The Ride

by Jaci J.

  “God fuckin' damnit,” Gin clips, shoving his phone is in his pocket. Looking around, everyone's still staring at me, the room filled with hushed silence. It’s a silent electricity in the air as everyone waits for the epic show down.

  “You better answer me,” Tank warns. His voice is quiet. His lack of volume doesn't make it any less frightening.

  “I went into the city.” Taking a step towards me, his posture stays strong and unforgiving.

  “You went to the city,” he repeats stupidly, his tone holding a mocking hint to it.

  “Yes. What’s the problem?” Narrowing his eyes he regards me shrewdly. I can feel the belittlement from his stare without him even saying a word. I feel six inches tall.

  Looking over at Gin he says, “She went into the city.”

  Gin shakes his head in disappointment. Okay I've had enough of the show.

  “I don't understand what the fuckin' problem is.”

  Holding onto my arm Tank shoves me into his room. His hand gripping my arm tight, his touch becoming painful. The backs of my legs hit the bed causing me to sit instantly as he lets go of me with a little shove.

  “What the hell's your problem?” Slamming the door violently the window rattle and a picture falls from the wall. Hitting the ground with a thud, the glass cracks down the middle. With his back to me, I can see his shoulders moving as he takes deep breaths. The tendons in his arms bunched and strained, fists balled up and his knuckles red and swollen.

  “Seriously what the fuck's goin' on?” Turning menacingly slow he stares at me. Eyes unfocused and wild.

  “What the fucks goin' on?” he restates, his tone confused. Why does he keep repeating what I say?

  “Yes.” For a beat he doesn't say anything, and then he explodes.

  “You fuckin' disappear. You show back up n' all you got to say is 'you went to the ... FUCKING CITY!'” He roars. Throwing his phone it hits the wall with a shatter.

  “You walk your Goddamn ass in here like shit ain't a big deal. I've been runnin' 'round like a fucking PSYCHO!” he yells psycho and pulls on his hair. “Lookin' for my girl. Scared shitless somethin' happened to you.”

  Going to stand up Tank points at the bed.

  “Sit the fuck down.” Is her serious?

  “Excuse me.”

  Kicking a chair out of the way it slides into the dresser with a thud as he stalks towards me. “Shits goin' down around here. People out lookin' for your ass. You fuckin' fall and hit that pretty fuckin' head of yours baby?”

  Shaking my head I just stare at him.

  “You, outta any of these stupid fuckin' bitches round here should know how this shits gonna go. We got issues, shits on lock down. Remember what lock down is, Lil?” he asks me meanly. His tone says he's not looking for an answer, but looking to make me feel stupid. “That means no runnin' around alone. No hangin' outside alone. No runnin' into town alone. Nothin' ALONE. Especially no fuckin' day trips into the city alone. So I'm gonna ask you again. Did your ass fall down and hit your head?”

  Pointing right at me, breathing heavy, eyes ready to kill. I'm not scared. I'm not intimidated. In fact I'm pissed the fuck off.

  “No, but if you don't back the fuck up and outta my face it's goin' to be your ass that falls down and hits your head.” Throwing his head back he laughs. It's a depraved crazy kind of a laugh.

  “You don't give a fuck 'bout me. No call. No text. Not a Goddamn thing. Fuck, at least I would have known. At the very least I wouldn't have felt fuckin' sick with worry.”

  Pushing off the bed I stalk towards him. Reaching my hand into his pocket, I pull out his phone while he stares at me like I've lost it. The phone he didn't answer when I did call.

  Pacing away from me, he breathes heavily shaking his head. Opening it up, I pull up the missed calls. Scrolling to my calls, I hold the phone up for him to see.

  “Called your hard headed ass. TWICE! I called Gin. TWICE!” I scream holding up two fingers. “You have no fucking voicemail, so I couldn't leave a message. Why didn't I text? Hmm, maybe because you took off in the middle of the Goddamn night with my DEAD phone in your truck. Why didn't I call the burner? Because you never gave me the fuckin' number ASSHOLE!”

