Page 25 of Flame's Fight

“Are you alright?” Ghost asks her, moving to stand next to her and taking her hands in his. He moves her back to the chair and kneels in front of her. “Do you need something? Water?”

She shakes her head, her eyes shifting from Reaper to Ghost. I glance at Reaper and see the guilt on his face. Frowning, I want to ask questions, but I don’t want to upset Tanya any more than she already is.

“How do you know the Reverend?” She asks Reaper, her voice quiet and shaky.

“I don’t know him, but I’ve had dealings with him. He tried to buy my Old Lady, Flame’s sister, from a woman living at the apartment complex where she lived.” Reaper explains. “Trask was working with her and waylaid Ashlyn for Deion to use as a bartering chip to attack me and the club.”

“Deion held her prisoner and Trask worked with the Reverend?” Tanya asks, shaking her head. “I’ve been blind.”

“No, you’ve been through more than anyone should have to.” Reaper says. “I’m amazed you’re still capable of trust.”

“You know?” She asks, her voice a trembling whisper.

“I’m sorry.” Reaper says. “I don’t expect your forgiveness.”

“Did you sell me to that bastard?” Tanya asks, her voice gaining back strength.

Reaper gives her a small smile but shakes his head. “I didn’t. But I could have saved you. I didn’t know about you, not then. I found out about a week ago.” Reaper explains about finding the recording made by a man who wanted to destroy the reverend for what he did to his sister. He told her about Tanya being the woman in the video. How, if he had just watched the video back then, he could have rescued her.

“But you didn’t leave, knowing I was there, did you?” Tanya asks.

“Of course not.” Reaper tells her. “If I’d have known, I would have rescued you.”

Tanya nods. I see tears coursing down her high cheekbones. “There is nothing for me to forgive. Do I wish you could have saved me before he ruined me? Yes. But I can’t blame you for not acting when you didn’t know what was happening in that house.”

“I promise you we won’t let anything like that happen to you again. We’ll keep you safe.” Reaper promises. “Thank you for forgiving me.”

Tanya retreats to the bathroom, and I hear the water run. A few minutes later, she returns and sits down to write up her observations. We all watch her, but I realize she needs a few moments to gather her thoughts. I give them to her.

“Has Dante approved the shooting range?” I ask Reaper.

“I haven’t brought it up yet. I had a few ideas, but this is the one that I’m most excited about.”

“What about you?” I ask Ghost. “Are you staying with Styx or going to work at the gun range?”

“Actually, I want to start a self-defense school.” Ghost says. “Ashlyn suggested it. She heard about what happened in Yuma and asked if I’d be willing to teach her and the other women some self-defense moves. My uncle owns a dojo downtown, and I thought about either joining with him or opening a second one closer to the club.”

“I didn’t know you have family in San Diego.” I say. “You never mentioned him before.”

“I didn’t know he was here. He’s my father’s brother, and I haven’t seen him in several years.” Ghost admits. “He’s only been in San Diego for a year. He has a storage unit at Styx, which is where we ran into each other.”

“I’d love to learn self-defense.” Tanya says, giving Ghost a shy smile. “I think many women would. It isn’t safe for us out there. Too many men who think women are there for the taking.”

“You’re right. It’s one reason I want to do this.” Ghost says. “Plus, I want to offer courses to those at Crossroads. I know the women may not want to learn from a man, so I’ll likely want to hire at least one instructor who is female.” He muses.

“What about Izzy?” I ask. “She’d be a great instructor. Ashlyn may even be interested once she’s learned enough.”

Reaper nods. “I think she would. She feels pretty strongly about it after what’s happened to our other women and then the attacks on her.”

“What about you?” Ghost asks me. “Any thoughts on what you want to do, or do you want to stay at Styx?”

I consider his question as Tanya packs up her bag and I realize how much I want to do something more to benefit the club. Now that Brooke is back in my life, I feel like I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. The ideas flow, but nothing sparks an interest. But that’s ok. I want to talk with Brooke about this and get her thoughts and ideas. The thought of her being back on my team makes me happy. Now I just need to get back on my feet.

“I don’t know what I want to do, but I want to do more than work at Styx. I like that Pete’s there. It gives us an opportunity to do something else. I just need to get my legs all the way back.” I turn to look at Tanya, who nods at me.

“Then that’s what we’re going to make happen. I want you to work on strengthening your leg muscles, but don’t try walking yet without someone around to help you.” She warns me. “Once you’re out of here, you can come work out with me. I have the equipment that will help get you walking again.”

“And riding.” I add.

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