Page 112 of Guarded

I’ll wait to figure out Preston’s agenda, but nothing stopped me from confronting Cassiel. As soon as I finish the workday, I grab my purse and head to the hospital.

Chapter 32

Nero

It’s been a week since Cassiel woke up from his coma. There were a lot of questions I needed answered, but I held off as he went through rounds of tests and started rehab.

I’d gotten so used to seeing Cassiel in a vegetative state that I forgot about the permanent scowl he wore. You’d think the asshole would have more appreciation for a second chance at life.

“I hate these fucking machines.” He says through gritted teeth.

“What’d the doctor say?” I ask.

“Same shit. Different day. Checking my heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. I want out of this fucking place.”

I nod and cross my arms in front of me. He plays with the food they brought him. Stirring the bowl in front of him.

“Say what you need to say, Nero. You’ve been fucking standing there with your tail tucked between your legs.” He says, and I let the insult roll off me. Staring him down, I fill him in on club business.

“Hueso doesn’t think you’re able to fulfill your duties. He’s motioned for a temporary re-election.” Cassiel’s eyes stay gluedto the spoon he’s filling with soup and pouring back into the bowl.

“And my father? What’s he think?” he chuckles.

“He left it up to vote.” It was the simple answer without getting in the middle of their ongoing feud.

“And what will you be voting for, Nero? For or against me?” he looks away from the bowl, and his unforgiving green eyes find mine. They’re like Ari’s. The bright green embers a gift from their maternal grandmother. However, his lacked the nurturing qualities.

“That depends on what you’re hiding from me. What’s the deal with the fucking Italians?” I ask, causing him to look up. He clenches the spoon and glares at me. “What shit did you get us into Cass?”

“Get out.” He says defensively.

“Tell me!” I roar. My fists clenching tightly at my sides. Anger courses through me like a venomous snake. It was only a matter of time before I struck.

“I’m still your President. Show some fucking respect when you talk to me.” Cassiel sits up quickly, wincing at the pain. No one is indestructible, and he’s finding that out the hard way.

“Stop avoiding the question, Cass. Is this because of her?”

“Fuck you.” He murmurs, closing his eyes and laying his head back. I walk to the foot of the bed and tower over him.

“That fucking cop you had pull Genesis and Ari over. Did you know he fucking assaulted them?”

His eyes shoot back up to mine. I don’t give him time to answer. Who knows where the lies end or begin with him?

“We’ll let the club vote, and the way it looks, my vote will be for what’s best for the club. And right now, that’s not you.” I say, giving him a stern look before turning my back on him.

There was no loyalty left between us. The shit I did in the past to prove my loyalty has caused too much chaos in my life. Innocent people like Ariella have been roped in.

Shutting the door behind me is a metaphor for where our relationship stands. I was prepared to vote against him and dethrone his fucking ego.

The disorder doesn’t leave me when I exit the room. I’m met with yelling and screaming coming from the end of the corridor.Putang ina mo.

As I step closer, I make out the faces. Louie holds Shawny back while Ariella holds back a fuming Genesis.

“I’m fucking pregnant, you dumb bitch.” Shawny yells. Ari’s angry eyes shoot to mine when I get close.

“I doubt that you lying bitch.” Genesis yells back.

“What the fuck is going on here?” I ask. It’s an open question, but my eyes stay on Ariella’s.

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