Page 9 of Devil

“Yeah?” I shout and the door swings open.

“We have a problem.” Max rushes in, his chest heaving.

“What is it?” I stand from the desk.

“The shipment was highjacked and both our guys are dead.”

My stomach drops. That shipment was our largest to date and now it’s fucking gone.

“What the fuck happened?” I bellow and he takes a step back.

“No one is talking. All we know is the truck is gone and our boys’ bodies were found on the side of the road.” His head hangs, unable to meet my eyes.

Max was part of the gang when I came in. He wasn’t happy with the way it was ran and became my second in command when I killed everyone who challenged me, turning it into the enterprise it is now. He’s loyal and someone I’ve come to depend on.

Lennox and Carson were good guys.

We haven’t lost anyone since the takeover a year ago and it’s hitting Max hard. His sorrow thickens the air around us and Imust admit, it fucking hurts me too. These are my men and the fact someone thought they could kill them and steal my shit…

“Max, look at me.” He raises his head, his eyes haunted. “Trust in me now as you always have, brother. We’ll find out who did this. They will pay.”

He nods.

“Now, we have to put aside how we feel for the time being and find out who the fuck did this. I have connections all over this country. Someone knows something.”

“What do you want me to do?” He asks, his normal cold expression returning.

“I’m going to contact Lennox and Carson’s families. I’ll handle the funeral arrangements. I need you to find out what happened. No phone calls. Go to their fucking houses if you have to. If they aren’t forthcoming, tell them I’ll drop by.”

His eyes widen. He knows if I have to handle this myself, there will be bloodshed. “I’m on it, boss.”

The door clicks as Max leaves my office and I take a seat behind my desk. My men come from families who are no stranger to this life, they lived it themselves. They know the risks. But dread still sits heavily in my chest. No one wants to tell a mother their child is gone.

Much less two.

Sitting back in the chair, I close my eyes, my face pointed towards the ceiling. Their families will be devastated. Nothing will take away their pain. Running my hands through my hair, I sigh, standing and grabbing my keys.

Locking up my office, I exit the building, and head towards my truck. The engine roars and I leave the parking lot, driving slower than normal.

I’m in no hurry to break hearts today.

Chapter Five

Nova

It’s been a few days since I’ve seen Devil.

My mood has been in the dumps and it’s unnerving how a stranger can affect me like this. Is it him or the fact he reminds me of Colt?

Who the fuck knows?

I’ve thought about Colt a lot lately.

Our friendship was different. It was soul binding, a connection we both needed. The night he left made me realize, even though I had nothing for reference, I truly cared for him. His kiss changed everything, and the sound of his voice touched every part of me.

He stayed true to his word. He was around and saved me from Mr. Lancaster’s temper one last time. He set the house on fire to ensure none of us would have to endure it again. But I never saw him again after that night. It shattered me to the core, not realizing my feelings until it was too late.

I can’t know it was him for sure, but I like to think it was.

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