Page 29 of Traitor

I stare down at her, my chest hollow, my hands curling into fists.

"Making sure you never forget what you are."

Ely was still shaking when I left her. Still sobbing, her breath ragged, her body wrecked from the weight of the ink that was carved into her skin.

TRAITOR.

I wanted to stay. Wanted to look at her just one more time. But I couldn't. Because if I did, I might fucking undo everything. So I turned my back. Walked away. Left her in the dark, alone, like she had done to me the moment she stepped into this club with her lies.

The second I step into the main room, I spot Tisha. She's lingering by the stairs, eyes flickering with something smug, something that makes my jaw tighten. She thinks this is a fucking victory for her. She's about to learn how wrong she is.

I flick my gaze to Reaper, giving him a single nod.

Bring her down.

Reaper steps forward, grips Tisha's arm. She jerks slightly, confused, but doesn't resist.

I don't slow my stride as I lead the way back down to the interrogation room in the basement. The scent of fear and betrayal is still thick in the air.

I pull out a chair. "Sit."

Tisha hesitates. But one look at Reaper's glare and she obeys, lowering herself onto the chair.

She doesn't look so smug anymore. She shouldn't. Because I'm out of patience. And I have no fucking mercy left.

I lean against the table, arms crossed. Cold. Unreadable.

Tisha shifts in her seat, her hands clasped together in her lap.

She finally forces a smile, a weak one. "You gonna thank me for what I did?"

I tilt my head. "What exactly did you do?"

She lifts her chin. "Told you the truth. Saved you from being played by that bitch."

I nod slowly. "Right."

And then I slam my fist onto the table. She jumps.

"Now tell me the real truth."

Her face pales. "Bones—"

"How'd you know Ely was with the Riders?" My voice is low, calm. Dangerous.

Tisha freezes. Wrong move. I grab the back of her chair, yanking it forward until she's face to face with me, trapped.

"How the fuck did you know?" I snarl.

She gulps, eyes darting between me and Reaper.

"I — I was at their parties a few times," she finally stammers out. "A long time ago. Before I came here. I'm not connected to them! Never was! I just happened to recognize her from the parties! I didn't want her to hurt you! I love this club!"

I don't react. Don't blink. Because I know. I fucking know. She didn't just happen to recognize Ely. She wasn't there for just a few parties. She's trying to save her ass, but nothing is going to save her.

This bitch already knew too much.

I pull out my gun and press the barrel against her forehead. Tisha whimpers, her breath coming in fast, panicked gasps.

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