Page 23 of Shadow

“Yeah, we’re basically fucked,” Shadow agreed. “I was hoping Breaker would take our side, but he basically told me we were on our own.”

“I get why he would say that,” Rooster said, ignoring Shadow’s glare. “This isn’t the MC’s fight, Shadow. Whatever issues you and Camilla have with Fernando Hernandez—”

“I know,” Shadow cut in. “But she means the world to me, Rooster.”

“You two can’t get enough of each other. Everyone can see that, but…” Rooster began.

“If you’re going to ask if she’s worth it, save your breath. She is. I was planning on making Camilla my old lady. I was even going to ask you to help me choose a ring,” Shadow interrupted.

Rooster was silent for a few moments. “I didn’t realize it was that serious,” he finally said, finishing his drink.

“Look, whatever goes down, call me. I’m sure Breaker won’t mind if you get a small team together to act as your security detail when you decide to meet with Fernando,” Rooster offered.

“Thanks, Rooster. Those words mean the world to me,” Shadow said.

“You shouldn’t keep your girl waiting,” Rooster reminded him, and Shadow realized he was right.

Camilla might’ve woken up in the middle of her nap and might be wondering where he went.

After finishing his own beer, he returned to his room, only to find an empty bed and a hastily scribbled note on his bedside table. His heart sank as he read the words. He read Camilla’s note aloud. Each word felt like a dagger, piercing through his chest with every syllable:

Shadow, I know I promised we’d come up with a way to confront my brother together, but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with Breaker. I’m sorry to be doing this to you, but I decided to call Fernando directly and settle this matter on my own. I’ll convince my brother to leave us and the MC alone. Trust me. I love you, Camilla.

Shadow crumpled the note in his hand, his mind reeling with a whirlwind of emotions. He couldn’t believe she’d go behind his back like this, making such a monumental decision without him. Anger surged within him, mingling with fear and uncertainty. But beneath it all, a flicker of something else remained—posession and maybe even love.

Despite the turmoil raging inside him, Shadow couldn’t deny how much he cared about her. He knew he had to trust her, to have faith in her ability to handle the situation.

With a heavy sigh, Shadow smoothed out the note and placed it gently back on the bedside table.

But as the minutes ticked by, the weight of Camilla’s absence became more pronounced.

He couldn’t shake the feeling of foreboding that gnawed at his insides. His gut feeling told him something would go very wrong and she would need him by her side. She told him very little about her brother but what he knew didn’t paint the picture of a caring or thoughtful person. Fernando saw her a chess piece in his organization, nothing more.

There was a possibility Camilla still hadn’t left town. Shadow pulled out his cell phone and called her. It kept ringing, but she didn’t answer. His fourth call went to voicemail. She must’ve turned it off. Frustration boiled within him as he shoved the phone back in his jacket pocket. His mind raced with a hundred awful possibilities.

“Fuck this, I’m not just waiting around,” he said.

Without a second thought, Shadow grabbed the keys to his Harley. He headed back outside and looked for Rooster.

Shadow wasn’t a fool. He was possibly going against an entire cartel and he needed some backup. Starting a fight wasn’t his intention. He’d settle this peacefully if he could but if Fernando refused to listen to Camilla, then all bets were off.

Chapter Nine

Camilla stepped off the bus, her heart pounding with trepidation. From the bus stop, it was just a short walk to the gas station where she was supposed to be picked up.

Shadow had tried calling her earlier, but she ignored his calls and messages. She convinced herself it was for the best. Camilla had made up her mind. If Shadow was with her, her brother might never see reason.

Finally reaching the gas station, she waited at the curb. It didn’t take long before a black Mercedes with out-of-state plates pulled up.

The driver lowered his window, and she sucked in a breath. It was Jake. Didn’t she tell Fernando to send anyone but him?

“Get in, Camilla,” Jake ordered.

“I need to get something from the convenience store,” she said quickly, before turning on her heel.

Ignoring his yell, she pulled out her phone and immediately called Fernando. Camilla’s brother picked up after two rings.

“Camilla, are you in Juan’s car right now?” were Fernando’s first words.

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