Page 105 of Faking Ties

“All right,let's get this over with,” I mutter to my security,grabbing my gym bag.It’s the first practice since shit hit the fan and I welcome the escape from this hell.

Except,even getting to the arena causes my stomach to churn. I bring Minnie with me to the arena, and the drive there is tense as a string of cars follow us.

“Ready?” Tank asks once we arrive.

I nod once, and he jumps out, opening my door. I cradle Minnie in my arms and hunch over her so that no one touches her. There’s at least fifteen people surrounding us, pushing to get to me. Tank and Grant form a human wall to get me to the arena entrance. It’s only ten feet away, but it’s ten feet too far.

“Just tell us where she is,” someone shouts, jostling Grant.

“I’ll share the money with you,” someone else says, pushing into Tank.

“There is only one Stella,” I say loudly. “You’re wasting your time.”

“That’s what someone would say who’s hiding something,” a woman scoffs.

I shake my head as Tank booms, “Back off,” his voice cutting through the frenzy.

Despite their efforts,a few particularly aggressive people shove forward, as if expecting me to be hiding Stella under my shirt.

Grant and Tank hold steady, guiding me through the gauntlet of bodies and threats shouted my way until we are safely inside the building.

“We need more security here,” I say, putting Minnie back on her feet.

“Already on it,” Tank says. “We’re in discussion with Evren’s people.”

“I’ll watch over her.” Grant nods toward Minnie.

I pass him the leash. “Thanks, man.” I bend down and scratch Minnie behind her ears before patting her on her side. “I’ll come get you after my practice ends.”

She leans into me, and I pat her again before heading into the locker room. When I step inside, the tension I’ve been carrying loosens. I’m ready to get back into the routine of everything.

“What the hell did I just walk past outside?” Marcus asks, walking to his locker.

“My own personal hell,” I mutter.

“The TikTok video, right?” Quincy asks. “That shit’s messed up.”

“Tell me about it.” I sigh. “I even brought Minnie to practice so she doesn’t get hurt.”

“How’s Stella doing?” Jake asks.

“Not well. I’m going to visit her in a couple days, but she’s on lockdown. It’s getting dangerous.”

“Shit, man,” Trey says. “Let us know if we can help you in any way.”

“Thanks, I will.” It still surprises me that he’s offering, that he’s serious. My dad hasn’t even messaged to check in with me, and I know for a fact that he has an alert on his phone to inform him of any news about me. It’s becoming glaringly obvious that he doesn’t really care about me. This is the time where I’d expect some support from him, and there’s nothing but silence. I always thought we had this great relationship, but apparently, we don’t.

Shaking off my thoughts, I suit up and welcome the grueling practice ahead of me.

“How are you doing?”I ask Stella. She’s sitting across from me at her favorite Italian restaurant in Tribeca. Kai rented out the entire thing to ensure it’s secure. But the shouts from the crowd of people waiting outside can be heard from our table. Every time someone bangs on the windows, her shoulders hike to her ears. Stella wanted to show that we’re still going strong, that we’re a united front. Even if our lives are being turned upside down because of Jax. Jax who’s been fanning the conspiracy flames since those videos went viral.

“Fine.”

“I know we don’t know each other much, but there’s no need to lie.”

Stella glances at me and sighs. “It’s been horrible. I’m constantly terrified someone’s going to get to me.”

“This is escalating too much. We need to find a solution; we can’t live like this.”

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