  Staring at me blankly, I throw the phone at him. Hitting him hard in the chest, it too falls to the ground with a crack. Now he's out two phones, prick.

  “So fuck you. I had shit to handle. So I handled it. You're not around so I did what I had to do.” Fucking asshole. I walk in and he wants to fly off the handle without explanation. Yeah we're on lock down, I get that. But I'm not about to live my life in fear of what’s around every unforeseen corner. I'm not hiding away. Sure, if the guys are around I'll take someone with me. They weren't here so I did what I had to. I'll be damned if I let the unknown rule my life. And I'll be Goddamned if I let Tank rule it for me.

  “You tryin' to get yourself hurt, little girl?” he growls at me throwing his cut down on the bed. Instantly I know he's not talking about others hurting me. He's referring to himself. The contained strain and rage in his stance tells me he's barley hanging on. For some reason I just can't seem to dredge up any strength to give a damn. He can go to hell. He wants to put his hands on me, he'll be getting it right back.

  “Go ahead lay your hands on me,” I challenge. Spinning around he puts his fist through the wall. Dry wall and plaster crumble to the floor.

  “Fuck!” With a final roar he storms by me slamming the door with enough force to make the wood by the hinge crack. The door sags, leaving a gaping space enough to see his retreating back.

  “Fuck you!”

  Tank hasn't been back. It's been a few hours now. I waited around in his room for about thirty minutes. After that I got the fuck out of there. Left out the back door, but not before getting my phone from his truck. I didn't bother to look for his bike so I've no idea if he's at the compound or not. I couldn't go to my dad's place, guess why? Tank has my fucking keys. So I went to Tanks. For the first few hours I was mad as fuck.

  Now I'm mildly annoyed. Sitting on his couch I watch reruns of Lockup. I've no idea why. This show is depressing, but it's addicting. After four episodes in, my newly charged phone rings. My heart does a little dive. Looking at the screen I see it's an unknown number but I answer it anyways.

  “Hello?” A man's voice comes through the line.

  “Ms. Cruz, it's Mr. Wagner. I've got good news.” The phone call goes well with my excitement slowly returning.

  “Thank you Mr. Wagner. I look forward to talking with you next week.” Hanging up the phone I turn around and my excitement dies all over again. Tanks standing by his front door. That rage nowhere in sight. He looks crushed.

  “You're just leavin', yeah?” Taking a step towards him, he just shakes his head sadly. "Came to apologize. What a fuckin' joke that idea was, huh Lil."

  “Not exactly. It's a good opportunity. I'm figuring it all out.” My heart constricts painfully. The look on his face is heartbreaking.

  “I get that shit. Thought what we had was good, guess I thought wrong, huh.” I try to think of something to say because truly I don't want to leave, but I also don't want to give up my dream. All of a sudden his face hardens.

  “Waste of my fuckin' time. Put time into this shit. Put heart into this shit. This shit ain't worth my fuckin' time.” Brushing past me he goes into his room. You ain't worth my time.”

  My heart hurts. I feel tears rush to my eyes. That hurt the worst. Those words cut deep. Walking back out, he heads for the front door without a word. Opening the front door he leans on it.

  “Get out,” he clips harshly, looking right past me. He doesn't even let me explain or even hear me out. He doesn't even care about my feelings in this whole situation.

  Walking past him, I step on to the porch. I feel like I'm in a daze. I search for words, but everything is a jumbled mess. With a slam, he pulls the door closed behind me. Grabbing his arms lightly, I wrap my fingers around his wrist trying to stop him.
r />   “Tank,” Jerking his arm away from me he gives me one final look of disgust before turning on his heels. I watch him get on his bike. My chest tight and stomach in knots. A cold chill settles over my body as tears rush to my eyes, trailing down my cheeks. He's done with me over nothing. Cranking his bike up, he pulls away without a backwards glance.

