Page 37 of Dragon Strife
“Yeah.” He nods. “Through that exit.” He points to a large, industrial door down another small corridor. “It leads to the back.”
“Thank you, Davis.”
“You got it, Prez.” He smiles as he turns his gaze back to the door.
I know the car is parked in the front with the bikes, they wouldn’t bring it back here, but I'm not completely sure. If he is out here with the car, I could blame it on nerves and wanting to help. It wouldn’t be too far from the truth. Guilt eats at me as I shove open the door. I step out as the sun sets and look around the lot. No car and no Malik.
“Son of a bitch,” I growl as I do a full circle. “What are you hiding from me?”
Guilt flips into anger as I stand still and try to listen past the fucking booming music. It’s muted out here, but the bass is loud enough to conceal voices or movement. I take a breath and remember everything Malik taught me about stalking my prey. I have to become my prey, do as they would in this situation. I head around the back of the building where the light is scarce and the music is quieter. The first thing I smell is cigarette smoke and I know Malik doesn’t smoke.
I quiet my steps as I listen intently for any voices. As the smoke gets stronger, the first whispers also come through. There are two of them, and one voice I know as well as the back of my hand. Three more steps and I flatten myself to the wall.
“What the fuck does he want with her?” Malik asks as I keep my eye on the two shadows ahead. I watch as the ember of a cigarette glows and then the next voice sends a chill down my spine.
“He wants to talk to her. He hasn’t been the same since that night.” Cash.
“You have to know I will never let that happen, and you can pass a message to Jaeger from me. I don’t care how many people he kidnaps and tortures in exchange for Genevieve, I will never trade her for anything. You got all that?” My heart slams up into my throat as my vision swims with tears. Jaeger has Delia and he’s probably hurting her. “Go back to the Dragons, Cash, and stop watching this compound.”
“I can’t do that, not as long as you have one of ours here.” Cash takes another drag on his smoke as my stomach swirls with nausea. Jaeger has had eyes on me. Did he send Laith too?
“You’re going to be choking on those words soon enough,” Malik retorts with a laugh as I turn around and head back the way I came.
A memory hits me hard and vividly as I pull up the door to head back inside. Malik, Cash, and Kennedy at that pub. Is Malik someone I can completely trust? How much is he hiding from me?
“Did you find him, Prez?” Davis’ voice hauls me out of my thoughts.
“Yeah.” I clear my throat and give him a smile, hoping it looks genuine as I head to the bar. “I need a drink.”
Rockz sees me coming and his smile stretches across his mouth as I sit on a stool. The brothers around me are playing pool, watching some women dance, and yes, there are drugs and alcohol, but nothing that looks any different than what I’ve seen in the Dragons’ compound.
“They’re a bit more tame with you here,” Rockz says with a wink. “You’ll be good for us. What can I get you?”
“Just water, please.” I smile at him too, even though my insides are feeling like they’re boulders.
He sets a glass in front of me when I smell Malik behind me, his scent infused with the slight smell of nicotine. “Slayer.” His breath hits my ear and I try not to lock up. “Are you drinking?”
“Just water!” I yell over my shoulder.
“I’m going to go check in with Jones and Montez. Are you good here?” His hand runs down my hair and along my back. I clench my teeth to stave off the moan threatening to spill from between my lips, reminding myself he’s in a lot of trouble.
I nod and take a sip as he kisses my temple. Soon his scent disappears and I take my time to drink the water, not wanting to look suspicious. I watch the brothers around me as they laugh and I envy them their pleasure. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed this life. It’s been that long.
With a smile to Rockz, I get up and stretch, then head outside through the same door I came through earlier before blowing the heads off two men. How much can change in mere seconds astounds me. A prospect is standing outside by the gate, smoking a cigarette when I approach.
“Do you know where the keys are for that van?” I point to the blacked-out vehicle.
“Yeah,” he answers, pulling a keyring from his pocket. “It’s the supply van. We take it into town to stock up.”
“I know.” I lift my chin, giving him a look of authority. “I need to go get some of those fruity girl drinks. You guys don’t seem to have any.”
“I could go—”
“Give me the keys.” I hold out my hand, leaving no room for argument. He hands them over with little fight and I motion toward the gate with my chin. “Go open that.”
The prospect quickly runs off, eager to keep me pleased as I head toward the van, looking around me for Malik or Diego. They would never let me do this and continue to leave Delia in the hands of my sadistic brother.
I pull out of the lot and out onto the street, taking my time as I head toward town. Not too long afterward I hear the rumble of a bike and smile to myself. These men don’t realize just how predictable they are. I look in my side mirror and see a brand-new-looking Steel Dragon bike coming up fast. I pull over with a chuckle, knowing those bikes must’ve put a dent in Jaeger’s expenses.
