“Yes. Thank you, Dany.” Aerial wraps her little arms around Danyella’s neck and hugs her tight. They break apart and Danyella stands up.
“Come on cupcake, let’s get some clothes.” She takes Aerial’s hand and together they leave the room.
I turn back around and rummage through the dresser drawers finding sweatpants, shorts, t-shirts and bras. Once I have a big pile of clothes, I go into the walk-in closet looking for something to carry all these clothes in. I flip the light switch and enter. I hate small spaces but it has to be done. I look upon the rows of shelves until I spot a suitcase up at the top in the back. I stretch on my tiptoes and use my fingertips to move it down. Once it drops, I bend down to pick it up. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, but I brush it off as being inside this tomb. Heavy footsteps alert me someone’s in here. There should be no one here besides the brothers but my stomach sinks. My instincts are telling me I’m in trouble. I look in front of me and spot a baseball bat resting against the wall. I slowly move toward it, acting like I’m fixing the suitcase. I grab the bat with both hands, quickly. I turn and swing as hard as I can. The bat gives way into soft skin and a male oomph follows.
“What the hell, Monica?” Dagger cries with choppy breaths. He’s holding his ribs with his left hand. “If you aimed higher, you would’ve cracked my skull wide open.”
“Dagger? What the fuck are you sneaking up on me for?” I drop the bat and hurry over to him. “I’m so sorry. I heard footsteps and reacted.” I help him sit on one of the beds. He’s breathing better but still holding his ribs.
“You’re vicious with that thing.” He grunts in pain.
“I’m really sorry. What did you need?”
“To find my balls. I think they ran away when that bat came around.” He releases a deep chuckle and I laugh with him. “Anyways. I wanted to let you know you can come see Daisy when you’re done. She’s stable. I’m not sure for how long though.”
I look Dagger over from head to toe. He has blood all over his hands, arms, cut, t-shirt and jeans. Along with some on his rugged face. “Thank you. I’ll be in soon. I appreciate you doing this. Saving her life.”
“No worries.” He pats my knee with a bloody hand and stands up. “Once I find my balls, I’ll be in the room waiting for you to come see her.” Dagger walks to the door and looks at me over his shoulder. “She’s lucky to have someone like you on her side. It’s not your fault.”
“Thanks, Dagger.” I give him a brittle smile and cast my eyes down onto the carpet. He doesn’t understand it is my fault. I’m thankful for Dagger saving Daisy, but I don’t know if I can see her. See the accusations in her eyes. Blaming me.
I stand up and grab the suitcase out of the closet, turning the light off and slamming the door shut behind me. I shove everything I can inside it and zip it up.
My phone vibrates in my back pocket and I pull it out. It’s a text from Xander.
Xander: IDK if UR up but I’ll be home soon. I need you.
Tears spring to my eyes. I need him and miss him so much even though it’s only been a few hours. I need the comfort of his arms, the love in his eyes. The acceptance of the blood on my hands. I begin texting back but delete it. I do this a few more times before I decide on something simple. If he’s distracted riding back here and something happens to him, that’d be another blame I’d have to shoulder. Who am I kidding? If something happens to Xander, I’d follow him wherever he went. Come hell or high water, I’ll meet him in the afterlife. Together we will either be kicked out of heaven for creating chaos or condemned to hell for making the devil wish we weren’t there.
Monica: I’ll be here. I need you too.
Opening the door to the bedroom, I tuck my phone into my back pocket and run into Danyella and Aerial carting two suitcases full of clothes. We walk in silence to the first bathroom. I pull out the necessary clothes and knock on the door. Danyella does the same to the second bathroom. Once we have the clothes handed out, we make our way into the common room.
Dizziness overtakes me and I stumble. almost falling face-first onto the floor if Danyella didn’t catch me. “What the hell Monica? Are you OK?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I brush off her worried tone. “Just forgot where I was going.” I head into the kitchen leaving Danyella and Aerial to sort out the girls.
