Page 44 of Dutch

I stood and paced the floor and caught my reflection in the window. I barely recognized the woman staring back at me. I was cornered and scared. I knew what I needed to do. The solution was clear as mud. My heart dropped at the thought of walking away from Dutch again. We'd been through so much, yet there was so much still left unsaid between us. Still, his safety and the club's safety had to come first.

I gathered my things, picked up the ledger, and stuffed it in my bag. It was the key to everything and my best shot at taking down Jahlil. As I zipped my bag, I heard Dutch's deep and authoritative voice, as he argued with someone.

I was sad as I grabbed my phone and requested a ride-share. I then dialed Tiya's number.

"Makari, what's up, girl?" her voice was laced with concern.

"Hey, T., I'm coming home."

"Home? Are you okay? Where's Dutch?"

I swallowed hard. "It's just time, you know, but I'm fine."

There was a pause on the other end. "There's something you're not telling me, Makari." Tiya knew me all too well.

"I'll explain everything when I get there. Can I stay in your spare room until I get my place cleaned up?"

"Of course, baby girl, I always have a place for you, but?—"

"Yeah," I asked, cutting her off.

"I don't know what's going on but be careful."

I laughed. "It's way too late for that."

I ended the call, and the weight of what I was about to do had me gripping the edge of the desk to keep from falling.

"Leaving without saying goodbye?" Dutch's voice startled me, and I whipped around to face him.

"Dutch I?—"

He held up a hand. "Save it. You're running again.”

I squared my shoulders. "I'm protecting you, all of you. I'm not running."

Dutch scoffed. "Who's going to protect you?"

"I can't stay," I softly stated. I looked into his gorgeous eyes, and memories flooded me… late nights, stolen kisses, even arguments.

Dutch didn't move. "You know where to find me."

I nodded, unable to speak over the lump in my throat. As I brushed by him, he caught my hand, squeezing before letting go.

At his office door, I paused and looked back at the life I was leaving behind. "Stay safe, Dutch," I whispered. He smiled.

I walked into the club and headed to the front door when my phone buzzed in my hand. I looked down at Tiya's text.

Tiya:

I'll put on a kettle.

A laugh escaped me, knowing Tiya knew exactly what I needed. I pushed through the front door and the parking lot was half empty. I wanted so badly to grab his keys, peel out of there on his bike, and never look back.

When my ride-share vehicle pulled up, I hopped inside. I knew the club would be safer without me, and I reminded myself, "This is how I protect them."

Later that nightI drug my ass through the club door. "Home sweet home."

"Yo, Prez, let's get hammered," Choppa urged, holding a glass up in a mock salute.

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