Page 39 of Ghost

“Wrong answer.” Davidson pulled back, ready to strike again.

“Stop! Please!” Rae cried.

“Shut up, bitch!” I struggled against the bindings when the man in the suit struck out, catching my woman across the face.

“Leave her the fuck alone! Rae, hang on, baby.” Marshall pulled back his arm and let fly, his fist again connecting with my face.

“Ghost!” Rae screamed, the sound haunting as a black halo worked to fill my vision. My head fell forward, and I caught the glow of Rae’s phone in the pocket of her robe. Please, fuck, let that be our lifeline.

“Nothing to say, Ghosty boy?” He smirked. "I could bury you all and no one would blink.”

“Over my dead body.”

“Exactly. That's the spirit.” He laughed. “That's exactly what's going to happen here, Bishop St. James. The notorious Ghost of The Devils Creed.” He laughed again. “You're a fucking joke.”

“Don’t worry about your woman, boy. Marshall’s gonna take real good care of her.” My fists clenched as he pressed cold metal to my forehead. “Let's end this now.”

Just as his finger tightened on the trigger, I saw her. She moved to stand and rushed towards him just as Marshall and the other fat fuck noticed her moving.

“Rae, don’t—” I shouted, but it was too late. She was on him when he spun and pulled the trigger.

Bang!

The shot rang out, echoing against the walls. Time slowed as Payton screamed out from upstairs and Rae stumble back, crimson spreading across her chest before she crumbled to the ground with a thud.

“No! Rae! Get up, baby!” I struggled against the restraints, the wood groaning under my weight as I fought to get free.

No, no, no, no.This wasn’t supposed to happen.

“Look what you made me do.” He chuckled, cold and cruel.

“Fuck you!” I roared, straining against the ropes, spit flying from my mouth. “I’m gonna fucking kill you!”

His boot came up and slammed into my head. Pain exploded and stars danced before my eyes, then the world went black.

Chapter 10

Rae

Pain seared through me as I struggled to wake. My eyelids were heavy as hell, but I forced them open and was greeted by bright florescent lights and the smell of antiseptic.

Groaning, I turned my head on my pillow, my eyes dropping to the IV in my hand, then over to Ghost who was slouched beside what was clearly my hospital bed. His chest rose and fell, the frown on his face deepening as he slept.

My gaze drifted beyond him and widened at the two figures huddled, whispering in the corner.

“Daddy.” The words came out softer than a whisper.

What the hell was he doing here?

“…can’t believe she…” Daddy's voice trailed off, and even though I couldn’t make out what he was saying, I knew he was pissed.

Pop muttered something back, his hand waving dismissively.

Whatever they were hashing out, it had nothing to do with hospitals and get-well-soons.

Seeing my Daddy there in New York, breathed life right back into my temper. I left Tennessee for a damn good reason, and now he was there—in my space.Sure, I loved him, but I didn’t need him showing up and trying to take over my life again.I was an adult, damnit.

Ghost shifted in his sleep, and I turned my head to watch him, my eyes tracing the bruises down his jaw.

---