Page 126 of Broken

A few weeks ago, I would have disagreed and said Garrett is the only man I’ve met who knows exactly what he wants, and he doesn’t give a shit who he upsets to make sure that remains true.

“See, I got a good feelin’. You’ll be hearing from him soon enough.”

If only I knew how soon.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Garrett

My second apartment is dark, all the curtains are closed and most of the lights are off. No one knows I’m up here and I want to keep it that way. As much as I want to go down to the shop and speak to Calli, I can’t. Not yet.

Watching her on the camera in the back room with Sumner pissed me off. Especially when he put his hand on her arm. There was nothing untoward about it. If anything, I should thank Sumner for setting her at ease.

Not that she looked that way when she and Sin left. Everyone is rattled. With me gone, no one is around to rein Lucky and Phoenix in. Fuck knows what happened there, but I can’t worry about them either.

When I left Nero’s house, I’d got on my bike and rode. I ended up sitting outside the building where my mother lives.

Talking to her about what Nero told me won’t help her, me, and especially not Gwen. After an hour, I’d ridden away with no more thought of her. Hell, she might not even still be in that place.

I needed out of the city after Nero’s last words. If I was in Baltimore, nothing could have stopped me from finding that bastard.

Nero told me if I killed him, he would have no choice but to put me down. And he meant it. I’ve never wanted to kill someone. I’ve beaten people up, done things for the Blackhawk Disciples I’m not proud of. Can I kill someone?

Ray fucking Dutton.Weeks ago, all that time following and gathering information on him. I had no clue it was him. The man who killed Gwen.

My skin is itching. I push away from the table and the camera screens and pace back and forth. Being around Calli right now wouldn’t do me, or her, any good. I’m too volatile, too wound up, barely holding back the rage. Showing her this side of me, letting her see the darkness won't happen.

If anything, it proves I need to back off. Whatever emotions are twisting up inside me over her must be pushed aside. For her as much as me. She deserves better.

Nero told me to give him five days. That ends tomorrow. I’m not sure how I’ve made it this far without snapping.

Everyone thinks I’m doing a job for Nero. No different from all the other times I’ve disappeared for a few days. I’m going stir crazy. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve watchedCalli coming and going from her apartment. God, I wish I put a fucking camera inside.

Nero said neither Dutton nor Caleb posed any threat to her, but I’ve seen how that scum looks at her. And after Dutton stared at me like he knew me, how can I not be concerned?

Nero is convinced Dutton doesn’t know I’m related to Gwen. To drill that home, he pointed at the tattoo on my forearm. The Blackhawk Disciples patch. He’s right. If Dutton saw that, he’d know I’m with the MC. It did nothing to settle my nerves.

The shop is closed up and dark when I venture out. I’m going to Locust Point to confront Nero. I can’t wait anymore.

It’s dark in the alley, but I know my way around this place with my eyes closed. When something moves behind me as I exit the building, my guard goes up and I spin around, ready to punch whoever the fuck is laying in wait.

“Whoa, bro,” Phoenix puts his hands up. “It’s me.”

“What the fuck are you doing out here?” And why hadn’t I seen him on the cameras?

“What are you doing in there?” he asks. “Aren’t you supposed to be out doing shit for Nero?”

“I’m on my way there now.”

“You’ve been hiding up there?” he moves away and leans against the wall again. “Watching.”

“Working,” I grunt out. “I have to go.”

I’m halfway to my bike when Phoenix follows me. I have no patience for this. Especially if he is going to bring up Lucky.

“I’m coming.”

“Why do you want to go there, Phoenix? It only ends up fucking with your head.”

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