Page 69 of Ghost

I didn’t answer.

I simply stepped back into the shadows and waited for him to take the bait. His footsteps thudded through the house, and a second later, the front door swung open. He stepped out ontothe porch wearing a pair of plaid sleep pants and a wifebeater with no shoes or socks, and he had his gun at his side. “Hello? Who’s out here?”

When I didn’t answer, he came further down the steps and eventually onto the grass. Once again, he looked around and snarked, “Look here, you piece of shit. I’m not fucking around. Come out, or I’m coming for you, and when I do...”

Before he could finish his thought, I stepped out of the darkness and charged towards him. “What the fuck?”

I didn’t speak.

I just ducked down and plowed into him, slamming him into the side of the house. It took some effort. He was lanky but all fucking muscle. He lifted his elbow and slammed it into my shoulder, forcing me to release my grip around his waist. I barely had a chance to think before he was on me, driving his fist into my ribs, back, and head.

He was good. He’d been in situations like this before, but there was no way in hell I was gonna let the guy get the best of me. I needed to get the upper hand, so I reared back my fist and slammed it into his balls. His knees buckled and he hunched downward with a groan.

I used the opportunity to ram the back of my head into his nose, breaking it instantly. He was momentarily dazed, so I reared my fist back and then punched him in the face again, nearly knocking him out. His head flew back as blood spewed from his mouth.

Before he had a chance to recover, I slammed my fist into his gut. He toppled forward as he wrapped his arms around his stomach, but it did little to protect him from my continuous blows to his abdomen and face.

He swung at me, wild and desperate, but I ducked and punched him even harder. His back hit the wall with a thud, and it dazed him.

I could see the fear start to flicker in his eyes.

Good.

I wanted him afraid.

He tried to push back, throwing a punch that grazed my jaw, but it wasn’t enough. I slammed my fist into his gut, knocking the wind out of him. I hit the asshole again and again, and in a matter of seconds, he was a puddled mess on the ground.

I didn’t want to kill the guy, so I stepped back and stared down at him as he drew up into the fetal position. He was bloody and bruised, and his almighty ego had taken a hit. I leaned down and grabbed a fist full of his hair, forcing him to look at me as I snarled, “You gotta be a real piece of shit to put your hands on a woman.”

He didn’t answer.

He just groaned in agony, but he got the message.

I’d done what I’d come to do, so I turned and disappeared back into the shadows. I did my best to remain in the dark as I made my way down the block and back to my truck. I looked around, making sure no one was watching as I got in the SUV and started the engine. I eased out of the parking spot and sped out of the neighborhood.

An hour later, I was pulling back into the Manor.

I parked, and I hadn’t gotten out of the truck before Memphis came storming towards me. “Where the hell have you been?”

“I went into town.”

“For what?” When I stood, his eyes dropped to the blood on my shirt, and he immediately groaned, “Ah, hell. What did you do?”

“Just leave it, Memphis.”

“I can’t leave it. Look at you.” Memphis followed me into my room and gave me one of his looks. “What the hell happened?”

I gave him a look, and he let out a frustrated sigh. “Please tell me you didn’t do what I think you did.”

“I took care of something that needed to be taken care of.” I pulled my bloody shirt over my head and tossed it into my bag. “That’s all you need to know.”

“Ah, damn. You went to that fucking cop! I should’ve known.” His face grew red as he fussed, “You do realize that you put the club in jeopardy with this bullshit. It’s only a matter of time before...”

“I didn’t,” I cut him off. “I was careful.”

“He’s a fucking cop, Ghost.”

“I parked down the street... I took off my cut. There’s no way he’ll be able to piece it together. I’m telling you. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

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