by Hart, Rebel
“If he doesn’t pull up in ten minutes, I’m going to look for him myself.”
Hannah put her hand on my shoulder. “And what do you think you’re going to do? Seriously? Consider that question for a second.”
I slapped her hand away and spun around. I was tired of her antics. Tired of her judgment. Tired of her fucking bullshit. I unbuckled my jeans and pushed them down my legs. I pulled up the gauze against my thigh, showing her the tattoo. I trembled with fury. I was so angry I could’ve put my fist through her shocked face. And when her eyes slowly slid back up to my own, I forced myself to talk evenly.
“There isn’t anything you can say that’s going to change my mind, Hannah. I love him. I’m with him until the end. Whether you care about it, or not.”
She took a step back. “Holy fuck, is that thing real?”
I pulled my pants up. “Yes.”
She shook her head. “Jesus. Who are you? Where did this person come from? My God, if your parents knew--”
“They don’t, and they won’t. Not until I tell them. You got that? They don’t need to know. I’m a grown-ass woman living in a grown-ass world with grown-ass issues. I don’t need permission, or approval, or a go-ahead from any of you. I’m finally figuring things out for myself. And I just wish you were on board.”
“When it’s turned you into this, how can I be on board? This isn’t you, Dani.”
“You have no idea what ‘me’ is. You've only known me for a little over a year. All you know is the scared little girl I was coming into college. Weren’t you the one that wanted to get me out there? Weren’t you the one that wanted to get me laid?”
She shook her head. “This isn’t on me. This is all you. I meant going to some parties, Dani. Dating a few boys and finding one you might have liked.”
“Yeah, well. I found one I loved. That I’ve given my all to.”
She blinked. “You haven’t--?”
“Like I’d fucking tell you anyway. Look, Hannah, I can’t force this on you. Do I wish you were on my side? Yep. Do I wish we were still friends? Yep.”
“We’re still friends.”
“We’re hardly roommates, Hannah! Look at us! I can’t stand you! And you can’t stand me, either. I’m done trying. I’m done trying to make you see my way with things. If you can’t take me as I am like this, then I don’t think we can--”
“Don’t you dare. Don’t you dare say what you’re about to say.”
I swallowed. “I still love you. I always will. You were my first roommate. My first ever friend on campus. But, I can’t keep doing this. I won’t keep doing this.”
I turned my back to her and slid my toiletries into the open spaces in my bag. I couldn't utter the words. I didn’t have the strength. But damn it, part of me wanted to. I felt my throat tighten as Hannah sniffled behind me. I didn’t want to lose my best friend over this. But I couldn't deal with her incessant criticism, either. Not any longer. It was too much, and I’d had enough.
“That how you really feel?”
Hannah voice was so soft that it almost broke my heart.
Almost.
“Yes. It’s how I really feel.”
She snickered. “Fine, then. I’ll find somewhere else to live.”
I zipped up my bag. “Not a problem. I’m already looking at new dorm buildings as we speak. Since I’m apparently the issue, it’s my responsibility to move anyway. Happy trails.”
“Wait, Dani. Stop. Please. We can talk this out. We can--”
I unlocked the door and ripped it open, slamming it against the wall. I still didn’t hear Max’s bike off in the distance, but I couldn't wait a second longer. I had a car. A nice one, at that. I could go out looking for him if I had to. And, if all else failed, I’d get a hotel close to campus for the night with the bit of money I had in my account. I knew that would raise suspicions with my parents. I knew it would prompt them to call me. But the idea was there as a last-ditch resort.
“Dani!”
Hannah yelled my voice down the hallway as I stopped outside the elevator. I jammed my hand into the buttons, thankful the door opened up immediately. I pulled my phone out as I stepped inside. I heard Hannah rushing down the hallway toward me.
“Dani, wait. Please!”
I pressed my finger against the ‘door close’ button, watching as she faded away. The doors closed before I heard her fists slam against it, and the elevator started moving. I sighed with relief. I looked up and watched the levels tick by. Until I was all the way at the bottom.
Then I started for my car.
I checked my phone and grew more anxious. I had no texts from Max. No phone calls. No voicemails. I stepped outside and felt as if I was being watched, but I wasn’t sure if that was my paranoia spiking or not. I hustled to the parking garage, thankful that my car was close. I tossed my things into the back before slipping behind the wheel. And the first thing I did was lock my doors.
Before shooting Max a text.
Me: I don’t know what’s happening, but I’m heading to your place. If you get this, please meet me there. Or tell John you’re okay so he can talk to me. Or Rupert. Or someone. Please.
Tears slid down my cheeks. I didn't even realize I was crying until I felt them dribbling down my neck. I cranked up the engine and backed out of the parking space before a horn started blaring at me. I screamed bloody murder. I looked in my rearview mirror. I saw someone flick me off before they raced off, making their way to the second level of the parking garage. I gripped the steering wheel tightly. And as I sucked down my fear, I eased myself out of the parking space.
Heading straight for the exit of the parking garage.
32
Max
The first thing I felt was the pain at the base of my head. Shit, it felt like someone had impaled me with something. Moving my head hurt. I couldn’t even dream of opening my eyes. Were they swollen shut? They didn’t feel swollen.
