“I don’t want to go,” she says, her voice wavering and her hand resting on her shaky knee.
“I have my orders,” I say with a frown, handing her the helmet. “Put it on,” I instruct, sliding mine on in front of her. Turning the key in the ignition, I start the engine, kick back the stand then gently rev the engine.
Her arms encompass me tightly; her hands gripping the front of my leather jacket. Her head props against my broad back and can’t help but like having her hold me this way. I force down a shudder as I pull the bike out of the driveway. I ride much slower than I would normally. Partly because Tara is on the back, but also because I’m dreading this whole situation.
I pull up onto the gravel driveway, parking right in front of the door. I remove my helmet, nodding to the security on the door.
“Brax,” he calls out to me, nodding a little. “They’re waiting for you inside.”
“Thanks, man,” I say, taking his hand and giving him a man hug, before making my way through the door and inside. I walk down the corridor; Tara’s tiny footsteps can be heard behind me. I stop suddenly, Tara running into the back of me.
“Oh shit, sorry,” she mumbles, tucking some loose strands of hair behind her ear.
“Shhh…” I say pressing my finger against her lip. “I have an idea.”
“What kind of idea?” She enquires, her eyes narrowed on me.
“Take my hand,” I say, holding it out for her to take. “Whatever happens, you tell them you’re with me.” She opens her mouth as though she is about to say something, but I don’t give her the chance. “No arguments.”
A shy smile creeps across her face, lighting her eyes, leaving me a little breathless. I squeeze her hand a little, pushing back my shoulders as I prepare to walk out into the lion’s den. Questions will be asked and I’m not sure how Carter will react. But I will do what it takes to protect this girl. I can’t agree with his decision, business or not.
I walk through the open sliding doors, jovial laughter and chatter fills the air. My eyes quickly scan the group and I notice that Carter isn’t here with these guys alone. Tommy, Anthony, Bobby, Nico and Felix are also here. I inhale a deep breath, my nostrils flaring as I realize that this must be some serious shit if he brought in the guys for support.
“Brax,” Carter calls to me, summoning me with a wave of his hand. I walk through the crowd of guys to where Carter is standing behind the outside bar he has. As I walk forward, Tara tries to loosen the hold on my hand, but I hold it there tight. I turn my head sharply in her direction and glare at her. She bites the corner of her lip in reaction to my unspoken warning.
“Carter,” I smile, lifting my head a little, my eyes dart to Jeffries standing beside him. “Jeffries,” I acknowledge his presence, offering my hand to him. He holds it out, his knuckles covered in the ugliest tattoos I’ve ever seen, gold rings adorning his foul hands.
“Brax,” he says slimily. “I see you brought me the gorgeous Tara,” he steps out from behind the bar, making his way closer to her. He takes her free hand, lifting it and pressing his lips against the back of her hand. His eyes drift to our intertwined fingers and I see him lift his brows.
“The fuck…” he says, dropping her hand and glaring at Carter. “I thought you said she wasn’t involved with anyone?” Jeffries mumbles.
Carter shakes his head; his eyes darken and land heavily on me.
“A word. Alone.” He storms away from the group and I have no choice but to follow. “What the fuck are you doing?” he whisper-shouts.
“I’m doing what you should be doing… protecting her!”
“You think I’d let someone hurt her? Are you fucking kidding me?” he says, pushing his hand through his dark hair. “I’m trying to keep the peace by giving them a little of what they want, but I would never sacrifice her safety. She’s family.”
“She’s here with me, anyway,” I say, pushing my hands into my jean pockets.
“With you?” He asks with narrowed eyes. “What, like really?”
“Let’s not confuse things here. I like her, she’s a nice girl. Nothing more, nothing less,” I answer honestly, not wanting to give too much away.
A slow smile creeps across his face as he rests his arm across my shoulder, pulling me closer, whispering into my ear. “Let’s just play the game for now, keep those motherfuckers happy. Once the deal is done tomorrow and we give them what they want, we can put some distance between them.”
“One wrong move and I’ll rip that cocksucker a new asshole. Got it?”
“Oh,” he squeezes my shoulder playfully. “It must be love.” He lets out a bellowing laugh.
“Screw you, Carter,” I snarl, shaking my head as I make my way back to Tara. I search her face to find some sign that she’s okay. Lifting her glass a little, she shoots me a sweet smile. I pick up my speed, snatching the glass from her hand. Leaning as close to her ear as possible, I lower my voice, “It might be spiked. If it doesn’t come from me, you don’t drink it. Got it?” I feel her head move against mine. “We need to be careful. Really careful,” I say exhaling a pent-up breath.
* * *
My eyes never leave the bastard for a second. Tara plays a good game, laughing at his jokes and being flirty in all the right places.
“So, you ready for tomorrow’s deal?” Bobby asks, slapping me heavily on the back.
“It’s been coming for a long time,” I say with a nod of determination.
“We’ll be with you the whole time, man.”
“I appreciate it,” I say, interrupted by the sound of my cell phone ringing. I look up at Carter who is still deep in conversation. Pulling out the phone, I answer, caller unknown.
“Hello,” I answer warily.
“Brax, it’s Jessica.”
“I thought I told you never to fucking bother me again,” I say, pulling the phone from my ear, ready to disconnect the call.
“Wait!” she shouts down the receiver.
“What?” I growl, “What do you want that is so goddamn important?”
“I have something you want.”
“I doubt that very much,” I say, stepping away from the guys and back into the house.
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” she replies with a smug tone to her voice.
“Quit your shit, Jessica. If you got something to say, just fucking say it already.”
“I know where she is… I know who has Isabelle.”
I slowly pull the phone away from my ear, staring at it blankly. Is this some kind of sick joke?
“You’re sick, Jess. You need to get some fucking help.” I end the call and push the phone back in my pocket.
“Are you okay?” Tara asks, her hand lands gently on my arm.
“Let’s get out of here,” I shoot her a sad smile.
“You’re going?” Carter asks, catching me by surprise.
“Yeah, man. I need to get my head in the game for tomorrow’s meeting. The boys will come get me at 10am, right?”
“Yeah. He’s expecting you at 11am sharp.”
I nod, holding out my hand to him, pulling him in for a quick man hug.
“Don’t let me down, man. This whole thing should run like clockwork.”
“Should,” I repeat with a lift of my brow.