Page 7 of Reaper's Rage

“What are they into?” Grimm asks.

“Mostly drugs and weapons.” I tell them. “They used to deal in just prescription drugs, but I heard they’ve added harder stuff to the mix. Hooked up with some source out of Mexico. The weapons are a small part of their operation. Mostly handguns and they only move a couple hundred a month. But Deion had an idea that he started before I left.”

“What is it?” Dante asks.

“Deion got his start working in his uncle’s pawn shop. It’s why he had us stealing shit for our initiation. We’d steal something, and he’d have his uncle sell it.” I explain. “He got the idea of expanding into smash and grab. They’d pick an area and hit a couple of stores hard. Then they go to the other stores in the same area and ask for protection money. The store owners pay because they don’t want to be victims, especially since the cops haven’t been able to stop the attacks. Once they have the other stores paying protection, he’d move the operation to a new area.”

“And the store owners haven’t figured out that it’s the same people they’re paying protection to?” Babe asks in surprise.

I shrug. “I don’t know.”

“We’ll revisit this after we deal with Standish.” Dante promises. “We can’t let thugs like them hurt our people. See what kind of surveillance you can get on them.”

“We could have the prospects take turns watching them.” Grimm suggests. “Don’t want them getting too close, but maybe they can gather info.”

“I’ll check into the smash and grabs.” Shield offers. “See if the cops have any leads. I’ll also check with the organized crime guys, see what they have on Deion and his gang.”

“I can reach out to Deion.” I offer. “Find out why he contacted me after all this time.”

“Hold off on that.” Dante says. “Let them think we’re done with them. It might make them sloppy. Anything else?” When no one speaks up, Dante slams down the gavel. “Dismissed.”

Everyone files out, leaving me and Flame alone. He wants to either talk or deck me. I face him with my hands at my side, ready for either. I’ll let him get one shot in if that’s what he needs, but that’s it.

“How long has this been going on? Why didn’t you tell me?” He asks.

I sigh as I lean against the table. “Ashlyn and I have been friends since you introduced us, but we’ve only been dating for a few weeks. I wanted to tell you right away, but Ashlyn knew you’d be unhappy, so she asked to wait until after finals. After she got her grades. She said she could handle your objections after that.”

“She thinks I’d object? Why?” Flame asks and I snort.

“Why do you think? You almost took my head off when you found out about us.” I remind him.

He shakes his head and turns his back to me. I wait while he runs his hands through his hair twice before turning back around. He’s struggling with what he wants to say, and I realize I know exactly what his concerns are.

“You have a problem with my dating your sister because I’m black.” I state for him. “I get it.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Flame yells at me. “Do you honestly think I give a fuck that you’re black? I’m mad because you didn’t tell me. I’m mad because she’s my fucking sister and you never even asked me if you could date her?”

“What the fuck?” Comes a different voice. We both turn to see Ashlyn standing inside the door. She stomps forward to poke Flame in the chest with her finger. “I do not need your permission to date anyone. You are my brother, not my father. And even if our father was still around, it wouldn’t be any of his business either. I decide who I date, not you, got it?”

“Ashlyn…” I start, but then she whirls on me and lands a few pokes before continuing her tirade.

“As for you. Get over yourself. You’re black. So what? You think that matters to me or to my family? After all the time we’ve had you over for dinner and barbecues? Oh wait, maybe you think we just wanted a token black guy so that we could show our friends and neighbors that we aren’t racist assholes?” Ashlyn yells at me. “I’m attracted to you, Reaper. I don’t give a shit about the color of your skin and the sooner you get that through your thick head, the better. Now you two, kiss and makeup, or whatever the fuck brothers do when they realize how stupid they’re being. I’ll be in the common room.” She swirls around and glides out of the room like a queen, leaving Flame and I to stare after her.

Flame turns to me, socks my arm and laughs. “No backsies.” He says, laughing as I follow him out of the room.

I’m grinning because not only do I have my friend back, but my woman is fierce.

CHAPTER SIX: ASHLYN

Tally gives me a quick once over as Kingsley describes their adventure. My admiration for her increases with her retelling. She’s more than a survivor, she’s a hero. I can’t imagine how terrifying it must have been for her to be the only one aware of their situation. To feel responsible for watching over her friends and protecting them against the unknown.

“What happened to Renee?” I ask. “Did she get away?”

The women all share a look before Axel chimes in. “Club business, Ashlyn. You can’t ask questions like that.”

I frown at my brother, but turn back to Kingsley, who speaks up for me. “She’s part of the club.”

“Reaper hasn’t claimed her, yet.” He protests.

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