Page 6 of Dutch

I clapped him on the back. "I got you, but we need to figure out how to handle these Red Scorpion fuckers."

As we huddled, I was worried that if I made the wrong move, everything I'd worked for would collapse around me. Still, for Makari, I was willing to take that risk.

I looked at my watch and headed out the door before anyone could change their mind. The weight of my Glock pressed on my lower back as I swung my leg over my Harley. I revved the engine and peeled out of the lot.

I rode through the city on high alert. Every shadow could be an ambush, but it wasn't my safety that had me wound tight. It was Makari's.

After a short drive uptown, I pulled up to her building and killed the engine. I entered the building and headed to her apartment. I rapped my knuckles on the partially open door. No answer.My stomach dropped when I entered the room, instinctively reaching for my piece.

Furniture was overturned along with broken glass. It definitely looked as if someone was trying to send a message other than a robbery. Robbers didn't go out of their way to break and move shit.

My mind raced, wondering if they'd taken her before I'd gotten here.I fucking swear if they lay a finger on her…

A muffled noise in the back snapped me back. I headed that way with my piece drawn, ready for whatever.

"Dutch?" Makari's shaky voice hit me like a throat punch as she appeared from behind an overturned cabinet.

"Jesus, Makari. You almost caught these bullets. Why didn't you lock the front door?"

She blew out air. "I don't know. With everything going on, I guess I forgot."

"Hey, Dutch," Tiya greeted, popping up from behind a dresser. "Thanks for coming. Girl, call me later. You know I got that food on the stove," she said, picking up the flour.

"Pack a bag," I ordered after Makari's friend left the room, leaving no room for discussion.

"I need help, Dutch. I didn't want to leave my home."

"Your safety has been compromised, and you're not safe here."

Makari crossed her arms with her stubborn ass. "Never mind then. I knew I shouldn't have called you."

"These niggas mean business. These aren't some punk kids, Makari."

Makari laughed, but it was weak. "What, and you're going to save me from the big bad scorpion?"

I bit back a rebuttal, knowing her sarcasm was always her shield to hide behind.

"Listen, I know you're independent as hell, but even the toughest people need backup. So, I need you to let me help. Please."

She was quiet for a moment, clearly conflicted. "Fine, I'm not a damsel in distress, and this is onlytemporary," she emphasized.

I nodded. "Grab what you need because we gotta get moving," I ordered.

As she packed, I couldn't help but wonder how this could've gone wrong. Makari had always been a wildcard. I wondered if I was doing the right thing until I looked around at the trashed apartment, knowing it was right to push those thoughts aside.

"You know I had plans tonight with a pint of ice cream, my couch, and zero drama."

I smirked. "Shit, next time, schedule your situations for a better time?"

Makari looked at me. "It's not funny. My home is destroyed, and now I'm packing up like a refugee south of the border." Her voice broke on the last word, and I got a glimpse of the fear she was trying to hide.

"Hey, I know it's fucked up, but I'm going to keep you safe."

She looked at me, and I saw the woman I used to know, the one who trusted me with her heart. Then her walls went right back up.

"We both know your promises don't mean much!" she muttered, snatching up her bag with extra force.

Though her words stung, I couldn't argue. Our history was a battlefield, and we were tiptoeing around the mines. Our memories and connection remained no matter how hard we tried to kill them.

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