Page 58 of Utah

I felt the need to defend Utah, so I steeled my wayward nerves and deadpanned my expression.

“I’m sure. He would never hurt me. I’m not scared of him in any way.”

What I could only describe as pity radiated behind her blue eyes as she looked at me, and right then, I wanted to be anywhere but here. I flashed her a haphazard grin before walking outside to wait for my brother.

I thought pacing in the parking lot would’ve helped to calm me down, but all the walking back and forth did was upset me more than I already was. Only this time, I was also angry.

Angry at Utah for attacking Will.

Angry at Will for rehashing what happened between us.

Angry at myself for allowing Will to make me uncomfortable enough that I used the excuse of him kissing me as a justifiable reason for quitting my job.

Angry at Knox for taking so damn long to come and get me.

No sooner had I added Knox to my list did he pull into the lot, driving a gray truck I’d never seen before.

As if reading my mind, he said, “It’s Rascal’s. The fat bastard can’t ride his bike that much anymore.” Knox rushed toward me, looking me over quickly before pulling me into his arms. “How are you?”

“Not great.” I tightened my hold around his waist. “Thank you for coming.”

He pulled back so he could see my face. “I’d do anything for you, Ria. You know that.” He elevated his brow. “Including kicking Utah’s ass yet again for acting like that in front of you.”

“I don’t want you two fighting anymore.”

“Then he better get his shit together, or I won’t have any choice.” He pressed his lips against my temple. “Come on. Let’s get you home.” We made it two steps toward the truck when he added, “I know where he is. We’ll work on getting him out.”

My shoulders deflated, and my heart turned heavy. I prayed Utah wouldn’t have to spend long in jail, but I didn’t look forward to our conversation when he got out.

33

“Kingsley,” one of the officers shouted. “Your bail was posted.”

It had been many years since anyone used my last name, and coincidentally, it was after being arrested that time as well. I’d just turned sixteen and got caught stealing a laptop. It wasn’t my finest moment, but I was living on the street and hungry.

The guys in the club knew my name, but everyone called me Utah. The nickname separated me from my previous life, which was exactly what I wanted.

Several hours passed while I sat in the holding cell. Two other guys were in here with me, both drunk. Alcohol would’ve been the perfect excuse as to why I’d attacked Will. But the truth was, while I was pissed off at learning he’d kissed Ria, it was as if I’d been outside myself when I rushed at him.

I’d been aggressive most of my life, angry for even longer, but the only other time I’d felt rage like that was when I saw Javier at the meet in Mexico, knowing he ordered Crash to be killed, and I couldn’t do a damn thing about it. Even then, I didn’t think I had the same level of fury as I had earlier today.

The officer at the desk handed me back my wallet, keys, and watch. I signed a piece of paper, having no idea what it said, butright then, I didn’t care. All I wanted to do was get out of here and go see Ria. I’d work on my explanation on the way, hopefully coming up with something good enough for her to understand.

The night air never smelled so good. Maybe I was being dramatic, but there was nothing like being hauled away in handcuffs to make a man crave the sweet taste of freedom.

Knox stood at the edge of the sidewalk, shaking his head at me as I approached.

“Don’t start, man. I already know.”

“You scared the shit out of Ria.”

His words were like a knife to my heart. “I know. And I gotta live with that.”

“Do it again, and you and I are gonna have a problem.”

Knox loved his sister dearly, but so did I, and I had no intention of ever putting her in that position again. And I let him know as much.

“Got it.”

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