Page 29 of Dragon Strife
“You look like a badass with or without clothes,” he admits as he drops his arms with a sigh. “I want you armed when we go in, but I have a feeling that would set him off more.”
“Yeah, I was thinking that,” Diego chimes in as he comes closer to me. “Malik and I will be armed, but all weapons are dropped at the door. Except for the times Barrett and Bear ignore the fucking rules. I think we need to keep you looking like you’re still in training.”
“Okay,” I mutter as my stomach flips. The thought of going back into that place makes me want to vomit the little food I managed to force down today. “I need his help. I don’t want him to feel threatened.”
“Okay,” Diego mumbles. “I sent a message to Bear to call a Hell meeting. I told him we’re bringing Genevieve.”
“I’m sure they’ll all be there with bells and whistles on,” Malik says, the sarcastic tone of his voice adding more anxiety to the situation. “Do you remember everything I taught you about being the center of your surroundings? Watch everything and be ready for every possibility.”
“Yes.” I nod and swallow down the fear threatening to force me back into the bedroom and under my blankets. “Scan the room, watch everyone, and keep my back to a wall at all times.”
“Good girl,” he whispers as he stands in front of me, pride shining in his eyes. “I won’t let anything happen to you, but in saying that, I know you won’t let anything happen to you either. You’re the strongest person I know.” He kisses my forehead and I melt into him, letting his warmth wash over me.
“Thank you.”
“I also want you riding with one of us,” Diego adds as he comes closer. “I don’t want them to see you riding your own bike. I’m sorry but I need you to look more like the princess you used to be.”
“I had my own bike then.” I raise a brow as he gives me a smile.
“I know but the chopper you have outside is different from the colorful skittle you rode between your legs before.” Malik snickers, making me hit his chest with a laugh.
“Fine.” I shrug, still smiling at the man who both humors and infuriates me.
A bell sounds as we pull up to the gates, the large, barbwire fence slowly opening to reveal a compound that looks both foreign and familiar at the same time. I know I saw it as I was leaving with Diego all those months ago, but it was through the lens of a broken and defiled girl. Now I’m seeing it for what it is. A base for the army I need to take down my brother.
My arms tighten around Diego as he rides inside, Malik close at our backs. My nerves threaten to rise up again as we park next to a long line of bikes, the sight suddenly unearthing memories of the family I once had. Of my father as he smiles with a cigarette hanging from his lips.
I’ll get it back, Daddy,I silently promise as Diego taps my hands, motioning me to get off the bike. As soon as my feet hit the ground, Malik is there, his warmth washing over my back as he steps in close.
“Tell me what you see, Slayer.” He places a hand on my shoulder, his fingers digging in.
“Four prospects at the gate, thirteen parked bikes—now fifteen—and three members smoking around the far right corner, watching us.”
“What els—”
“Two others are watching from the windows on the second floor,” I continue, cutting him off. “And there’s a member behind the door here.” I point to the large, industrial door with a frosted window. “I can see his silhouette.”
“Good girl,” he rasps. “Guess who’s getting a good girl pussy spanking when we get home?”
“Then there’s the man behind us, over by the shed. He went inside as soon as we pulled in,” I finish off and turn to look at him over my shoulder.
He turns with surprise to look at the shed and then back to me, his face glowing with smug pride. “Fuck, I’m hard.”
I pat his chest as Diego chuckles while removing his helmet. “I promise to be vigilant.”
“I think she puts us to shame, brother,” Diego says with a snicker. “Maybe she’s here to protect us.”
“I’m still hard,” Malik groans, tipping his head back. “I have to walk into that room with a swollen dick and a mean mug. Those two are not compatible.”
“Says who?” Diego counters as he bangs on the door, the sound jarring me back into the perilous situation we’re in. This is the place where my body was used and broken, discarded like garbage, and left to decay. The person who threw me in that basement will be hearing me plead for his help today, and the man who defiled me could very well be in that room, getting off on seeing how I rose from the depths of the grave he thought he buried me in.
“You got this.” Malik’s warm breath hits my ear as the door swings open, revealing the brother I knew was standing there, waiting for us to come in.
“Cory.” Diego raises his fist as Cory crashes his into it, his eyes slipping to me. I force my features into nonchalance and hold my breath, waiting for him to speak, the air around me swirling with trepidation. The brother’s eyes narrow as the dark brown irises shine with judgment. His brown, curly hair is tied back loosely at the nape of his neck, and his cut hangs off his shoulders which are tense and waiting to strike.
“Brother.” He nods. His voice is too deep, not raspy enough.
I relax just a bit as my heart races. Can I do this? And what happens when I do hear that voice? What can I do about it?
