Page 41 of Reaper's Rage

I nod. “Yeah, he would. His sister is a therapist who works with rape victims. They’re close. She practically raised him. She’s why he never officially joined the Spades. He would never condone the crap Renee was doing to other women.”

“Call him.” Smoke orders.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: ASHLYN

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Ashlyn

“What’s wrong with Reaper?” Alisa asks as I join her and Desdemona.

“He’s upset and angry with himself.” I reply honestly and then tell them about his discovery of the duffle bag and its contents.

“Poor guy.” Desdemona says. “The guys will help him discover the truth and they’ll put an end to it.”

I nod, hoping that’s true. “I hope so. He’s taking it hard. Thinking he could have saved that girl and any others that might have been that bastard’s victims since that night.”

Desdemona nods. “I know what’s that like. I still feel guilty about my former roommate, Krista. If it hadn’t been for me, she wouldn’t have been at that party. I thought when I was free of Miguel, I could use my fame and money to find her. But so far, no such luck.”

“You can’t let the guilt weigh you down.” Alisa says. “And Reaper needs to know that, too. It can crush you. Believe me. I know Elina’s father died because he was married to me. Landon and Josh have tried to keep the truth from me, but I know. I’m doing everything I can to keep Juan from hurting anyone else I care about.”

“Is that why you won’t give in to Puma?” Desdemona asks her. “To keep him safe? Because I have to tell you, you’re just pissing him off and you’re missing out on what could be an amazing life. If anyone can hold his own against Juan, it’s Puma.”

“I don’t want to see Puma hurt or killed and if either happened to him because of me…” Alisa shakes her head as she wipes away a lone tear. Both Desdemona and I each grab one of Alisa’s hands. Alisa gives ours each a squeeze before letting go. “Ok, enough about sad stuff. Tomorrow is your birthday and I have something for you.” She says, putting a wrapped present on the table. “This is from Elina and me, but don’t worry, she didn’t help pick it out.” She assures me, which kind of has me questioning what it could be.

“This one is from me.” Desdemona says, putting hers next to Alisa’s. “Well, me and Diego.” She says, gesturing toward Alisa’s father who is sitting at the bar with his back to us.

“Thank you!” I tell them. “But you guys didn’t have to get me anything. Taking me out today and helping me get ready for tomorrow is enough.”

“Nonsense.” Desdemona says. “Besides, these aren’t just gifts, they’re necessities.”

I’m curious about what I’ll find inside these brightly wrapped packages. Taking Alisa’s present first, I open it to find a set of brass knuckles. “Uh, thanks.” I say, turning them over in my hand.

“It’s also a switchblade.” Alisa explains, taking it from me and holding it so I can see what she’s doing. She slips the knuckles onto her fingers before using her thumb to flick open the blade. It’s lethal. “There’s a carrying case in there so you can store them in your purse. But I keep mine in my bra.”

I gape at her. “You carry brass knuckles in your bra?” I ask, unable to keep the shock and awe from my tone as my voice goes up on the last word.

Alisa and Desdemona laugh and I stare at both of them as they reach inside their shirts to pull out ones identical to mine. “Alisa had a set when that bastard Twerk kidnapped us. They came in handy. I bought myself one and now I always carry it. Caitlin has a set, too. She used them the last time someone kidnapped her.” Desdemona explains. I remember Caitlin telling me about the many kidnapping attempts made by her ex. And how she fought back using weapons she hid on her person.

“You’re part of the Demon Dawgs now and one thing you can always count is that you’re now in more danger than you could ever imagine. The guys will die protecting you, but it is always a good idea to know how to protect yourself.” Alisa says.

“And this will help.” Desdemona says, pushing her present closer to me.

I stare at it with wide eyes before picking it up. “Is it a gun?”

They both laugh, even though I wasn’t trying to be funny. “No, of course not. But it’s not a bad idea to carry a gun.” Desdemona says. “This isn’t one, but it is useful if you find yourself in danger.”

I open it to find a thin black tube. I turn it over, but I can’t for the life of me figure out what it is. “Uh, thanks?” I repeat, which has both of them laughing again. I’m glad I’m providing them amusement in that both of them are driving me nuts not to mention scaring me.

“It’s a security baton.” Desdemona explains, taking it from me and with a flick of her wrist, it transforms into a long stick. “It doesn’t take much effort to inflict damage, especially if you go for the knees or his junk.”

“Damn.” I say as I take it from her. I retract the baton before mimicking Desdemona and flicking my wrist. The steel stick snaps into place. I slash the air a few times, getting a thrill at having such a weapon. If I had had these when facing off against Deion and Trask, I could have done some damage. “These are outstanding. Thank you!” I tell them. “I feel like I could defend myself now.”

“I would recommend taking self-defense classes.” Alisa says. “I’m taking them, and when Elina is older, I’ll make sure she takes them as well. You should learn to shoot, too.”

“I’m taking lessons as well.” Desdemona says. “I’m never going to be a victim again.”

“They should offer courses at Crossroads.” I muse.

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