Page 17 of Ranch's Resolve

“Are there other kids to play with?” Santina, who is oblivious to the tension around her, asks Izzy.

“Not only are there kids to play with, but they have a jungle gym, a theater, and a pool. I wish I could live there.”

“Maybe you can come visit,” Santina says, patting Izzy on the shoulder.

“Why, thank you! I would love to,” Izzy says with a wide grin.

Killian moves to Athena’s side. “Let’s go.”

“You’re going to be alright?” Athena asks me.

“We’re going to be just fine. I came over here to take you to dinner. Maybe we can do that after we get everyone safe?”

Athena smiles at me while Killian narrows his eyes at me. “That sounds like a perfect ending to a rather strange day,” Athena says as she leans up to kiss me on the cheek.

I ignore Killian’s glare as they leave. I hear Killian questioning her about me as they walk down the stairs and out the front door. Moving into the empty office, I watch Killian walk Athena to her car and open the door for her. Athena shakes her head and pats her brother on the cheek. Both ignore the vehicle even when the passenger seat window rolls down. I watch the car, worried that I might see a weapon poke out of the open window. I relax when Killian and Athena start their cars and drive off.

Before the car can follow them, the parking lot fills with motorcycles and cars. The Demon Dawgs and Deion’s club, Zeus’s Bolt, fly into the parking lot. The Demon Dawgs swing off their bikes while the members of Zeus’s Bolt pile out of cars as they square off in the parking lot. Shouts and threats fill the air as they circle each other. Thirty men who look like they’re ready to beat the shit out of each other serves as a perfect distraction.

“Go!” I shout at Izzy while I continue to watch the action down below. I spot Ghost sliding under the purple SUV and thensliding back out again after a few minutes. Deion joins me after a few minutes.

“They’re on their way. What are our friends doing?”

“He rolled the window back up. I think they’re hoping no one notices them. Ghost planted the tracker.”

“Good.”

Deion’s phone rings. He glances down at the display. “Athena says she has the girls. They’re on their way to Crossroads. Looks like we can end the show.”

I called Shield to let him know that Act II can begin. A few minutes later, sirens fill the air as the ‘rival’ gangs below speed out of the parking lot, leaving the distracted witnesses behind.

CHAPTER TEN: ATHENA

“You’re dating him?” Killian asks me as we walk to our cars.

“We’re not dating. I just met Ranch this morning.”

“But you’re going out to dinner tonight?”

“To discuss a few things. Besides, how is it any of your business whether or not I date him?”

“He’s white.”

“So what? I won't turn someone down because of the color of their skin. That’s racist. I’m not racist.”

“He’s a biker,” Killian pushes as he opens my car door.

“I’m aware.”

“They lead dangerous lives,” Killian continues.

I look at him and shake my head before sliding behind the wheel. “Let it go, Killian.” Rather than wait for him to respond, I grab the door handle and slam the door shut. Starting the car, I back out and pull out of the parking lot. One thing about having words with Killian is that I ignored the other vehicle. I’d been afraid that I would stare at it and show my nerves. Instead, all they saw was a woman fighting with her over-protective brother.

I watch the rearview mirror as I drive down the street and turn left. When I reach the entrance to Shake Shack, I pull in and park in the back. Killian pulls in next to me. I can tell by theexpression on Killian’s face he wants to continue the argument. I hold up my hand to still him.

“Let’s focus on getting Selena and Santina to safety. Arguing about my personal life will distract us.”

Killian grinds his teeth but nods in agreement. “You’re right. Selena and Tiny’s safety is what’s important right now.”

---