Chapter 19
GAUGE
Later that night, I parked my Harley outside The Pit, the familiar rumble of the engine fading into heavy silence as I stepped off the bike and strode purposely toward the back entrance.
Every muscle in my body was coiled with anticipation and the kind of intensity I usually reserved for club business that didn’t end in pleasant conversations.
My boots echoed against the concrete as I moved quickly through the empty garage, heading toward the hidden stairway that led to a part of The Pit few people ever even knew existed.
The stairs descended into relative darkness, my hand sliding along the reinforced concrete wall as I went down two full levels, through industrial-grade steel doors built to contain anything that happened beyond them.
I stepped into the open waiting area, the harsh fluorescent lights overhead casting a stark glow across tiled floors designed specifically for easy cleaning.
A couple of metal tables and sturdy chairs stood to the side for when situations called for a wait, and a small stainless-steel counter ran along one wall, complete with a sink and industrial-grade disinfectants.
We kept it stocked for washing away whatever got on us when things got messy down here—and they often did.
To the right were two bathrooms, each equipped with a shower and cabinets stocked with clean sweats in case our clothes ended up too stained or ruined by whatever went on behind the reinforced doors. It was a place few outsiders ever saw and even fewer ever walked out of.
There were cells lining one of the back hallways, heavy doors with advanced locking systems rivaling federal security facilities.
Soundproofed walls ensured that no scream, threat, or confession would ever carry beyond the concrete confines of this isolated level.
No cell phones worked down here, no cameras recorded our movements, and no external surveillance penetrated these walls.
It was a place specifically created for situations that required secrecy and containment—interrogations, holding dangerous individuals, or when someone needed to permanently disappear.
Those few outside the club who knew of its existence never spoke about it, their silence ensured by fear and respect that ran far deeper than mere threats.
I moved quickly past the open area, heading toward the cells.
My pulse was steady, but adrenaline surged hot and heavy through my veins, every nerve ending fully alert and ready for what waited for me.
Edge stood just outside the cell, his arms folded across his chest and his expression unreadable when he looked up and met my gaze.
“Got your text.” My voice echoed slightly off the unforgiving walls. “Shawn’s in there?”
Edge inclined his head toward the door. “Yeah, picked him up late last night.”
I stepped closer, my eyes locked onto the solid steel door, already picturing Shawn sitting behind it, likely terrified and fully aware of the gravity of what was coming next.
A pulse of satisfaction shot through me at the thought of finally dealing with the asshole who’d put fear into Riley’s eyes and nearly destroyed her life.
This was personal. Tied irrevocably to the woman who slept in my bed, carried my child, and owned me completely.
Nothing could stop me from exacting justice for every sleepless night she'd spent looking over her shoulder, afraid of shadows.
“Appreciate it, brother. Time to have a long-overdue conversation with our friend in there.”
Edge gave a small, knowing smile and stepped aside to allow me access.
I reached for the door handle, anticipation tightening every muscle as I prepared myself for what lay beyond that threshold.
Shawn had made a grave mistake threatening someone I loved, and tonight, he was going to learn exactly what it meant to cross that line.
I stepped through the heavy steel door and into the dimly lit cell, letting the reinforced barrier shut behind me with a dull, echoing thud. Shawn was sitting hunched over on the narrow bench, the image of a man who knew his future had just been sealed.
His breathing was uneven, rapid, shallow, and his gaze jerked immediately toward me, recognition and panic flashing clearly across his face. Good—he knew exactly why I was here, what was coming, and how fucked he was about to be.
I approached slowly, each stride echoing loudly off the tiled floor and concrete walls, the only sound beside the rapid rasp of Shawn’s uneven breathing. He watched me warily, shifting uncomfortably, visibly debating whether begging would make any difference at this point.
“Gauge, listen, please. I’ll fix this,” His voice cracked under the pressure, desperation clinging to each word. “I swear, man, whatever you need me to do, I’ll do it. Just let me explain—”
“You had your chance.” My tone was flat enough to send a shudder through his body. “You didn’t do what you agreed to, and it put Riley’s life in even more danger. Now you’re going to answer for that choice.”
He tried to rise, perhaps out of some futile instinct to run, but I grabbed his collar and yanked him roughly to his feet, slamming him firmly against the concrete wall behind him.
He struggled weakly, but I outweighed him easily and pinned him there, cold calculation keeping me focused on the task at hand.
What happened next wasn’t about anger—it was about the kind of justice that wouldn’t leave any doubt about the price of hurting someone I loved.
I was meticulous and efficient, making sure Shawn fully understood every bit of pain he’d caused Riley.
Each strike, blow, and moment where I made him cry out served as a grim reminder of exactly what would happen to anyone who threatened what belonged to the Redline Kings.
By the time I finished, Shawn was barely conscious, sagging against the wall, his breathing harsh and uneven.
His face was bruised and battered, his eyes swollen nearly shut, and his broken body was a clear warning.
He was alive, barely, but only because leaving him that way would ensure the authorities got him and saved us the trouble of disposing of him.
We knew he wouldn’t tell anyone who had done this—he knew better. Even half-dead, Shawn understood that if he ever spoke our names, there would be no second chances.
When I stepped out of the cell, Edge, Fury, and Century moved forward, their eyes assessing the scene.
“Make sure he gets found. I want him gone, permanently, but let the cops deal with him. He’s not worth any more of our trouble.”
Edge gave me a quick nod, understanding clear in his eyes as Fury and Century moved silently toward the cell to handle the cleanup. I washed my hands at the small sink, rinsing off the traces of blood, then dried them and headed up the stairs without looking back.
Every step upward felt like it carried me back to Riley. By the time I walked out of The Pit and got back on my bike, the tension from earlier had started to drain away, replaced by a fierce satisfaction that Riley was finally free.
The next day was easier, calmer, more stable, especially with the warrant gone and Riley’s name fully cleared.
As we prepared to go to a race at Torque Ridge, Riley seemed lighter, her smile freer and her posture finally relaxed.
Watching her get ready, my pulse raced as I remembered the intimacy and heat we’d shared.
It drove away any lingering darkness from the night before.
Before we left for the Redline Kings’ underground track, I paused near the dresser, reaching into the top drawer and pulling out something I’d been waiting to give her.
Riley turned to look at me, curiosity bright in her eyes as I approached.
Her gaze followed my hands as I revealed the leather vest with my property patch sewn onto the back, the emblem crisp, bold, and unmistakable about where she belonged.
Her eyes widened, surprise and something deeper softening her features as she took it from me carefully, her fingers brushing over the stitching.
Before she could speak, I reached into my pocket again, pulling out a small black velvet box.
Riley’s breath caught, her eyes darting up to mine in stunned disbelief, tears shimmering brightly as I flipped it open, revealing a delicate diamond ring.
“This means you’re mine, Riley. Permanently. This isn’t temporary, and it’s sure as fuck not negotiable.” I slid the ring onto her finger, watching the emotions ripple openly across her face. “You’re everything I didn’t even know I needed, and I’m not letting you go. Not ever.”
Riley stared at the ring, then back at me, her voice shaking slightly with overwhelming emotion. “Ryot, I love you. This is…it’s perfect.”
I smiled, wrapping my arms tightly around her and pulling her close, savoring the way her body fit perfectly against mine. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me, baby. Now let’s go celebrate and make sure everyone sees exactly who you belong to.”