Page 39 of My Shining Stepbrother

I stand in my booth office waiting for him, but his office is dark. I never even saw him leave. I pull my phone out to call him when Ricky pops his head inside.

“Hey, Reese caught up with something at another building and asked me to take you home.” He rubs his hand over the back of his neck, which is unusual behavior for him.

I grab my phone from my bag, but something doesn't feel right. “Ohh, um, okay. Reese didn’t text me. Let me send him a quick message to let him know I’ll be at home waiting for him.”

I text Reese, but I can’t put my finger on this strange feeling with Ricky. I know Reese trusts him, so I don’t question it, but he looks nervous.

“Hey baby, I’m heading home now. You could have told me Ricky was going to take me home. I would have waited here for you. I love you, and I’ll see you later.”

I put my phone back in my bag and walked to Ricky.

Getting into his car is more nerve-wracking. Something is off, and the way he is gripping the steering wheel is making me feel uneasy.

- Reese -

My phone goes off, so I look and see it’s Rose. I read the text but got confused very fast. I didn’t tell Ricky to take her home. I was about to head to the shop but lost track of time. I text her back and tell her I’m coming to the shop and not to get in his car, but there is no answer. I speed to the shop, and when I get there, it’s empty. Nobody is here.

“Dammit!” I yell out in hopes someone will hear as I check every inch of the shop.

After searching the whole place with no answer and still no sight of any souls, I reach for my phone. I have to call Matty and Trigger. I dial Matty's phone number, knowing he will answer before the other asshat.

“What’s going on?” He asks with an unsure tone full of curiosity.

“She’s gone. She texted me and said Ricky said I told him to take her home. She got in his car and never read my reply back.” I start to pace the shop with one hand, practically pulling out my hair.

“Alright, Trigger is tracking him now. Go to your house just in case he does take her home. I’ll call if he finds anything.” My voice shakes as I agree and thank him.

I hang up my phone and head to the house. I trust Matty and Trigger with my life, so I trust them with hers. They have been my best friends since we were four years old. I protected Matty's scrawny little ass and made him tough. He knew who I was and never judged me, so I trained him. Trigger always knew how to fight, so I didn't have to protect him, but he was always behind me, waiting for a second person. They didn't bat an eye when I asked them both to help me with this business. I know they have my back, and I know they will help Rose.

I pull into my driveway and run inside. She isn’t here, so I start to call her, but it all goes straight to voicemail. I call Ricky, and he answers quickly, which is unusual for him.

“Hey man, what’s up?” He asks, calm and collected, but something in his voice is strange.

“Why did you tell Rose I told you to take her home?” I'm cutting all the bullshit and getting right to the point.

“I have the text right here. I dropped her off at home like five minutes ago.” I hear his voice's unsteady tone, which starts to cause my anger to boil over.

“Then why the fuck isn’t she here, Ricky?!” I snapped at him.

“I don’t know. Maybe she went out for a run. Call her and ask. Now, I need to go because I need a damn drink.” He hangs up without me saying another word.

Something is off with that fucker, and I will find out what it is. I never even texted him that. Why would I tell him to take her home but not tell her? If he did something with her, I swear on everything, I will make him suffer slowly. I will find my Goddess and bring her home safe and sound.

Chapter 20

- Reese -

I am waiting for her at home, and I keep calling, but there is nothing. I called Matty again, and he said Ricky was sitting at a bar, hitting on some girls. I knew she wouldn’t run off as she promised me she wouldn't anymore, so I decided to check her favorite spots.

I get to the park first, but there is no sign of her, so I make my way to the bridge. I get there, and I see someone sitting where she always sits. I walk closer quickly but pause when I see it’s fucking Ronnie.

“Go ahead and have a seat there, Reese. We need to chat.” He points to the empty spot next to him.

I only take a seat because I need to know where she is. I will rip him apart to find her safe and sound. I will become the monster of his worst dreams if it is necessary.

“Where is she, Ronnie?” My patience is already growing thin with him.

He laughs, throwing his head back as if I just said the funniest thing. “You think it’s that easy? I had to track her down to find her. It took me months, and when I did, I found her dancing on a damn pole in your club.”

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