Page 15 of Jaded Red

“She was awake when Derange and Jezebelle came in to look her over. They’re supposed to get me when they’re done.” I answer, taking a stool next to Nolan. I signal for the prospect, Pretty Boy, behind the bar to get me a shot of Crown. He places it in front of me and I swallow the shot down in one gulp. Theburning sensation going right to my gut. “You really didn’t know about her?”

“Not even the slightest hint she existed. My father,” Nolan lets out a deep breath. “My father is a piece of shit who deserves all he gets. I cut him out of my life a long time ago.”

“What do we do from here?” I ask. I look around the Clubhouse for Aftermath but he is nowhere around. My best friend has bailed on me.

“I don’t know but I know I want to make it up to Nadia if she will let me.” My eyes snap to Nolan, accessing him. He’s staring right back at me and doesn’t even flinch.

“We all have a lot of making up to do to her.” I signal for another shot, which Pretty Boy promptly fills. “I know I’m not ready to let her go.” I swallow down the second shot. “You know, my gut is telling me this was too easy. This isn’t the way the Black-Market Railroad and Lattimer work. Something isn’t sitting right with me.”

Nolan shifts in the seat next to me and rests his scared hands on the bar top. “I agree. What do we do now?”

The prospect gives me another shot and I swallow it back before speaking, “I don’t know, but I do know I will protect Nadia with everything I have.”

“I’m there with you.” Nolan pats me on the back and stands up. He walks to where Krimson and Noah are standing and wraps his arm around Krimson’s shoulder. She leans into his chest and smiles up at him.

Capone comes into the common room from the garage and is pacing back and forth with a pissed-off look on his face. Danyella is there trying to soothe him. I stand up from the stool and make my way over to them.

“What’s going on, Prez?” I all but growl out. Barking at my President is an effective way to get my ass kicked.

“Take a breath, Red.” When Capone tells me to relax, this won’t end well for someone.

“Why? What’s happening?” I try to peek around him toward the garage, but he keeps standing in my way. Torch comes up beside me and Tiny stands on the other side. This can’t be good.

“Kensi and Aftermath just left with Nadia,” Capone finally answers.

My heart drops into my toes and rage fills my stomach. “What!”

“She asked to leave and they took her.”

“Where did they go?” I’m beyond pissed my best friend hightailed it with the woman I care about. I’m going to fucking kill him.

“I didn’t ask and they didn’t tell me.”

“Fuck this!” I storm past Capone and down the corridor that leads outside. Once I’m outside, I mount my bike and fire her up. Tiny and Dagger are behind me doing the same thing.

“Where are you going, Red?” Tiny asks.

“Don’t fucking know, but I can’t stay here while she’s out there still in danger,” I respond and fire up my bike. The deep rumble centers me and I take off like hell is hot on my heels.

I don’t know where Nadia lives or where Aftermath would be taking her so I don’t know where to go. Tiny, Dagger and I ride up the PCH for a little while, looking for Kensi, Aftermath or Nadia when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I spot our tattoo shop overlooking the ocean and pull into the parking lot. Calypso’s bike is parked out front with another bike I don’t recognize next to hers. I settle my bike between my thighs and pull out my phone. It’s a text from an unknown number

UNKNOWN: Listen, I’m sorry I left without saying anything to you. I had to go home and get some of my things. We will be on our way back to the Clubhouse in a few after Kensi convinced me it’s the best place for me to go right now. I’ll see you soon. We need to talk. XO-Nadia

Who knew a simple text would lighten the burden on my shoulders?

ME: We do need to talk. You can’t just take off on me when your ass gets itchy. I’ve been worried sick. I will see you soon.

I call Aftermath to make sure it is Nadia messaging me. He picks up after the third ring. “Yeah.”

“Did you give Nadia my phone number?” I ask, no greeting, right to the point.

“Kensi did. Said it would be good for Nadia to reach out to you to ease your mind.” Aftermath admits.

“Do you know how fucked up this is?” I ask, blowing out a long breath. “My best friend takes off with the woman I care about and doesn’t even tell me.”

“She made me promise not to say anything. I know I should have told you, but Kensi hijacked my phone until we made it to Nadia’s apartment.” Aftermath gets quiet for a moment. “I will take care of my woman about the disrespect, but Red…” Aftermath trails off. I grind my teeth waiting for him to continue. “Nadia has been through a lot and if you’re not willing to be in this at one hundred percent, let her heal and move on, on her own.”

Aftermath hangs up the call before I can respond. I think about what he said. Asking me if I’m in it with Nadia at one hundred percent.

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