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Panic rose in my chest, but I pushed it down. I couldn't give him the satisfaction.

"Some friend. What is this about the ledger?" I snarled.

His eyes narrowed. "Smart girl, but you've also been a thorn in my side for a long time."

My mind raced, trying to figure out how I was going to get myself out of this mess.

"I'll show you a damn thorn!" I spat, channeling rage.

I brought my knee up hard, aiming for his dick. Darian grunted but never loosened his grip.

"Cute but pointless," he growled, recovering fast.

Darian laughed. "I heard you were a fighter, just like your brother."

The mention of Malakai made my blood boil. "Where's my brother?"

I cracked my eyes open,feeling like I'd been hit by a Mack truck. Damn, we partied hard at that cabaret last night.A grin tugged at my lips when I thought of Makari. I reached for my phone, squinting at the bright screen as a text from Makari lit up. That woman… still got to me, even after all this time.

My stomach dropped when I read the message.

Makari:

Good morning, love. Jahlil is hurt. I'm headed to 1452 Oak Lane. I'm also going to give him the ledger so you and I can move on. If you don't hear from me in an hour, you have my location. Love you.

"Fuck," I muttered, bolting upright.What the hell was she thinking? Makari knows Jahlil is bad news, but she'd always been stubborn as hell.

I jumped out of bed, throwing on the first clothes I could grab. I put on my T-shirt backward, then yanked it off and turned it around. I stumbled into a pair of jeans. The urgency made me clumsy as I fumbled with the button.

I had to get to her,and I prayed things hadn't gone sideways. I grabbed my cut off the chair. The Sons of Shadows patchreminded me of everything I had to protect. It also reminded me of what I would lose if things went bad.

What was Jahlil's angle?Was it a setup?My mind raced a mile a minute with questions. I blew out air. I had to slow down and think things through. I couldn't go in there half-cocked.

I snagged my keys and made my way to the door. Outside, the high sun slapped me in the face. I had no time to appreciate the day. I threw my leg over and started the engine. The rumble of my Harley vibrated through my bones as I tore out of my driveway.

"Come on, move!" I yelled at a minivan creeping along the fast lane. I fought the urge to flip them off. No time for road rage today.

I sped through town, hitting the outskirts and weaving through traffic. It was a perfect place for an uninterrupted meeting. My gut tightened. What the hell was Makari thinking, coming out here alone? That woman was going to be the death of me.

I pulled up to what looked like an abandoned house. I hopped off my bike, and my heart stopped when I approached the open door to see Darian with his hands on Makari. They were going at it hard, and Makari was fighting back.

I didn't say shit. I just crept up behind him and stole on the back of his head. Not expecting a hit, Darian was stunned. My eyes locked on Makari so she'd know help had arrived.

"You got three seconds to get the fuck off her," I snarled. I snatched Makari away from him.

I caught sight of Jahlil slumped against the wall. Bro looked like he was dead.

I wanted to check over Makari to make sure she was okay, but I couldn't take my eyes off Darian, who was only stunned momentarily.

Darian smiled. "Careful, you should watch your temper. We wouldn't want certain information getting out, would we now?"

My blood ran cold.

"That's right. We wouldn't want Makari to know about your involvement with Malakai's unfortunate demise, would we?"

Makari stiffened beside me.Shit, this was bad. I could see questions forming on Makari's lips, but now wasn't the time.

"Your beef is against me. Let Makari leave," I ordered.

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