Page 56 of Dutch

She craned her neck to see. "Who is that?" Her eyes widened when she saw the scene of Darian chained up, and my crew was ready for war. She looked shocked, maybe even disappointed. Makari yanked her arm free. "Dutch, I'm not a child. Don't you dare try to protect me."

My jaw clenched.Stubborn as always."I know, but this is dark shit. MC business you don't need to see."

"Don't do this. Dutch… don't become him."

For a second, I was tempted to listen, but I remember Vassar's tears, the look in his eyes before he died, not to mention all the other shit he'd put me through. I'd lost a career behind him.

I shook my head. "Sometimes, darkness is the only way to bring light. Now, I can't protect you if you stay, so please go."

Makari ducked under my arm quick as lightning, and before I could grab her, she headed to Darian.

"Makari, stop!" I shouted.

She planted herself in front of Darian. His body was tight like a coiled spring. "Where's my brother? What did you do to Malakai?" she demanded.

I was right behind her, ready to pull her back if shit went sideways.

Darian looked at her, his lip curled into a sneer. "Ah, little miss runaway. You think you can finish what your brother couldn't?" he taunted.

Makari's body stiffened, but she didn't back down. "Answer the question, you piece of shit! What happened to Malakai?" she seethed.

Darian laughed an ugly, harsh laugh. "Ask your bodyguard here. He knows how the game was played."

I stepped forward. "Enough! Tell her the truth, or do you need motivation?" I nodded to Trigger this time who revved his engine, tightening the chain on his leg this time. Darian growled in pain, but his eyes were still full of mockery.

"Truth is, sweetheart, your brother couldn't handle the heat. He was weak. How ironic is it that you're running with the same crowd that got him killed?"

I was about to shut this nigga up when Makari spoke. "You don't know shit about Malakai. Now, tell me before I let Dutch finish what he started."

I nodded again, and another arm was stretched, leaving Darian groaning loudly.

"Fine, you want the truth? Malakai got in over his head, thought he was a big shot, and tried to play both sides. He recorded some sensitive business, thinking it would be his ticket out." Darian stopped talking to spit out blood.

"The video. Is my brother alive?" she probed.

Darian wasn't finished. "Your boy didn't finish me when he had the opportunity. Cold feet, I guess." He attempted to shrug, chains rattling.

"Was the video a fake? I need to know if my brother is alive," she repeated.

"Yes," he answered coldly.

Makari damn near collapsed at his words. I had to hold her up.

"Yes, the video was fake, and cold feet will get you put six feet under."

Rage had built in my chest, but in a flash, Makari windmilled his ass.

"Motherfucker, he was worth one hundred of you!"

I pulled her back, more for her safety than his. Darian lunged his body. "You lil' bitch! I'll?—"

"You pathetic chained-up dog! You may have taken my brother, but you won't take anything else! I promise you that!"

Saint nodded. My crew was getting antsy.

I wrapped an arm around Makari's waist, pulling her back. "All right, that's enough. It's over."

"Dutch, I'm not finished?—"

---