Page 19 of Ride with Zane

She shrugs. “They looked pretty friendly, however that's not what worries me. The guy looked familiar to me, and I followed him.”

“You’re keeping an eye on her? Why?” When Di does it, means something is off.

“I like her and the way she fucked your mind speaks volumes.”

“Fuck off, Di.” She knows she’s turning the knife into my wound.

“Keep lying to yourself then.” She rolls her eyes. “Like I said, I followed him.”

“And?” I'm running out of patience. It kills me the thought she may be with someone that it's not me.

Denise paces back and forth. “He moved here yesterday in Mayer Lane 256.”

“Okay, and what’s weird with that? They are new construction and I’d say it was about time.”

“I was about to leave when I saw a black Cadillac pull over and Smokey and Razor got out of the car.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Or he's someone working for them or is one of them.”

“When will those motherfuckers understand that Newtok is off-limits for them?” I rasp.

Fuck, I didn’t need it right now. I need to keep her safe. No matter what.

“Thanks, Di, good job. Call the brothers for a meeting.”

“Prez.” She calls out. “She’s not Caroline but I really like her.”

“That’s why you've put her on the list giving her access to the neighborhood?”

“I’m not gonna say sorry.” The look she gives me speaks volumes and I know she’s right. I haven’t had a relationship in ages. I’m not cut for them. Fuck, taking care of the charter and The Black Panthers became my priority since I got my colors. It wasn’t easy and we went through hell. They were there for me after Caroline’s death, and I vow I never let anyone touch my heart.

I failed.

I fucking failed.

I don’t kiss mamas, neither do the girls at the strip club but Ashley was different. I wanted a taste, and once I had it I couldn’t stop.

And now she may be in danger.

Chapter Six

Ashley

Kelly has decided I need a distraction and we came back to the ZBE.Figures. She knows I have a crush on Rock but also knows we kissed after my birthday and then he left. I couldn’t tell her I had sex and he dumped me playing the I’m confused card. I think it’s the first time I lied to my bestie but now she’s mad at him too.

At first, I wasn't happy at all about her choice, but she has convinced me that I need to wear my grown-up pants and not give a shit about what happened with Rock. If he doesn’t care, why should I? I’m young and I fucking deserve to live it up. We have one life which means I won’t waste it.

“Hey, Princess, the usual?” asks the bartender.How does he remember me?

“Hi, J. No, I won’t drive tonight, can I have a Screwdriver, please?”

“Yeah, sure,” he replies as I peer at the dance floor where Kelly is already dancing with someone.The lucky bitch.“Here you go, enjoy!”

“Thank you,” I take a long sip and it feels like an explosion. “It's the best I ever had.” My eyes dart up at the window.Maybe he’s not even here.

It’s not so crowded tonight. With the hockey season open, the team is out of town and most of the fans are glued in front of their TV. Too bad.

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