Page 59 of Shattered Pieces

“You’ll get dragged into it if your guys find out you were helping. I need you to trust me, okay? I’m going to get her out. You have enough going on, and I need you clear-headed when she’s back. Do you need rehab?”

“No. I’m sorry, I really don’t know why I snapped like that,” he said sheepishly, his face heating with embarrassment.

“You know not to apologize for struggling. So, can I get Skeet to come and get you? You’ll sleep better with company,” I promised, making him snort.

“That rule only applies if it’s Rory.”

“Try and rest. As much as she wouldn’t mind, I know you don’t want her seeing you like this. You good if I go and get Skeet now?” I asked, and he thankfully nodded. “Good. I’m only a phone call away, alright? If you can’t be strong for yourself, be strong for Rory. That girl needs you to be okay, D.”

He looked exhausted as he nodded again, and I stood, taking my phone and putting it into my pocket.

“Are there any more drugs in the house?” I asked, and he shook his head.

“No, I only had that because I caved the other week. Told myself it was just there as a security blanket,” he snorted, and I gave his shoulder a pat, my voice soft.

“If you get like that again, tell someone. I know you’re tired, but keep fighting.”

He blew out a breath but nodded, thanking me on my way out, and I checked my tracking app once in the car. Skeeter was at Wet Dreams, which wasn’t exactly ideal, but I’d have to get over it.

I put my phone in the holder and called Marco, putting it on speaker.

“Everything okay? You’ve been gone a while,” he said as a greeting, and I sighed.

“I’m fine. Diesel had a breakdown and tried shoving a needle in his arm, so I’m getting Skeet to pick him up. He can’t be alone for long, and I can’t take him with me. I’ll be back once I’ve handled it.”

“Shit, is D okay?”

“He will be once Skeet realizes how far gone he is and actually starts helping him. You guys all good?” I asked, driving towards Ashburn Valley.

“I’ve been showing Ty some defense moves. I sort of broke his nose though, I think. He’s icing it,” he said with a light chuckle like it was funny.

“Jesus Christ. Don’t break any more of him, I’ll be there soon,” I grumbled, putting my foot down a little and hanging up.

Wet Dreams was pretty quiet since it was early in the evening, so I headed towards the door but was instantly blocked by Myles.

“No way in fucking hell,” Myles scoffed, eyeing me knowingly.

“C’mon, man. I need to talk to Skeet. It’s urgent,” I snapped, only making him grin.

“You guys can argue about that bitch on your own turf.”

“It’s not about Donovan. I’m not going to shoot at him. I might shoot at you though, if you don’t move,” I warned, his grin turning into a scowl.

“Watch yourself, Rivera.”

“Go and fucking get him then if you don’t want us arguing inside the club. I’ll wait out here,” I shrugged, lighting a cigarette and leaning against the wall to show I was waiting. He bit out a curse before closing the door to hopefully do as I asked, Skeeter appearing a moment later with a pissed off glare on his face.

“I’m busy and don’t have time for your bullshit, man,” he said sharply, crossing his arms.

“You need to make some time for the people around you. You’ve lost enough already,” I said dryly, finishing my cigarette before flicking it towards the parking lot. I scruffed the front of his jacket and slammed his back against the wall, lowering my voice. “You owe me a lot of fucking favors, you know? I have to keep picking up your slack because you’re either too blind or too stupid to realize things are crumbling.”

“Get the fuck off me,” he demanded and shoved me back.

“Do you actually care about your friends? Did you know Diesel’s been struggling?”

“What are you talking about? Of course, I know things are hard for him right now. Did you see him? I fucking told him to get his ass home and⁠—”

“Which is where I found him trying to shove a goddamn needle full of meth into his arm,” I barked, making him go still. “I don’t give a fuck if you want to cut Rory off. Drown in your hatred for her for all I care, but this shit is going to literally kill Diesel. He’s a mess, and you need to go and get him. You’re too busy? Me fucking too, but here I am trying to fix things for everyone still. You know he fell in love with her, so take it easy on him.”