Page 32 of Powerless
It was ridiculous. Who was he trying to impress with this shit? People just wanted to keep their families together and hold onto what little, meager belongings they still had.
Perhaps a better question was, how many people did he exploit to achieve this level of wealth? And what gave him the idea to flex like this?
The gate slowly began opening to one side with a metallic cranking sound, while the head guard nodded at me and waved me through.
I took my feet off the ground and drove forward, feeling oddly like going through that gate would seal my fate in a way. There would be no turning back from this.
Uncle Jerry and I shared a bloodline but we weren't family, not like I was with the Demons. I was nothing like him and never would be.
Hopefully he remembered that.
Thirteen
JANDRO
Iknocked twice on the door with my free hand, blowing out a deep exhale as I lowered my fist.
Reaper, why are you such a fucking idiot?
Mari cracked opened the door a moment later, fully dressed but her face was puffy. She looked like she didn't get a wink of sleep.
"Hi, Jandro." Her voice was raspy and she cleared her throat as she opened the door.
"Morning, Mari." I held out the paper cup and bag. "Brought you coffee and a breakfast burrito. We're riding out in a half hour."
"Okay. Um, thanks." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, trying to look poised when all she wanted to do was go back to bed. "Did Reaper send you up?"
I didn't miss the touch of longing in her voice and treaded lightly on what I should say.
"He came down alone about an hour ago, extra grumpy and looking like he got just as much sleep as you. So I figured something was up."
"Oh." She swallowed. "We, uh—“
"It's okay," I raised a hand. "No need to rehash it while it's fresh. We'll get you home and then go from there."
She forced a tiny smile that made me want to shake Reaper by his dumbass butthurt shoulders.
"Thanks, Jandro. So I'm riding back with you, I guess?"
"If you want to," I told her earnestly. "Nothing says you have to."
"I will, if that's okay. The only other person would be Gunner and he—“
"Will join me in kicking Reaper's ass when he's back," I promised her. "I'm happy to have you ride with me, don't worry about a thing." I couldn't resist a smirk and adding, "I'll behave. Promise."
"I'll believe youthis time," she replied, smiling like she was forcing herself to be cheerful. "Don't make me regret it."
"Oh, you’ll never regret a single minute with me."Shit, already too much. Pump your brakes, J. She's heartbroken.
But Mariposa laughed lightly and I saw the hint of a genuine smile. "I'm almost all packed up, so I'll be down in a few minutes. Thanks again for bringing me food."
"Anytime,Mariposita. I'll see you down in a few."
Her door clicked softly closed while I muttered curses all the way to the bike garage.
"Where the hell have you been?" Reaper demanded the moment he saw me. "I need you to sign off on all this cargo strapped to the bikes."
"Yeah well, I'd tell you to sign off my foot up your ass but I don't need your permission for shit."