The prospects are cooking up a feast and the scent of eggs, bacon, French toast, hash browns and sausage makes my stomach rumble. It’s been all day since I’ve eaten anything. Must’ve been why I had that dizzy spell. I sneak a few pieces of bacon and wash it down with a bottle of water. I sit on the barstool at the five-foot-long white and blue marble island and wait for them to get done.
The kitchen is industrial size. A chef’s dream come true. We have two thirty-six-inch stainless steel stoves against one wall with a cutting board in between them. Below them are two stainless steel ovens. To the right of the stoves is a double door stainless steel refrigerator. The island I’m sitting at has a sink made for washing your hands or washing vegetables. Behind me is another white and blue marble countertop and a dishwasher with a bigger stainless-steel sink. Cherry oak cupboards wrap around the space completing the whole kitchen.
“Monica, we’re done. Where do you want all this food?” One prospect asks me.
“Let’s set it up buffet style out in the common room on the bar. That way, the girls can eat as much as they want. I’ll help.” I hop down from the stool and another wave of dizziness washes over me. My ears ring and sweat beads on my brow. I shake it off and carry the dishes of food out. Once we have everything brought out and set up, Danyella tells the girls to come eat. I stand behind the bar watching everyone and eating some food of my own. Maybe it’ll help with the dizziness. Some girls are relaxed and eating, laughing and joking around. Others are sitting quietly eating with their heads down. My guess is the girls who are the quietest have been there the longest. They’ve been brainwashed and they will be the hardest to integrate back into the real world. I wish there was something I could do to help them. To show them that even though evil does exist out there, good does too and it is possible to overcome the abuse they’ve endured.
My stomach rolls, threatening to bring everything back up I just ate. What the hell is wrong with me? I set my plate of mostly untouched food down and hurry into mine and Xander’s room closing the door and locking it behind me. I need a minute to catch my bearing and let whatever’s wrong with me pass.
I head into the bathroom and lean over the toilet. My stomach clenches and sweat beads on my forehead. After a few minutes nothing comes up and I feel a little better. With strength I didn’t know I needed, I rise to my feet and stumble into the bedroom. My vision blurs and my heart is pounding hard against my chest. I think I need to lie down for a little while.
I fall onto the mattress. My arms and legs are numb. Footsteps outside the door has fear racing through my system. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Someone’s waiting on the other side of the door. I try to get my phone, but I can’t move. I’m paralyzed.
The lock turns and the door opens slowly. Soft footsteps enter the room and the scent of lavender fills my nose. Panic sets in, I can’t defend myself. I’m spiraling back to the past when Steam and Chains tortured me. Visions of that night send my heart into overdrive and I’m powerless to stop them.
“She’s ready.” I hear a female voice say before everything goes black.
Chapter 12
Blayze
With the howl of my tires on the pavement and the wind whipping through my helmet, Capone and I ride back to the clubhouse with our brothers right behind us. It was a successful night. We saved the girls and took down our rival club. It was pretty easy and that part worries me. My gut is telling me something isn’t right. I crank the throttle, catching up to Capone. He looks over at me. His dark eyes are portraying what I’m feeling. He knows it was too easy. Capone signals with his left hand and we all pick up our speed. The tires of each bike
eating up the distance between us and the clubhouse.
We reach the clubhouse in record time. Capone stops in front of the gate waiting for someone to let us in. Our bikes idling in the quiet night. The gate buzzes and rolls open. One by one we ride inside and head to the garage. The vans are still parked outside the entrance door. Krimson and her crew’s cars are in the parking lot along with the Dodge Challenger Monica took. The garage door rolls up and we file inside. I park my bike next to Capone’s and turn the key killing the motor. I remove my helmet, climb off my bike and head towards the common room, not waiting for anyone else. I want to see my girl and know she’s OK. My boots echo down the marble corridor at a fast pace as the fluorescent lights kick on lighting up the path. My brothers will catch up eventually. Right now, my mind is set on getting to my girl.
I enter the common room and look around. There’s a buffet style of food set up at the bar. Derange and a couple of prospects are standing next to it. Krimson and her crew are gathered near the pool tables talking in hushed tones. The girls we rescued are sitting anywhere they can, eating. Some are laughing and joking. Others are quiet with their heads down. I’m not seeing Monica. Danyella spots me standing in the doorway. A smile lights up her precious face. A face I never thought I’d see again. She sets her plate down and hurries over to me.
