Page 76 of Ruin

“Dad—”

His hand had shot up, silencing me. “But,” he added, “I know you can take care of yourself. You seriously goin’ back to Melbourne tomorrow?”

“I need to. Told you how I left after that shit happened. I shouldn’t have, even when he wanted me to. Taro’s gotta understand I ain’t backin’ away from this. His life.”

Dad had grunted again. “I get it, son. It’ll be crap to see you go, but know we love you.”

My throat had thickened. I’d nodded as I swallowed down the lump of emotions. Even thinking of it now as I lay in bed had me thanking anyone who’d listen from above for my family. It hadn’t been smooth sailing, but the shit we’d been through made us come out stronger in the end.

Since I was keen to get on the road and back to Taro, I climbed out of bed and headed for the joined bathroom for a quick shower. I dressed in my usual jeans, long-sleeve Henley, and vest before I slipped into socks and boots. Just when I opened my door to hunt down coffee and food, my phone chimed.

Pulling it free from my back pocket, I saw the name displayed and screwed up my face. Why would Ryo be texting me? My gut dropped, and I quickly opened the message.

Ryo:I didn’t get to speak to you alone before you left, but I am sure Mimi has informed you that Taro didn’t mean to push you away.

A smile tugged my lips up. It was good to see Taro had friends like Ryo who worried about him.

Me:Figured. Shouldn’t have left no matter what he said. I’m coming back today without Mimi so he doesn’t worry about her. I’ve got his back.I started down the hall towards the kitchen.

Ryo:Good. He’s been in a sour mood. Doesn’t help we found out his uncle is staging a coup at the meeting today.

Anger churned.

Me:WTF, why? I thought he was the more decent one.

Ryo:He’s never been decent. The main reason is the power it would bring him. He thinks it’s time to do something about it since Taro doesn’t seem himself after you left.

Fuck texting, I pressed his number and lifted my phone to my ear.

“Ruin,” Ryo answered.

“What’s Taro gonna do about it?”

“Nothing.”

I stopped. “What do you mean nothin’?”

“Right now, he’s second-guessing things because he’s worried about you.”

“What do you mean?”

“We understand where the Hawks MC stands with illegal activity. He doesn’t want to cause any problems for you and your family. He’s thinking of allowing his uncle to take charge.”

“Fuck that,” I clipped, stopping in the doorway to the kitchen and glaring at the floor. “He can’t do that, Ryo. I spoke to Talon. He’s supportive of us, and if shit happens, we’ll deal with it when the time comes.”

Ryo sighed. “I can only tell him this, but I’m not sure he will believe me. He is looking to step out of those types of dealings down the track, but for now, it will be in his life. I have never seen him torn before.”

“Don’t let him do anythin’. If the meetin’ starts, stall it until I get there. I’ll make sure he understands things.”

“I’ll do what I can,” he answered. “Thank you, Ruin. You’re good for him.”

“And he’s good for me. See you soon,” I stated, and ended the call. I lifted my gaze and found the kitchen occupied with Talon, Killer, and Blue.

“What’s goin’ on?” Talon asked.

“Gotta get to Melbourne. Wolf’s uncle is staging a coup at the meeting today to take over running the family. Wolf’s not gonna do shit because he’s worried about me and how Hawks will deal with their businesses.” I grabbed a muffin, took a bite, and turned to head outside.

“Hold up,” Talon called. I faced him and waited, quickly eating the rest of the muffin to have something in my gut before I left. Talon shared a look with Blue and Killer before taking his phone out to do something with it.

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