Page 53 of Dutch

When I gathered enough courage to open my eyes, the look on his face damn near broke me.

"This situation is fucked up but losing you it's not an option I'm willing to accept."

I headed back upstairs. I had a lot to process, and I needed to do it alone.

I pacedmy living room like a caged animal, wearing a shine into the wood floor, when my phone buzzing caught my attention. I snatched it up to see a text from Saint.

Saint:

On my way.

Just what I needed, more shit and judgment. I finished my beer and crumpled the can, heading to the kitchen to throw it away.

The knock at the door came sooner than I had expected. I opened it to find Saint. We exchanged a nod as I allowed him to pass. He moved by me, and I gestured to an armchair.

"Want a beer?" I offered.

"Nah, this isn't exactly a social call," he informed me.

I let out a humorless chuckle. "I figured as much. What shit's hitting the fan now?"

Saint's eyes narrowed. "What the hell's going on, man? Rumors are flying that Darian is making moves. He's not just coming for you. He's gunning for Makari on some 'because he can' bullshit."

I ran a hand over my head, noticing stubble. It was time for a shave. "It's complicated. You know, Darian has been trying to hit me beneath the belt ever since I left the force."

"The nigga can hold a grudge, can't he?" Saint asked.

"Well, shit, he finally got the ledger he'd been after, so I figured he'd leave me the fuck alone after that."

"I know you aren't letting him walk away with that shit?"

I smirked at his tone. "Hell, I hadn't had time to think it through, but now that you mentioned it."

"I don't know what you're thinking, but you can't do it alone. I know we don't always see eye to eye, but I've always had your back."

I was tempted, but I didn't want to be responsible for anyone else's involvement in this old vendetta against me.

Silence hung in the air for a minute.

"I think you should trap that motherfucker," Saint suggested.

My eyebrows shot up, waiting for more.

"I have a contact who'll feed him some bullshit intel, and when he shows up ready to gloat, we'll be ready."

Saint and I got busy planning out the details. My fists clenched. The thought of getting to that bastard set my blood on fire, but I couldn't let emotion cloud my judgment.

"If I pull this off, it will keep Makari and the club safe. However, one wrong move, and I'm fucked."

"You need to nip this shit in the bud once and for all," Saint said.

I nodded, contemplating our plans.

Saint leaned forward. "How are you holding up, man?"

Caught off guard, I blinked. "Da fuck you mean? I'm fine."

"Nah, ever since Makari's been back in your life, you've been different, and I don't mean that in a bad way."

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