Chapter 28

 

Pulling into the clubhouse, I jump out to find Michael waiting.

“Where is he?” Glancing around, he’s looking for Tomlin.

“In another car. Follow me.” Leading Michael around to the back of the clubhouse, I motion for him to sit. I watch him hesitate only slightly, before dropping into the chair.

“This better not take long. I have other business.” Grunting my response, I’m sure he does. We don’t wait long. A few minutes later I can hear the other guys yelling as they come into view. Michael stands up, adjusting his suit jacket. His eyes wander to Tomlin and Aria before coming back to meet mine.

“What’s with her?” Confused, he waits for me to answer.

“Change in plans.” His smile tells me he likes the change, just like I knew he would. I watch the guys bring the two of them toward us. Stopping right in front of us, Tomlin makes eye contact with Michael.

“What’s going on?” Michael grins as he takes a step toward the now bound, Tomlin.

“This is the end of the road for you. You have disgraced everything you have touched, including her.” Nodding toward Aria, her eyes never leave me. The pleading in them cuts me in half. I want to go to her, I want to hold her but I can’t, so I don’t even look at her.

“You can’t be serious! After all we’ve done together!” Michael laughs. He takes a step back before glancing at Dragon.

“Can we get this over with.” Dragon nods with a smile on his face. Glancing at me, I smile before walking around behind Tomlin and Aria. I slide the knife free of my back pocket, grinning like a mad man. Hell, maybe I am mad. I might be enjoying this way too much. Wrapping my arm around him, I bring the knife to his throat.

“I’ve been waitin’ for this for a long time. You fucked my life for ten Goddamn years.” I don’t let him respond. I slide the knife through his throat.  Blood spurts everywhere, including on Aria. My heart slowly slips into my stomach. I drop Tomlin’s body to the ground when the guys quickly move. Grabbing Michael quickly, takes him by surprise. Aria is clearly in shock. I grab her, lifting her in my arms before heading toward the room.

“Take care of her!” Devil hollers over his shoulder at me. I give a quick nod before picking up my pace.

***

Kicking the door closed behind me, I head into the bathroom before setting Aria on her feet. I grab a wet rag and quickly wash her face. Freeing her of every single demon that man placed inside of her.

“I’m so sorry it had to happen like that,”  I say scrubbing her face but she doesn’t move. I feel sick. I want to throw up; I’ve ruined her. Tears slowly fall down her cheeks. I reach up and wipe them away.

“I’m sorry. Fuck, Aria. I didn’t mean for any of this. He had to believe it, though. Michael, too. I should have warned you.” Aria shakes her head.

“Do you know why I’m crying? You don’t get it! There was one little sliver of doubt in my mind, Roc. For one second, I thought...” She stops herself. My heart stops. She thought I would kill her. I take a step back unsure what to say.

“I’m sorry, Roc. I shouldn’t have. Oh, my God. I messed up!” She cries. Shaking my head, I hear the door open and close. Peeking out of the bathroom, I see Dana.

“I don’t know what to say to that. I thought you understood me.”  I have to walk away. I leave Aria in the bathroom before walking up next to Dana.

“Take care of her.” Dana watches me walk out of the room. She doubted me. She couldn't truly think that I would have killed her, did she?

I make my way back outside in a complete daze to see the fire burning bright. I know who it is that’s burning, too.

“She ok?” Devil walks over seeing the look on my face.

“She will be. Devil, she doubted me, man. She actually thought I’d kill her tonight.” He doesn’t look surprised.

“She’s scared, Roc. We just fuckin’ kidnapped her. Don’t fault her for that shit.” He snaps at me. He’s pissed. That’s the look. He’s pissed, that I was pissed.

“After everything else? She knows how I feel!” Hands slide around my waist, and I know it’s her.

“I’m sorry I doubted you. You've never walked away from me like that. I was stupid, and scared.” Her cries hurt more than what she thought. I don’t want her to feel like this. Taking a deep breath, I turn around. Grabbing her face in my hands, I force her to look at me.

“Understand this–right now. I would never intentionally hurt you! I never want to see that look on your face. I love you, Aria. I fuckin’ love you.” Slamming my mouth over hers, I take her in. I take all of her.