They’re heavy.
I went to move my wrists, but couldn’t. My eyes snapped open with that truth. My head swam and I felt myself growing nauseous again, so I heaved over to the side. Moving my head was excruciating. I needed a goddamn doctor. But what I needed more than that was to be able to move my arms.
Or my legs, for that matter.
I struggled to get my bearings. When bile wasn’t working its way up the back of my throat, my mind swam with so many other questions. Like Rupert. Where the hell was Rupert? Was Dani all right? Who the absolute fuck made this decision to tie me to this chair?
Because it would certainly be their last.
I squinted my eyes as I gazed around the darkened room. There was a light hanging above my head. High above, actually. I tilted my head back, but it was painful to stare into the light. It made my head swim. My eyes felt as if they were screaming. Yep. There was no doubt in my mind that I had a concussion. And every second that passed meant my inevitable death if I didn’t get it taken care of.
Where the fuck is Rupert?
I looked around for him. I resisted the urge to call out his name. So far, the only things I knew were this: I was alone in a big room, with ceilings that were vaulted high, and the damn place smelled like rust. And mildew. And there were metal beams holding the ceiling up.
Like a warehouse.
Holy shit, I was tied up in a warehouse somewhere. I had no clue where I was, either. How long had I been knocked out? I needed answers to these questions. My head was on a swivel, no matter how much it hurt. I needed something--anything--to tell me where I was. But, more importantly, I needed to figure out how to get out of these binds around my wrists and ankles.
My eye caught something red and I squinted, cursing the light for shining down onto me instead of at whatever the fuck that was against the wall. I tried scooting my chair, but it didn’t budge. And when I say it didn’t budge, I mean it didn’t move. It didn’t tip. It didn’t tilt. It didn’t do a damn thing.
My eyes fell downward.
I know whe
re I am.
The second those bolted legs came into view, it clicked. The red on the wall. The high beams. The singular light. The metal chair with its legs bolted to the concrete floor. I was in my father’s warehouse. A place I’d been many times. I even knew the room I was in. I knew what part of the warehouse and what room he had me tied up in.
And it didn’t bode well for me.
My father had his warehouse sectioned off into certain areas. The main room in the middle was for shipping containers and product he moved. Priceless artifacts shipped from one point to another, with him taking a cut off the top. That was, by far, his biggest money maker. So long as he got his fifteen percent and a rental fee for the days someone had to use his warehouse, he asked no questions and didn’t poke or prod as to what was being shipped around. This place was always fucking busy.
Which was why it worried me that I heard nothing.
Suddenly, footsteps sounded in the corner. The light grew brighter over my head, forcing my eyes closed. The footsteps grew closer. They shuffled around, and I tried my best to pinpoint the canter of the walk. It sounded familiar. I felt my blood already bubbling as my gut comprehended what my mind was slow to take in.
“How the mighty have fallen.”
Benji’s voice hit my ear and I wanted to snap his neck.
“Where’s Rupert?” I growled.
He dipped down into my view. “Wow. You’ve seen better days, Maxwell.”
I lunged at him. “Don’t you dare use my full name, you slimy piece of shit. Where the fuck is Rupert!?”
My roaring voice echoed off the corners of the massive building as Benji stood up. With a crooked grin on his face, he crossed his arms over his chest. I hated how blurry he was. I hated how my mind didn’t feel right. Everything was hazy. As if I were walking through fog and reliving memories.
I had to get out of my bonds.
“Are you really going to continue struggling with your brain swelling the way it is?”
I snarled. “Listen here, you slimy snake, I know damn good and well you’re working with my father. I know damn good and well you’re doing this because I won’t let you rush the fucking club. Well, you want to know why I won’t let you rush!?”
He snickered. “Because I’m apparently unreliable. Or, so you’ve told me.”
“No. Because you have a future well beyond the club.”
He paused. “What?”
I leaned back into the chair. “I pressed college and didn’t let you rush because you’re smart, Benji. You have a future beyond the club. Beyond the bloodshed. Beyond the firefights and my father’s whimsically disgusting ways. I never let you pledge because you’re better than that.”
“You--you did--you did that for me?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I did, you shithead.”
A searing pain cracked me across my face and my head fell to the side. The involuntary roar of pain that escaped my throat before I vomited again reminded me of just how vulnerable I was. I hated that feeling, too. Dread filled my gut. I coughed and sputtered as spit dangled from my lip. Then, I felt someone fist my hair before my eyes found Benji’s again.
“You don’t get to make that decision for me, El Presidente. It’s my life. I do what I want with it. Whether you like that shit or not. Got it?”
He shoved my head, forcing me to heave again. And I made a vow to myself. Then, and there.
Benji dies by my hand.
“You’re right,” I murmured.
“What was that?”
He dragged my head around for a bit before his gaze found mine.
“Say that one more time, All Powerful One?”
I grimaced. “You’re right.”
He grinned. “Perfect. Glad you know your place. You're right. I am smarter than all of you. I mean, look at where you’re sitting and where I’m, well, standing.”
I chuckled. “Cute.”
