Page 17 of Dutch

"Most likely someone from Jahlil's crew. I guess they're no longer playing nice."

Makari rolled her eyes, but I caught a slight smile. I knew I was in over my head, but right now, all I wanted to do was keep her safe.

We hopped back on my bike, and I hated to start the engine, not wanting anyone to hear that we were still moving. However, as we pulled back onto the main road, I saw an accident in the distance. A man was standing outside of his rig looking at a wrecked bike.

I peeled off, riding until we reached our destination. A cabin on the outskirts of town, perfect for hiding out. I cut the engineas we pulled up to the safe house surrounded by thick woods that could hide an army. I reached under the seat and grabbed Makari's packed bag.

Makari's eyes darted around, and I could tell she was exhausted. As we approached the cabin, my hand hovered near my waist, ready to draw. The porch creaked as we walked.

"Fuck, as loud as the porch was, I might as well have rang a damn dinner bell," I sarcastically ranted.

I typed in the security code with one hand while pulling Makari closer to me with the other. The lock clicked, and we crossed the threshold. I then swept the interior to ensure the house was clear, which it was.

"We're good," I declared, finally breathing.

Makari collapsed onto the couch and winced. I noticed blood seeping through her shirt.

"Shit, let me take a look at that," I fussed, mad I hadn't noticed earlier.

Makari pulled up her sleeve as I grabbed the first aid kit and kneeled next to her. She tensed as I cleaned the wound.

"This might sting," I warned, keeping my touch light. It was weird to use these weapons that had busted so many heads to patch someone up.

She hissed but didn't pull away as I applied the antiseptic. "Believe it or not, tattoos hurt worse in some places."

"Ah, yeah, you have a high pain tolerance. I forgot."

I felt her glare at me as I worked, and I was all kind of uncomfortable, but I ignored it and completed the task at hand.

"Almost as good as new," I stated, taping down the gauze.

Our eyes met again, and I cleared my throat and quickly stood up. "You need to get some rest. Are you hungry?" I asked, going into the kitchen. "Ah, I can make you that burger I promised."

Makari laughed. "A burger sounds wonderful, actually."

I washed my hands and got to work putting the frozen patties in the hot pan. Listening to the sizzle before flipping the burgers. I snuck a glance at Makari as she entered the kitchen and climbed onto a barstool at the counter.

"It smells good. I'm starving. I would have never known when I woke up this morning I would be here with you tonight."

I plated the burgers. "Yeah, me either, but life is funny like that. Unfortunately, there isn't any lettuce or tomato, but I had buns in the freezer that I unthawed, and I have ketchup and mustard."

"Perfect," she said. "Are you good? You look deep in contemplation."

I forced a smile, wondering how I'd kick Jahlil's ass after this was over.

She scoffed but smiled. "You just have to be a tough guy, right?"

"Most definitely, sweetheart." I winked. Still, inside, I was a ball of conflicting emotions.

After we finished eating, exhaustion hit us like that rig hit whoever was on that bike. Makari even looked fatigued as the sun began to lighten the room.

"Let's get some rest."

"I'm scared. Are you sure it's safe?" she asked, stifling a yawn.

"I'm sure of it, but I'll check the house again." I did another sweep of the house, checking the alarms and locks.

"Come on, you need some rest also," she said.

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