Page 16 of Ride with Zane

“Oops, I'm the next one.” She smirks. “You know I’m here for you,” she murmurs, kissing my cheek before heading toward the backstage.

Peering around I can see it's pretty crowded but our security has everything under control.

“Hey, Prez, you ready?” Mac pats my shoulder.

I finish my beer in a gulp and get up. “Yeah, let's check it so we end this day.”

“How's your Princess?” He nudges me. “Blue says she's gorgeous. When will you introduce her to us?”

The fuck?Since when is my life the discussion matter between my brothers?

“Blue should shut the fuck up.” I snap pushing the door violently.

“Hey, what's wrong, Rock?” Mac steps in front of me. “Does she hate us?”

“No, brother, I haven't told her who I am.” I rub my face in frustration. “Fuck, she didn't even know my real name.”

He sits astride his bike, a shitty smirk on his face. “Oh fuck, does she already blow your mind?”

“More than I want to admit.” I sigh while riding mine.

“You know I'm not made for relationships, but if you want to talk, I'm here.”

Yeah, it seems a good part of us chooses to stay single. Having someone by your side becomes a target and that’s thelast thing I want. We have our mamas and even more, but still what I experienced last week with Ashley was something new. I felt my heart beat again.

“I can handle it,” I start the engine cutting him off. I'm not a pussy to talk about my feelings or women. I'm not good at this shit. Sure is I need to find out why being with her was so different and how she managed to shut my brain out. Once I set foot out of her place, the voices in my head started getting louder and I couldn't silence them anymore.

Getting to our lab, we park inside our property while the gate closes behind us. Even though it is in our neighborhood we do have another gate to protect this area and keep it secure.

Doc has done a great job with some new plants that seem pretty popular and less destructive. Is it legal? Far from it. But if our customers enjoy a trip without side effects, even better. Longer life, more money for us.

“This shit is amazing, Prez.” Doc comes closer, stumbling while handing me his cigarette. “Wanna try it?”

“Doc, how many have you smoked?” I ask while Mac helps him stay up.

“A few, maybe four.” He laughs clinging to Mac. “Wait, it was four p.m. when I started so…” He counts on his fingers but I doubt he can properly see them.

“That shit must be cut, it's too powerful.” I write down a note looking at how many plants we have. If it goes as planned, we may earn at least a million with just one harvest.

I walk through the lab and see the beauties getting packed. I pick one and read the labels. The instructions are pretty simple to follow, which is what I wanted. We don’t need them to drown attention on us, let alone put Harrison in trouble.

Leaving the lab, Doc is seated on a chair, throwing his heart out. “Doc, if you ever smoke that shit more than a puff you'll meet my best friend.” I warn him, showing him my fist.Fucker!I need him focused on his fucking job and not getting high while working.

The Black Panthers have many businesses: we run legal ones like nightclubs, clubs, restaurants and bars, and some not that legal too. Our charter is the secret safe place where we live. From our members to prospects, mamas and family are confined between our walls. All of us have their own house and a car. Some of my brothers’ women work in the city, running their own shops or working in the hospital. Kids attend school outside too but even though they’re free to move, none are really alone. We do leave them space and freedom, but I always make sure they’re safe too.

We're independent in every meaning and we keep the city clean and safe.

Chapter Five

Ashley

When the alarm goes off, I don't want to wake up. I still need to feel his hands on me. The more I'm pushing him away from my head the more he comes haunting my dreams.

I'm wondering if it happens to him too.Of course not; surely he's fucking someone else right now.The thought of it makes me growl while kicking off the sheets.Fuck you!

I take a shower remembering when we had it together. The way he kissed me, the way he touched me, making me his. I clench my fists and let out a heartfelt scream. Why? Why on the fucking earth I’m still thinking at him. Why do I let my mind drift to him when I should be focused on my future?

I'm so pissed and that's what I need. The rink is waiting for me, and today nothing can stop me. Wearing leggings and a t-shirt I zip my jacket up and get into my car.

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