Page 120 of Traitor

Not today.

I let out a quiet sigh, feigning defeat. "Fine."

Luca tilts his head, studying me like I'm a puzzle he's already solved. Like he knows I'll comply because I like breathing.

He stands, smooth as ever, adjusting the cuffs of his suit. "Good girl."

I feel the words like a slap.

He makes his way toward the door, pausing just long enough to glance back at me. "Do it soon."

I nod once, watching as he disappears through the doorway, the room suddenly too quiet.

I exhale slowly, then reach beneath the table, gripping the handle of the gun I didn't use. Just to feel it.

Then I get up, get into my car and head for the clubhouse.

23. Ballerina

Temper

Idon't even make it out of my goddamn driveway before my eyes lock on that big, bald mass of muscle planted right in my path. Like a statue, unmoving, blocking my car from leaving the property. The audacity makes my blood heat.

I kill the engine and step out, adrenaline already flaring, temper ticked up. "What are you doing here, Tank?"

He stands there, shifting on his feet like a guilty kid. "Are you okay, T? I saw Luca Romano leaving and... I just wanted to make sure you were all right."

I cross my arms, refusing to let him see one shred of uncertainty. "That's a conversation I'll be having with your boss. Now cut the crap and tell me why you're really here."

He scratches the back of his head, gaze darting everywhere but me. Bullshit is coming. "I was just... riding around, you know... saw that guy, thought I'd stop by, make sure you were okay?"

My laugh comes out suddenly, surprising me. "Are you asking me or telling me? Because you're lying through your teeth. Did Bones order you to watch me? Is he sending his underlings to keep an eye on my every move?" My voice grows razor-sharp.

He raises both hands in surrender. "Uhhh... uhhh... no, not really... well... only when he has to do stuff..." He grimaces, already knowing he fucked up. His head hangs, words trailing off to a whisper. "He just wants to be sure you're safe, T."

My fury hits hard. Hot. "When he has to do stuff... Is. HE. Watching me?!" My voice rises, echoing off the silent yard.

Tank squeezes his eyes shut. "Maybe? I don't know what he does in his free time," he stammers. "Look, he's on his way here now. You can ask him yourself."

He glances around, looking awkward as hell. And it surprisingly stings. Because once upon a time, Tank and I could talk forever without running out of words. Now it's this. Pathetic, forced, painful.

"I'm so sorry, T," he whispers. "I'm so fucking sorry for what I did. That night... I shut down my mind. I wish I had more courage. I wish..." He clears his throat, eyes darting up to meet mine. "Do you want me to leave before Bones gets here? I can make myself scarce."

For a moment, I just look at him. This man who once called me "family," who once teased me about drinking too many fruity cocktails, who held me down in that chair without a word of protest.

No matter how much blood I've already spilled, some part of me remains hollow. The wound is still raw, scab ripped off every time I see his damn face. There's a beast hiding inside that wound that demands more. It's whispering right now, but it will start screaming soon. I can already feel it. Maybe it's time for a different approach. Maybe it's time I speak instead of slash. And get some answers.

"Come inside, Tank." My tone isn't warm. But it's not the open scorn it was moments ago.

He blinks, wide-eyed, but doesn't argue. He follows me into the house, quiet as a grave.

We settle in my kitchen, me across from him. I don't offer him a drink, don't even fake hospitality. He's here for the answers I need, not comfort.

I fold my arms, pinning him with a stare and I begin with the question that has been bugging me for more than four years. The question I didn't ask back then because everything was too painful.

"How did you find me that night, Tank? When you took me to the hospital?"

His face twists. He looks away, swallowing hard. Finally, words spill out. "I was following Ghost. He went after you, waiting for a chance to break into the Riders' clubhouse, get you out. But that monster was always on you. I stuck to Ghost's trail, ready to help when he made his move. That night... I saw Jinx dragging you to a van, so I followed."

---