Page 4 of Dutch

"Seriously, you need to call the police. This isn't something you should be handling on your own."

I understood where she was coming from, but I was stubborn and not trusting of the police. Hell, the last time we relied on the police, my brother ended up dead.

"Why does everything have to be so complicated?" I groaned. "I appreciate your concern, but calling the police isn't an option for me."

"You need to do something."

I nodded. Tiya was right, but what were my options? Because after the way things went down with Malakai, betrayal weighed heavy on my heart.

My thoughts drifted to Dutch, a man I'd tried to keep at arm's length. Sure, we had our issues, but I was backed against a wall.

"I don't want to do this, but there is someone who might be able to help me," I said, grabbing my phone out of my pocket.

"Who?" Tiya questioned.

"Dutch," I admitted as I dialed his number.

"Are you sure?"

"Unfortunately, I don't see another option at this time."

"I have no one else to turn to," I mumbled. The thought of contacting him frayed any nerves I had left, but what choice did I have? If anyone understood this mess, it would be Dutch.

I stared at the phone, knowing I was about to open Pandora's box. Apprehension and relief battled me for control, each one knocking me off balance.

"Give me a minute to build up to it. Come on, let's get your flour."

We walked through my apartment, surveying the damage as we stepped over things. I was heartbroken. In the kitchen, Igrabbed a brand-new bag of flour from the pantry and handed it to her.

"Thanks, but it's time for you to make that call," she reminded me.

After pulling up his contact information and waiting for the phone to ring, I steadied myself. I tried to convince myself that I had survived the MC world, with or without Dutch.

"Talk," he answered, and it took all of me not to hang up.

"Dutch, I need your help," I explained. "It's serious, I wouldn't call if?—"

He cut me off, and after giving me instructions, he ended the call. I was left holding my phone in disbelief. I looked at Tiya and blew out air.

"Calm down, he'll be here soon," she advised.

"That's easy for you to say. I just had to call my ex for help."

She gave me a compassionate look. "Ex or not, you know Dutch will keep you safe.

"Yeah, you're right," I agreed. Though Tiya had offered words of support, they only had me wondering what I'd gotten myself into.

We got busy cleaning a path and moving big things back into place just to make some type of semblance of the place.

Then we heard heavy footsteps. "What if they're coming back to finish you off?

"Come on." We ran into the bedroom and hid. I didn't have time to play games with these people.

"Shit, why didn't we lock the door?" Tiya whispered.

"Fuck if I know!" I hissed. "Grab something and get ready to fight."

"I didn't sign up for this. My stove is on, and I just want a hot bowl of dumplings and some fucking wine!"

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