Page 34 of Sire: On Your Knees

I stumbled backward, reading over the note again. Rushing to the door, I pulled it open, but of course, there was no one out there. Since she'd given me her address and I had a way to get there, I decided not to waste a minute. Before I could move forward, I needed to see her.

The address Ria gave me led me to a tiny house tucked away in the Richburg countryside. It was nearly two hours away from the city of Rosewind, which I guess was the point. Thankfully, I had Ernesto to drive me around.

He pulled out front and parked the truck. I held my breath to steady my racing heart. By the time he came to open my door, I was ready. "I'll be back in a little while." He nodded, taking a step back.

I slowly strolled toward the rickety porch. When I was in front of the door, I knocked loudly. "Ria, it's Noonie."

The door swung open a minute later. My friend stood there looking as happy and healthy as ever before. She rushed forward to hug me, but it didn't feel right, so I stood there awkwardly. Eventually, she picked up on my hesitation and released me.

She gulped when she stepped back. "Come in. I've been so worried about you."

I decided not to respond to that, knowing if she hadn't abandoned me, then there would be no need to worry. The small home looked like a studio space. I could see everything from the front door except for the bathroom, but that was only because the door was closed.

When I looked back at Ria, she stood silently watching me. I folded my arms and decided there was no time to waste. "How did you put that letter under my door?"

She sighed. "I didn't. I left it with your neighbor months ago for when you made it home."

I laughed. "Yeah, well, it took me months to get home because I was captured by Sire and held hostage."

Ria's expression turned solemn. She took a step toward me with an extended hand to comfort me, but I stepped away. I didn't want her anywhere near me for real. She paused, dropping her head. "I'm so sorry for that, Noonie. I didn't know Rico had a personal vendetta against Mir. It was not supposed to go down like that."

"Which part? The part where you left me and I ended up with nothing or him shooting that man while he was passed out?"

She shook her head. "I understand you're mad, but at least you're okay."

My head jerked backward. "At least I'm okay? You have no idea what I've endured over the last few months because of something you drug me into."

She tossed her hands in the air. "I don't know what you want me to say."

I realized I didn't come here to repair our friendship. There was nothing she could say or do about what was broken. "Nothing. I only came here for something y'all took from Mir's house. I need it back."

She grabbed her elbow. "What is it?"

"A silver locket with a ruby gemstone and diamonds. There's an engraving on the back."

"I know exactly what you're talking about. Rico wanted to pawn it, but I told him not to."

I stood tensely, waiting for her to get the necklace and come back. It took her a few minutes, and I started becoming anxious. I prayed this trip wasn't a complete failure. Eventually, she came back with the locket in her hand.

"Here."

I accepted it with a relieved sigh. Turning it over, I checked for the engraving to make sure it was the real thing.To Clea, love JaSire.I sadly smiled, knowing how much this meant to him. I slowly lifted my head toward Ria. "Thank you."

She nodded as she tucked her hands in the pockets of her sweats. "That's it?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I can't forgive you for what you did. I wish you the best, though." I started to back away but realized I should leave her with a warning. "Be careful. They are still looking for y'all." I was curious about where Rico was but decided not to ask about it.

I opened the front door to leave when he appeared, carrying a bucket of water on his shoulder. "Knovah..."

I ignored him completely as I eased around him and raced toward my waiting ride. I paused when I heard the sound of tires squealing. I barely had time to run off the porch before gunshots began to ring out. I laid on the ground, my heart beating extremely fast, when I was suddenly snatched to my feet.

A man I didn't know with a wavy fade and caramel skin was there. "Stay low. We gotta get you out of here now." I realized he wasn't alone as another man took up the rear. They shielded me all the way to where Ernesto crouched down, waiting.

They made sure I was inside before hopping inside. The one who'd initially picked me up got in beside me while the other one hopped in the passenger seat. "Drive. Drive!" the one in the passenger seat yelled. He turned to look out the window as we took off.

I turned, looking back at the little house, only to find it surrounded by men in black. I gulped, knowing my old friend was not leaving there alive. Even though I didn't want to be friends anymore, I didn't want Ria to die. I sniffled as a wave of emotion washed over me.

"Are you okay?" the guy beside me asked.

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