My ears started ringing as everyone watched me. Studying my reaction to see what I’d do. My head was shaking before Zeus was done talking. “No, Flame wouldn’t kill anyone because he’s mad I’m here. He also wouldn’t let the Outsiders push out bad drugs. We grew up with a mom who did drugs, and Flame is particularly timid about them. In fact, after Raymond he wanted to get out of the drug market, and he has some new opportunities lined up.”
“Are you sure? We can’t think of anyone else that would retaliate toward us this way.” Zeus asked.
Banshee was rubbing my back, but I stepped away from him at Zeus’ question. I felt alone and judged. This was the first time I didn’t feel safe and secure in Banshee’s presence.
“Yes, I’m sure.” The venom in my voice was strong enough to poison everyone in a five-mile radius.
“Don’t get upset, Pix. We had to ask.” Banshee moved toward me. I stepped away again making it clear I didn’t want to be near him.
“Well you asked, and I told you the truth.” I slammed out of Clara’s house, stomping my feet toward Banshee’s house. When I got inside I went to one of the spare rooms, not wanting to be in Banshee’s room. Not with what I was about to do. I locked the door, and called Flame as I wiped the tears off my cheeks.
For once the big lug answered the phone. After ignoring me for weeks Flame finally decided he was going to talk to me. It figured it was the one time I really didn’t want to talk to him, unsure of what he was going to say.
“Finley, you need to come home.” He didn’t bother with niceties. He went straight to the point. “You made your point that you’re able to make your own decisions, but bad things are happening. I can’t keep you safe when you’re not here.”
“Well, hi to you too.”
“Don’t fuck around, Fin. I’ll come get you. Or you come here. Whatever you need to do to get away from the Reapers, do it. You need to get out of there. They killed Crisp.”
The ringing in my ears got louder. Crisp was one of the Outsiders’ newest prospects, just like Cletus was one of the newest prospects for the Reaper’s Rebels. Something wasn’t adding up, and I needed to sort everything out quickly.
I didn’t want my old family and my newest family at each other’s throats. All I ever wanted was to be surrounded by people who loved me, and I was so fucking close to getting it.
“Listen, Flame. One of the Reaper’s Rebels was killed tonight, too. He was a prospect just like Crisp.”
“So they are what, retaliating?” Flame growled on the phone just as Banshee banged on the door. My time alone was over. There was no way Banshee would let me stay in here alone, not when he knew I was pissed off.
“No, Flame, they aren’t retaliating. Wait, you didn’t kill, Cletus did you?”
My stomach rolled at the thought, just as Banshee jimmied open the door. He sat down next to me on the bed, but didn’t say a thing as I talked to Flame.
“What the fuck, Finley? Of course we didn’t kill one of the Reaper’s Rebels. Are you fucking stupid now?”
The phone was out of my hand before I could tell Flame to knock it off and stop being an asshole.
“Do. Not. Ever. Talk. To. Your. Sister. Like. That. Again.” Banshee’s jaw was clenched. “Something is fucking happening. One of our guys is gone, and from what I heard, one of yours is, too. Stop being an asshole to your sister. Zeus wants to talk, and I suggest you answer his phone call. And your sister isn’t going anywhere. She lives with me now. Get over yourself and be happy your sister has found her soul mate. Get your head out of your ass, and I suggest doing it soon.”
Banshee stabbed his finger to my phone, ending the call.
He climbed down off the bed and was on his knees in front of me. “I’m sorry. God, Pix, I’m so fucking sorry. I don’t want you to be mad at me. I shouldn’t have let Zeus’ question you.”
I wanted to be mad at him, but I loved him so much, and his apology was heartbreaking. And the pain etched on his face was too hard to look past. I hated to admit it but I understood why he had to ask. I just didn’t like it.
“I understand why you asked, but I’m still pissed. My brother’s a good guy. He doesn’t make stupid mistakes. He just wants to protect me.”
“Well, then he shouldn’t be ignoring you and making you sad. Pix, you’re mine. I don’t give a shit about anyone else’s feelings.”
Banshee’s hands moved up my thighs heating me up just from his touch.
“I forgive you.” My voice was breathy from his touch.
“Don’t forgive me too fast.” He unbuttoned my jeans, wiggling them and my panties down my legs, replacing my missing garments with his face. “I think you should make me pay for what happened. I need to be punished.” His wicked grin melted me as he continued to eat me out.
