Page 82 of Jackson

“Bitch, I'll gut you like a fish.”

“Serenity, you good?” Spike calls from behind us.

Gabby turns his way, waving her knife.

“You know they've got guns, right?” I advise her. “That knife won’t get you far.”

She swipes at me; I lean back, avoiding it.

She’s really testing my patience now.

“Try that again,” I warn.

“Serenity, should I call Jacks?” Spike shouts. “Or just shoot her?”

This one's mine.

I’m done being pushed around.

“I’ll rip your eyes out,” Gabby seethes. “You took the only thing I ever loved.”

I snort. “Doubt it's the only thing. Bet the glass pipe ranks high...”

She lunges at me; I easily shove her off. She stumbles, struggling from her high. Her arms flail around as she gains her balance, and then she shoots a glare at me so intense that I should be scared, but I’m not. Then, the bitch turns and starts her escape.

“I’ll come back and kill you and everyone you love,” she yells.

Then she bolts, like a fucking gazelle, bounding away.

“Oh no,” I growl. “Not happening.”

I start after her, hobbling more than running, thanks to a moon boot, but she’s sluggish so I don’t imagine she’ll be hard to catch. Still, I don’t want to risk hurting my foot even further, but I’m not willing to let this one get away.

Not this time.

Spike yells my name, but I don’t stop.

Fuming, I chase Gabby down, determined. I’ve had enough. She’s not ruining my life today. I catch up as she turns to curse me, and I slam into her. We crash into the dirt, me pinning her.My hands clamp around her throat as I yell, “Don’t threaten my club. You think I’m scared? I could have the cops shut your drug-dealing down in seconds. Your move—back off or get cozy in prison.”

She squirms, clawing at my arms.

Fuck me, I don’t even want to know where those nails have been.

“Screw you, bitch,” she screams.

“Decide,” I roar, lifting her before slamming her head back down. “Or I’ll decide for you.”

“Serenity!”

Jackson’s voice comes from behind me, then he’s pulling me off Gabby. I’m panting, furious. Spike appears and takes hold of her, pinning her arms behind her. She spits venom before going quiet, our eyes lock. She’s challenging me, but I can see she’s weary now. Not as confident as she was before.

“Make a choice,” I order. “Or disappear. Your call.”

Her gaze flicks to Jackson, and she stiffens at whatever she sees.

“You killed him,” she snarls.

“No, Walker did. Go see him, I’m sure he’d love a visit. Now walk, or we’ll handle you our way.”

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