Whatever Sypher was charging, it wasn’t nearly enough.
“ENOUGH!” I roared, then watched as both men stopped and turned toward the screen. “If you two are fucking done, it’s my turn to speak.”
Montana narrowed his eyes.
Reaper grinned.
Neither made me feel confident in what I was about to say.
“Will you listen to that asshole? Fucker thinks he’s in charge.”
“Yeah, he does.” Reaper glared at me through the screen, sending a wave of fear that soaked into my bones. Jesus Christ, that man could make anyone piss their pants with one look. “And when I find him, I’m gonna show him who’s really in charge.”
And just like that, they were on the same page again.
Groaning, I sat up and said, “Look, you don’t have time to play around. You two need to stop bitching and start working together because rumors have already started to spread about your blood link.”
“Who fucking cares?” Montana scoffed, leaning back in his chair. “It’s our business and no one else’s.”
“I don’t think you quite grasp the situation, Montana.” I sighed, adding, “You sit at the table. You are the head of the largest motorcycle club in the world. Reaper, you are the President of the Golden Skulls. You have… for lack of a better phrase, a bloody reputation for getting shit done. Alone, you are imposing, but together you two are a monumental threat.”
Montana grinned. “We are badasses, aren’t we?”
“Sure are, fucknuts.” Reaper smiled as both men fist-bumped each other.
“And when the entire biker world learns about your blood link, you will also be the most hated men on the planet.”
Frowning, Montana looked at Reaper and asked, “Do you know what the fuck he’s talking about?”
“Think our shadowy friend has spent too much time in the dark.”
“My God, how can you both be so fucking stupid?” I snarked. “Sypher fucking figured it out months ago and set up safeguards, but you two can’t see past the end of your goddamn noses. This shit with Sypher isn’t just about finishing what you two numbnuts couldn’t, it’s also about protecting the innocent.”
“Make sense before I lose my shit,” Reaper groaned, looking at Montana who shrugged but said nothing.
“EMMA!” I yelled. “He’s protecting Emma! Why do you think there was an attack on Disturbed? It wasn’t to gain territory. They were trying to kill Emma!”
Pippen
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Sitting on the couch watching while Danika played with Kansas, I couldn’t stop thinking about Danny. My daughter’s giggles filled the air, a symphony of innocence and contentment. Yet, amidst the scene of familial bliss, my heart weighed heavily with worry.
Danny was an integral part of my life from the moment I met him. He was not just my friend. He was my lover, my better half, the love of my life and his absence felt like an inexplicable void. It had been days since I last heard from him and the silence had become deafening.
I tried calling him multiple times, sent numerous texts, but received no response. Initially, I thought he might be busy or caught up in something important, but as time passed, my concern grew into an overwhelming sense of dread. Danny was not the type to ignore messages, especially when he knew how much I worried.
Everyone around me kept assuring me he was fine. “He’s probably just busy,” they said. “Don’t worry, he’ll reach out when he has time.” Their words were meant to be comforting, but they only served to heighten my anxiety.
It was as if they knew something I didn’t and they were purposely keeping it from me.
My mind raced with possibilities. Was he in some kind of accident? Was he in some kind of trouble? Or was he simply overwhelmed and needed space? It was the not knowing that was the hardest part. I wanted to believe that he was okay, that he would walk through the door any minute now, with that familiar smile and a story to tell. But the nagging feeling in my gut told me otherwise.
I tried to distract myself by focusing on my daughter. She was oblivious to my inner turmoil, her world filled with simple pleasures and carefree moments. I envied her in a way. Her life was untouched by the complexities and uncertainties that plague adulthood.
As I watched Kansas tickle Danika, I was reminded of Danny’s playful spirit. He had always been the one to lighten the mood, to bring a sense of adventure and fun into my life. His laughter was contagious, and his absence was a stark reminder of how much he meant to me.
I decided to take a walk, hoping the fresh air would clear my mind.
