Page 51 of Demise

“And what did you say then?”

She turns to me, crossing her arms. “I told him to go on ahead, but he’s going to be a lot more pissed at you than he will be me.”

Can she see how proud that makes me? I love that she knows how deep my feelings run for her. “I’ll have a talk with him as well.”

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Bexley

Danny and I walk side by side to the plane, our fingers only inches away from one another but not yet ready to show our hand to everyone here. My ankle is feeling stronger today, strong enough to leave the crutches behind. But I’m careful not to walk too fast.

The jet is running, and it’s loud and windy on the tarmac. My hair blows, and I pull my black coat tighter around me. Rough looking men surround me. Tattooed, bearded, and full-sized. Johnny, Danny, Marco, and Carson. I avoid looking at both Marco and Carson.

Danny places his hand at the small of my back, inviting me to climb the steps first. It’s been a long time since I’ve gone on a trip anywhere. I’m both excited and nervous. I have no idea why we’re going to Atlanta. I only know Danny asked me to go, and until I leave, I’m going to spend a little time with him.

Leaving won’t be easy, but I still feel I need to. How am I supposed to find myself when I’m stuck in a place I never was my true self? Sure, I could move back to the south side of Postings, but the neighborhood is gone. It’s dangerous on that side of town.

We settle into our seats and I stare out the window.

“Would you like anything to drink or eat?” Danny asks me.

I shake my head.

Danny nods and excuses the flight attendant. The jet is a nice size, plenty of room to move and sit comfortably. I wonder how a person can own such a thing. How deep is Danny into this world of crime and money? I mean, he has access to a private jet. I’d say that was pretty deep.

Danny stands up, and all of a sudden he grabs Marco by the throat.

“Danny,” I say, alarmed.

I look to Johnny who stands also. Carson smirks.

Marco chokes out a word. “Wait.”

Danny walks him over to me and I press my back against my seat.

“You see this woman right here?” Danny says to Marco. He nods, pulling on Danny’s hands to try to free them.

“I don’t think you do,” Danny says. I watch him look to Johnny who then grabs Marco by the arms, pulling them behind his back. Danny releases his throat and punches Marco in the stomach. He coughs and bends over. Danny snatches Marco’s hair and lifts his face. “This woman right here is to be respected. Anything she tells you to do, you do without question. If she wants you to shine her fucking shoes, you get down and lick them clean. Do you understand me?”

The man nods.

“I didn’t hear you. Did you hear him, Sweep?” Danny asks. Johnny shakes his head. Danny punches Marco in the face.

I cover my mouth.Oh my God.

The captain comes on the intercom, informing us that we will be taking off and to please fasten our seat belts.

“Apologize to Bexley for being disrespectful,” Danny says.

“I’m sorry, Bexley. I won’t do it again,” Marco says.

Danny looks to me with a lifted brow.

“It’s fine,” I say, feeling sick to my stomach. I caused this.

Danny nods at Johnny and he releases Marco, who wipes the blood from his nose. “Get him a tissue,” he says to Carson.

Danny removes his coat and lays it on the seat beside him before sitting down across from me. I don’t know if I’m in shock or what, but I just stare at him until I realize my hand is gripping the arm of my seat. I let go and stretch my fingers.

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