“Xander,” Danyella hugs me tight. “Thank you for not giving up.”
I return her embrace, “I’d never give up on my little sister. How are you holding up?”
“I’m OK. It’ll take some time to adjust, but I think I’ll be fine.” She releases her hold on me and turns toward the others. “Some of them will be good, but I’m worried about a few. They were there the longest.”
“I’m sure you’ll be able to help them. You’ve always had a big heart.” I put my hands on her shoulders giving them a little squeeze. “Listen, I want to talk to you, but I need to see Monica. Do you know where she is?”
“Are you two finally a thing now?” Danyella asks raising an eyebrow.
“More than that. Have you seen her?” I smirk.
“It’s about damn time.” Danyella grins. “She was standing by the bar and then headed toward the bedrooms. My guess is she needed a break. She’s been doing a lot and didn’t look too good.”
“Thanks.” I kiss the top of Danyella’s head and walk quickly toward my bedroom, not waiting for a response. I reach our bedroom door and twist the doorknob. The door swings open. Something isn’t right. Monica would have locked the door behind her. She never enters a room without locking the door. It makes her feel safe since the attack.
I step inside and flip on the light switch. “Monica?” I shout into the room. No answer. “Monica?” I say again. Still no answer. I unholster my gun, looking around. The bed has an imprint on it where someone was laying down. Nothing else is out of place. I quietly walk into the bathroom. Nothing. I check the closet. Nothing. I look under the bed. Nothing.
Standing up, a light breeze flirts over my skin. The sheer curtains covering the window billow softly in the wind. Son of a bitch.
I hurry back to the common room with quick strides. Someone fucking took my girl, again.
“Capone!” I shout. All talking ceases as every set of eyes in the room land on me. You could hear a pin drop. “Capone!”
“Blayze, what’s wrong?” Capone approaches me with his hands up.
“She’s gone. She’s fucking gone!” I’m a mess of emotions. The monster I’ve hidden away comes barreling back with a vengeance.
“OK, talk to me brother. Who’s gone?” Capone doesn’t raise his voice. He keeps it low and gentle like he’s taming a wild animal.
“Monica. She’s gone. Someone took her.” My eyes scan the room, looking to see who’s listening and who’s guilty.
My brothers are surrounding us, making it impossible to see everyone. My chest is heaving with pent up rage and I’m about to explode.
“Church now!” Capone demands. He walks quickly into our sanctuary, I’m right behind him hot on his heels. Once the door clicks shut Capone slams the gavel onto the table with force. I’m surprised it didn’t split in half. “What the fuck is going on?”
I’m too agitated to sit so I pace back and forth behind my chair. Running my hands through my hair, I yank on the ends trying to compose myself. “Danyella told me she saw Monica head into our room. She said Monica didn’t look too good. So, I went there. She’s gone, Capone. The window was open and she’s not there. Someone took her.”
“Are you sure?” Trigger asks from his seat. I give him a cold hard stare. Trigger raises his hands in defense. “I’m just asking.”
“Yes, I’m fucking sure. The door was unlocked. Monica always locks the door behind her. It gives her peace of mind knowing she’s safe behind a closed door since the attack.” I grip the back of my chair hard. Rage is burning through my veins. “The fucking bedroom window is open. Motherfucker. She never opens it. And she isn’t in there.”
“Alright. Calm down.” Capone raises his voice. If he wasn’t my Prez I would’ve throttled him for telling me to calm down. “Who isn’t here now that was before?” Capone looks at Dagger.
“I’ve been with Daisy saving her life. How in the fuck am I supposed to know?” Dagger growls.
“What about you, Bear?”
Bear shrugs his massive shoulders. “I’ve been keeping an eye on our prisoner. I didn’t even realize you guys were back.”
“That’s it. Let me at him, Prez. He has answers.” I need to get to the bottom of this.
