she finally says, her voice barely above a whisper. “But we think you could help.”
“Why’s that?” Bull interjects, his gaze steady on me.
“Army veteran,” I reply, keeping it simple. “MMA training. My mom was a PI.”
“Well, don’t you look like the perfect useful fucker,” Bull mutters, his tone unreadable.
“Listen, with Miles’ help, we might have a real shot at getting her back,” Siren insists, determination lighting her features.
Bull turns to look at her. “Do you really have no faith that the club can find her?”
I swallow hard, resolve hardening within me. “That’s not what she means. I’m a resource to be used is all. I can help find Song. Er, Stiletto.”
“Is that right?” Bull’s eyebrows lift slightly, but there’s no warmth in his tone.
I get that things are stressful right now, but he doesn’t need to be shitty. “Yeah, it is.”
“Hope you can handle it,” he replies, turning back to the road.
“Trust me, I’ve handled far worse.”
My heart pounds as the weight of the situation settles over me like a heavy blanket.
“Let’s go,” Siren urges, glancing between us.
Bull shifts the gear, and the truck roars to life.
We pull away from the airport, and the world blurs outside the window.
The truck bumps along the road, tires crunching gravel.
I glance at Bull. His hands grip the steering wheel like iron.
The silence stretches and it feels heavy.
“How many clubs you got up in New York?” I ask, trying to break the tension.
“We don’t. The club only has charters here in Billings, Las Vegas, and in Chihuahua, Mexico.” Bull replies, his voice low and rough.
“Yeah? Impressive your clubs are so spread out.”
“Yeah, we’ve been around for a minute,” he grunts. “You should have known that before coming here.”
Siren shifts in her seat, eyes darting to me. “Miles?—”
“Is there anything else you’re not telling me about Stiletto’s disappearance?” I cut in, urgency thrumming in my veins.
She hesitates, chewing her lip.
Bull’s gaze flicks to her, a silent warning to stay quiet.
“Just... tell me. If I’m going to help, I need to know every last thing I can.” My voice is sharper than I intend.
But, this is stressful as all hell.
No matter how hard I try, I can’t hide the anxiety gnawing at me.
Siren swallows hard. “If you really think about it, she isn’t just missing. She was kidnapped by an enemy of the club.”
I can barely keep the anger at bay. “How the fuck does something like this happen? Aren’t the lot of you supposed to protect each other or something?”
Her voice trembles slightly. “We do. She…she went out for cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving dinner because we didn’t get enough. None of us thought something like this would happen.”
“I need more information.”
“We think?—”
“You think what?” I press, feeling the weight of every second ticking by.
“That it’s someone connected to old business.” She shakes her head, frustration pinching her brow.
“Old business?”
“Look, Miles, I can’t say too much other than what I already have.”
“Why not?” I lean forward, my heart pounding.
“Because it’s club business, and it’s dangerous. I don’t want to put you in the middle of this.”
“Too late for that. I’m already in the middle of it.”
“Just trust me, okay? Focus on finding her.”
“Trust isn’t exactly in high supply right now.”
“Please.” Her voice softens, pleading.
“You don’t have to say, please,” I take a breath, trying to reel in my racing thoughts. “You know I’ll help however I can.”
The truck rattles over the uneven road, tires kicking up gravel.
My pulse races, matching the rhythm of the engine.
“This shit is fuckin’ insane,” I mutter, gripping the seat tighter. “I need you to give me the details.”
Siren’s jaw clenches.
She glances at Bull before looking back at me.
Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears.
“I’ve already told you she was taken by an enemy of the club,” she says slowly, carefully. “They took Stiletto. We think they’re using her for leverage.”
“Leverage?” My voice drops to a growl. “Against who?”
“Against us,” she replies, her breath shaky. “I need you to understand, Miles. You could help us find her. You’re... you’d be an ally, and the club would owe you.”
“Ally?” My brow furrows. “If Bull’s welcoming nature is anything like the rest of your club, it doesn’t seem like I’m wanted here.”
Bull’s booming voice cuts in. “Yeah. You’re just some guy from the Bronx, and she didn’t tell anyone she was doin’ this shit either. You shoulda talked to the Prez about this, Siren.”
“Easy, Bull,” Siren snaps, but there’s an edge of uncertainty in her tone. “This is my sister and I’ll do whatever I damn well can to get her back, even if it means pulling in old friends.”
“Just sayin’,” he grumbles, eyes still on the road.
“Look,” I say, my heart hammering. “I’m not just some guy. I care about her. I’ve known her and Siren since we were kids, and I’m resourceful. My father taught me how to fight. My mother taught me how to find things.”
“Doesn’t change the fact that you’re an outsider,” Bull retorts, turning his head slightly. His gaze is piercing.
“I am and I won’t deny that. Just because I’m an outsider, it doesn’t mean that I won’t be of any assistance.” I meet Bull’s stare, refusing to back down.
“That’s all well and good,” Bull replies, “but we need more than promises. You need to follow up with actions.”
“I won’t stop until I find her.” I cross my arms.
“Then let’s hope that’s enough,” Bull says, his voice low, almost resigned.
“Trust me,” I add, fire igniting in my chest. “Stiletto means everything to me.”
The truck roars forward, and I feel the weight of the mission settle on my shoulders. We’re running out of time and I need to find her, fast.
“I still don’t think Zane is gonna be keen on some outsider helpin’ us out,” Bull grumbles.
I’m about to speak up when Siren shoots me a glare, almost forcing me to be silent.
“Listen,” Siren starts, her voice steady but tight. “I understand your reservations, but give him a chance here. He has experience, Bull.”
“Yeah? So?” Bull shoots back, one eyebrow raised.
“He’s got lifetime MMA training, as I’ve said,” she continues, glancing at me. “He knows what he’s doing. I swear. I wouldn’t bring someone here to help if I didn’t trust him with my life.”
“You said his mother was a private investigator?” Bull mutters, almost to himself. “What’s that gonna do for us, huh?”
“Are you deaf or just stupid?” I snap, irritation bubbling up inside me. “I know how to track people, how to fight, and I’ve seen some shit. All of that helps.”
“Sure, kid. But, we’re in a different league here. You don’t understand the shit that comes with the club.” Bull replies, dismissive.
“Enough!” Siren interrupts, her voice slicing through the tension. “I don’t know how many times I have to fucking say it! He’s a valuable asset. He wants to help, and we need every hand on deck to get my sister back. I’ll be damned if you or anyone tries to hinder that.”
Everyone falls silent for a moment after her outburst.
The sound of Bull’s heavy breathing fills the truck cab, his anger palpable.
“You really think I would let anyone stand in our way?” he finally asks, glancing at Siren. “I’m just not one who trusts others very easily.”
”I understand,” she replies, softer. “Let’s just give it a try.”
Bull lets out a sigh and turns his eyes back to the road.
“I need the name of whoever you think is responsible for Stiletto’s disappearance,” I interrupt the silence, determined.
“You don’t know who you’re dealing with, boy.” Bull grunts, shifting in his seat.
“Enlighten me.” I retort, unfazed by his response.
Bull glances at Siren, who nods slightly. He sighs, “The Commander. Big time drug supplier up here who’s been coming in on our turf. We’ve had an issue with him the last few years.”
My heart skips a beat when I hear that name.
I don’t know why, but the name is familiar to me.