Page 12 of Riding Through Life

I know he is hiding something from me and I will find out. I take Red’s advice while we drive back to the Clubhouse. Aftermath’s been very attentive the last few weeks, more than normal. I’ll catch him spacing out every once in a while like he’s thinking about something that he shouldn’t be thinking about. He doesn’t want to socialize when there’s a party. No scratch that. He’ll socialize with Club members and their Ol’ Ladies, but he won’t socialize when a certain blonde comes strutting in.

My heart sinks with realization as Red pulls into the Clubhouse driveway. I don’t say a word to anyone as I drag my feet into our room. My stomach is flipping violently and I feel like I’m going to be sick. If Aftermath is cheating on me with that skank, they’re both going to regret it. I’m not a doormat, nor will I ever be a doormat.

The smell of him lingers in our room and it makes my eyes tear up. I can’t stay here. If I do, I’ll break and allow Aftermath to walk all over me with his lies. I’ve had enough people lying to me in my life, I don’t need him to do it too.

Quickly, I pack all the stuff I can into a couple of suitcases and stop at the foot of the bed. It’s still messy from earlier today when we made love before he left. I can’t stop the tears as they slide down my face anymore. Taking a deep breath, I slip the engagement ring off my finger and set it on the dresser. I can’t do this.

Some people might think I’m rushing to judge, but those people don’t know the hell I went through to get to where I am today. I refuse to allow a liar and a cheater into my life. Even if he didn’t sleep with that dancer, something happened and until Aftermath tells me the truth, I can’t stay here.

Chapter

Ten

AFTERMATH

“Have you located her yet?” I ask Red. I called him the moment his text came through about Kensi missing. No one has seen her for a few days and I haven’t had cell phone service out here in BFE until now.

“Her SUV is at her dad’s house but she isn’t answering,” Red responds. “I don’t know what is going on.”

“I don’t know either and I’m stuck here for another few days. I’ll try calling her. If she doesn’t answer, will you send Nadia over to check on her?” I don’t understand why Kensi would leave without a word to anyone. Is she in trouble? Is she being forced to leave?

“Yeah, brother, I will. Let me know if you hear anything.” Red answers.

“Thanks, brother. Keep in touch.” I hang up the phone before Red can respond.

We’ve been stuck out here in the middle of nowhere BFE and our cell phones don’t work unless we're back at the seedy motel we’re staying in. Which is the only motel in a thirty mile radius from where we believe the young girl is being held.

“Everything OK?” Torch asks, looking up from his phone. He isn’t carefree and happy like he normally is. This trip is taking a toll on both of us.

“I don’t know. Kensi left sometime a few days ago and no one can reach her.” Playboy snorts from his bed across the room and my eyes narrow. “You got something to say?”

“Nah, man. Go call your woman.” Playboy responds, closing his eyes. “That’s what I’d do if I were you.”

Playboy’s attitude has been shitty this whole trip, making it impossible to rest when we need to. “I don’t know what your fucking issue is, but if you have something to say, by all means say it,” I growl.

“I don’t have shit to say to you. You disgust me.” Playboy stands up and collects his things from his dresser. “Fuck this, I’m out.” He slips on his boots and stomps out the door, slamming it behind him.

“What the hell was that about?” I ask.

“I have no clue. The boy has been a ticking time bomb since the head injury he received when protecting Jezebelle and Seth. I think the assholes hit him too hard or something.” Torch responds.

“That or they didn’t hit him hard enough.” I snort. “I’m going to try and reach Kensi. Something is up and I need to figure out what.”

“Go for it. I’ll be here missing my kids and Ol’ Lady.” Torch sighs lying down on his bed and closing his eyes. This shit is hitting Torch pretty hard but we gotta do what we gotta do for the sake of the club. And it should only be a couple more days, then we can get home.

Closing the door behind me, I step onto the cracked concrete and wander further away from our room. The wind slightly picks up and a tumbleweed spins past me, lost in its path. I wander to the back of the motel for privacy and better cell phone service. The desert sweeps on for miles. The sun is starting to set, painting the sky in deep reds and purples. I lean against the concrete building and dial Kensi’s number. It rings several times before going to voicemail. My heart plummets into my toes. This isn’t right. Kensi never sends me to voicemail.

I try calling her three more times with the same results. Not to be the one to give up, I try again and her sweet voice picks up on the fourth ring.

“What?” Just one word portrays the anguish and heartbreak in Kensi’s tone.

“Tiger, what’s going on?” I ask, clearing a lump in my throat.

“I don’t want to get into this right now, Aftermath,” Kensi whispers.

“Get into what? Kensi, what is going on? C’mon, baby, I can’t fix this if I don’t have a clue what has you running.” I plead.

A long pause settles between us and Kensi snorts, “I’m not running, Aftermath. I’m done.” Her voice is stronger now, anger clear in her tone. “Until you can come clean and be honest with me, I’m fucking done.”

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