“Aye. Red and Tiny go check the CCV cameras and see if you can find anything. Whoever did this knows the layout of our clubhouse. Dagger and Bear, stay with the girls. Watch for anything suspicious. The rest of you with Blayze and me.” Capone slams the gavel on the table ending the meeting.
We all file out quickly heading to our designated spots. I’m walking at a fast pace toward the room where John fucking James is being held when a strong hand grips my shoulder, slowing me down. “I need you to keep a level head.” Capone stares me down. “When I needed it, you put me in my place. Now I’m doing the same for you. We need answers and we won’t get them if you kill him.”
“I’m going to kill him but not until I get what we need. Trust me.” I crack my neck.
“I do trust you. Right now, your head is ready to kill him. But trust what’s in here.” He jabs my stomach with his finger. “Trust this. I want my sister back but that won’t happen if he’s dead.”
“Aye, Prez.” I stop in front of the door separating me from the weasel dick motherfucker. “I won’t kill him until I have answers.”
Capone unlocks the door and I twist the knob, opening it. I step inside. John is tied to a metal chair in the middle of the floor. He picks his head up when he hears us enter. “It’s about time you showed up. The hospitality sucks around here.”
“Shut the fuck up.” I circle around him. “You don’t speak unless spoken to.”
John tries to follow me, but his head will only swivel so far. I step around the chair until I’m towering over him. “Intimidation. I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, Blayze.” John says my name with disgust.
“Why were you working with Chains and the Bloody Scorpions?” I cross my arms over my chest. John casts his eyes down onto the floor not answering. “I’ll ask you again because I know you’re stupid. Why were you working with Chains?”
“Fuck off. I don’t have to answer you.”
“No, you don’t. I can prolong your death and make you scream for your mama if you don’t answer the question or I can make it quick if you tell me what you know.” I lean over him and pull out my knife pressing it against his throat. “Either way you’re not walking out of here.”
“Fuck you, asshole.”
“Fine.” I nick his throat with the blade of my knife and blood trickles down onto his shirt. “Your choice.” I split his shirt open with my knife exposing his skin. John struggles with the zip ties trying to
get away. My fist connects with his ribs. A satisfying crunch vibrates up my arm. John inhales a sharp breath.
“Last chance, asshole. Why were you working with the Bloody Scorpions and who took Monica?” My fist connects with John’s face and his head snaps back. Blood trickles from his nose.
His head snaps back. “Monica is missing?” The fear in his beady eyes is unmistakable.
“Yes, cock sucker. Someone took her.” I hit him again in the ribs, hearing one crack under the force of my blow. “And you know who and why. So, tell me or that lung I just punctured will drown you and you’ll die a slow and painful death.”
I bring my fist back to punch him again. “Wait. Wait. Wait.” John pleads trying to catch his breath.
I drop my fist, “I’m waiting.” I growl.
“If someone took her from here then you have a rat. This thing is bigger than you know. I was only working for the Bloody Scorpions because they forced me. Made me do it. They found out about my fetish and used it against me. I swear I have nothing to do with Monica disappearing.”
“You’re full of shit.” I press my blade against John’s stomach and watch the blood seep out. I slowly pull my knife up splitting the skin.
“I swear! I’m not lying!” John screams in pain. “The Bloody Scorpions were just a front for another club. Chains knew what he was doing when he approached them. Drew, my brother was a stupid idiot and fell for it. I didn’t which is why they blackmailed me into using the studio to run the girls through.” John clenches his jaw in pain. Sweat beads from his forehead. “I swear, Chains was using Drew and the rest of the MC. He knew they were your biggest rival and you wouldn’t hesitate to take them down. Now with the Scorpions out of the way, there’s room for one more. And if Monica is missing, the ball is already rolling.” Tears fall down John’s face mixing with his blood. “I don’t know who it is, but if Monica is gone, she’s in danger.” He breathes harshly, trying to catch his breath through the punctured lung. I should feel bad, but I don’t. John James brought this on himself. He knew the moment he crossed us this would be the end. “Just do it. End me now. But promise me you’ll find her. She might not have loved me, but I did care for her.”
Royal Bastards MC: Blayze's Inferno Los Angeles Chapter Page 11