He released my hair. “Yeah, I thought so.”
He took a few steps away from me before I licked my lips.
“Tell me where Rupert is.”
He shrugged. “And if I don’t?”
“You die.”
He barked with laughter. “By what hand? Yours? The ones that are bound to that chair?”
“You have no idea what I’m capable of. Don’t think that because you’re smarter, you’re also stronger. Because you're not.”
“And yet, here we are.”
“Trust me, I’m positive you didn’t put me here.”
He snarled. “That so?”
I smiled. “That’s so, yes. Now, tell me. Where the fuck is Rupert?”
“Probably still face down in the gravel outside the pub. I mean, he put up a pretty good fight. Fruitless, though. A good one nonetheless. But, you know, energy expended for nothing, and all that.”
I tugged at my restraints. “If you’ve hurt him, I swear to God--”
“Oh, we definitely hurt him. That was the goal. But don’t worry. What we’re going to do to you will make his injuries look like child’s play.”
I strained at the bonds again. “What the fuck is this all about, anyway? Huh? Because I know you. And even I know this isn’t all stemming from the fact that I wouldn't let you become a Red Thorn. You’re more even-tempered than that.”
He sighed. “You really are an idiot, aren’t you?”
I watched as Benji began pacing. He kept sighing. Talking to himself. Almost as if he had gone crazy. I watched him while he moved. My eyes were finally focusing so I could see more of my surroundings. And it confirmed a lot of what I thought. I was in one of the middle rooms. One of my father’s sterile rooms. They had no windows. Only one door to get in and out. And everything was covered in plastic wrap. Everything. The red I saw on the wall was actually tape. The ends of the plastic wrap that covered every square inch of the room was bonded together with that red fucking tape my father used.
Oh, this isn’t good.
“You know, I’ve always wondered something.”
Benji’s voice caught my attention as I tried to work my wrists out of the bonds.
“And what is that, smartypants?”
He snickered. “Cute. I’ve always wondered why you picked Dani.”
I froze. “Don’t you dare say her name.”
He shrugged. “I mean, she’s got no curves. So it can’t be her body.”
“Don’t you talk about her!”
“She’s not brave, so it’s not her strength.”
“You don’t know a fucking thing about her.”
“She’s thrown her life away for you, so it can’t be her future. Or any money she might have. Which leaves me with only one option.”
I felt my heart rate skyrocketing as I felt the bonds finally loosening around my wrists.
“And what would that be?” I asked.
He grinned. “I guess college virgins really are worth the ride.”
I growled. “That’s it!”
From the shadows behind Benji emerged two men. Just as I got one of my hands out of the bonds, they rushed me, forcing my arms back behind the chair. I fought against them, feeling the bolts adhering the chair to the floor slowly giving way. I roared and screamed. I called out for Benji. For my father. I promised death to them all as the two men tied my wrists tighter this time. Almost to a point where I couldn't feel my damn hands.
“Benji, goddamn it! What the fuck are you doing!?”
And as the men dressed in black cracked their knuckles, my cousin smiled. Making my gut seize in something I hadn’t felt since I was a child.
Fear.
“Business, Max. That’s what this is about. It’s always just been business.”
33
Dani
I squealed into the driveway of Max’s home. The lights were off. It didn’t look like anyone was there. Which didn’t bode well for what was coming. I leapt out of my car, grabbing my keys and my phone. I locked everything up and rushed for the front door, banging on it with all of my might.
>
“Hello!? John, Max! Are you in there!?”
I kept banging and banging, but my efforts were fruitless. The door was locked. The side door was locked. And no matter where I looked, I couldn’t find a spare key.
“Fuck!” I exclaimed.
My phone started vibrating and I almost threw it across the lawn. Especially when I saw Hannah’s name pop up. I didn’t need her shit right now. What I needed was to find Max. I needed to get to him. He needed my help.
Something was very wrong, and the Red Thorns needed my help.
I ignored her phone call and headed back for my car. She called me again and I ignored it again, shooting her to voicemail. But I didn’t even get the car cranked up before she called through yet again. I growled to myself. I got the engine running and picked up the phone call through my car’s Bluetooth hook-up. I didn’t need this. Talking to her was the absolute last thing I wanted to do.
But, if she was going to call me incessantly, I needed to get her to stop.
“Dani?” she breathed.
“What?”
She paused. “I need to tell you something.”
“What is it? Make it quick.”
My mind was already back to Max. Where was he? Where had he been taken? What the hell was going on? More than an hour had passed since he was due to pick me up on campus. Something was definitely up in all the wrong ways. But all I could do was wait for someone to show up at the house. So, I hunkered down into my seat.
“Spit it out, Hannah. I don’t have all night.”
She spoke quickly. “I’m sorry but I called your father!”
I blinked. “You did what?”
She sighed. “I called your father, Dani. I was worried. I’m scared for you. I still am. And I know this might make you hate me but I had to do it because you’re my best friend. There’s only one way this thing with Max is going to end and--”
“Your gut reaction was to call my fucking father about it!? Who the hell do you think you are?”
“I’m your best friend, even if you don’t want to accept that right now. You're in trouble, and I know your father can help you.”