Page 42 of Crash and Burn
20
Marley
I doas Rascal says and go straight to my room. Something happened by the front gate and I know now is not the time to be my stubborn self. The girls and I were getting ready to turn a movie on when we heard a noise that sounded similar to fireworks. A few minutes later, Raze barged into the house and told us we needed to get to the clubhouse and fast.
Once in my room, I find it impossible to sit still. I’m pacing the room, waiting for Rascal to come. Of course, a million and one things begin rushing through my head. What on earth could be going on? Do I need to worry about the Cartel? My heart starts to race and I stop pacing as my chest tightens. I grasp at my chest, having a hard time catching my breath.
“Shit! Look at me, Princess. Look at me.” Rascal’s holding onto my shoulders, coaxing me to look in his eyes. I didn’t even hear him come into the room. He brings his hand to the side of my face and neck and I finally bring my eyes to his. “Breathe, babe.”
He places my hand over his heart and I slowly gain control over my breathing again.
“That’s it. Deep breaths.” He holds me until my breathing evens out. “Are you okay?”
“Better now,” I tell him. “What’s going on out there?”
“Chains was shot.”
I jump away from him. “What? By who? Is he okay?”
He lets out a heavy sigh. “Marley, come here.”
Rascal grabs my hand, guiding me to the bed to sit.
“Please tell me he’s okay,” I beg.
“I’m sorry, Princess. He didn’t make it.”
I fight back the tears that are threatening to fall. Aside from Tink and Lo, Chains was my first friend here. He never treated me like some fragile little girl or like I didn’t belong. He was a good guy and was looking forward to the day he got patched in to the Savage Menaces.
“It was the Cartel, wasn’t it?” I lock eyes with Rascal. “They found me.”
He slowly nods his head. “We’re not gonna let them take you. Raze and I are gonna get you and Minx out of here. We’ll take you somewhere safe where the Cartel won’t be able to find you.”
It’s my turn to sigh. “Will I ever be able to stop running?”
Rascal pulls me into his side. “Yes. The Savage Menaces are gonna take care of them. We’ll keep you safe. I promise.”
For the first time in a long time, I trust him. Something about him and the rest of the club gives me hope. That’s something I haven’t had in years. My trust isn’t something that is given freely these days, but sure enough, Rascal is slowly breaking down my walls.
Letting me out of his embrace, he hands me a small duffel bag I didn’t even notice he had with him. “I need you to pack some necessities in this bag. I can’t tell you where we’re going, but you’ll need some warm clothes.”
“How long will we be gone?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. Pack what you can and we’ll wash our clothes as needed,” he tells me.
I nod my head. I glance around the room. I’ve been here less than a year, but this has been the first place I’ve felt at home since my mom died. Something about this whole situation feels like I won’t be coming back and it leaves a pang in my chest.
“Mar, everything is gonna be alright. You gotta trust me.”
I turn to him, flashing him a small smile. “Believe it or not, I do trust you. Being here, at the clubhouse, I’ve felt the safest I have since before I was kidnapped.”
“I’m glad you’ve felt safe. I want to make sure you stay safe.” He places a soft kiss on my lips, then stands from the bed. “We’ll leave first thing in the morning.”
“Where are you going?”
“To pack my own bag,” he tells me.
“Oh, okay.” It comes out more sad than I intend.