  31

  Tank

  Riding off, I left her on my porch alone and vulnerable to anyone. I lost my shit. I couldn't fuckin’ look at her without doing or saying something I'd regret. First, her disappearing and now this shit. I don't want to hurt her, but fuck did I want to right then. Had to get as far away from her as I could. Bitch was leaving. Just up and fucking leaving. Right out the motherfucking door. No plans of staying here after she was done helping Low. Just like that, she’s done with me. That shit isn't okay. That girl is mine. She might as well have punched me in the fucking stomach. Better yet she should have fucking shot me. I just fucking lost my shit. I left big brown uncertain eyes staring up at me. I couldn't look at her anymore. It hurt too damn much. I need her and she belongs to me. I own that shit. I love that girl and she doesn't feel the same, so I split. I heard everything. She got a job back in the city and she's leaving. That one phone call ended it all.

  The ride isn't helping. I'm so fucking pissed and confused, I can’t fuckin’ think straight. The road is putting in the distance, but the pain still settles in my heart. I put my shit out there. Gave that girl whatever she wanted and she's just going to up and leave? Just leave me?

  I've no clue how to handle this shit. This feeling foreign and my hearts beating out of my chest. My hands are fisted and antsy. Anger and adrenaline pump through my veins and I know the first motherfucker that gets in my way, I'm breaking bones.

  Pulling into the club, the nightly party is in full swing. I need to get lost, get fucked up.

  Music pours through the speakers and smoke clouds the air. Bitches on the bar, bitches dancing around a pole. Brothers hanging around. Walking behind the bar I go for a bottle of Jack and throw the shit back like my life depends on it.

  “What the fuck you doin' here?” Gin yells from the end of the bar. One look and he fucking knows. I'm shit at keeping my emotions in check, especially shit with Lil. That girl just fucks with me in the worst way.

  “What the hell happened?” I'm not about to get into it with him over Lil. He's my brother, but he's also loves Lil. I'll never win this one. He has her back, just like everybody in this club.

  “Don't,” I warn him. Right now I'm tasting blood so if he don't back the fuck off, it's his I'll be spilling.

  “Dude, where is she?” he asks, starting to sound a little pissed. Walking away from him before I get upset he grabs my shoulder stopping me. Instantly the fight in me bursts. Fuck him. Before I can swing Stitch steps between us.

  “Why the fuck ya two fightin?” Looking between the two of us he looks confused. Pushing past the both of them Gin keeps fucking running his mouth.

  “Where's Lil at?” Her name makes me fucking mad. Makes my blood boil.

  “You've fucked up brother. You left her alone. Left my fuckin' sis alone?” Gin starts throwing out accusations. “Jesus Christ Tank,” Stitch adds his two cents in. Worry starts to worm its way in. Fuck that noise. I shove that shit down, drown it with some Jack and a few lines. Fuck Lil.

  I've fucking lost it. Drunk and high as fuck. Not sure I could walk straight if I tried. My ass is planted on the old leather couch in the club with a bitch in my lap and one on a pole. Bottle in my hand, coke blocking my thoughts out.

  Gin took off, probably to rescue poor little Lil.

  “You like that baby?” the blonde bitch in my lap asks grinding her ass into my dick. No I don't fucking like it. “Shut up, bitch, and just do what you do.” I'm not talking to this cunt. Don't give a flying fuck what she has to say.

  “Somebody needs their dick sucked,” the blonde gash giggles. Sitting here the anger stews. Shits not getting better, if anything it's getting worse. The blondes grinding on me, licking my neck and I have no fucking interest. Shit pisses me off.

  Fifteen minutes later this girl is still at it with my face and hands on the girls tits when I hear it. “What the fuck man,” Gin barks from the doorway. Looking up I find those innocent brown eyes looking at me.

  The devil is in those brown beauties. I've never felt a look like this one before. This one fucking hurt. Felt it to my soul. Those eyes are absolutely broken, lost and devastated, and mad as fucking hell.

  Backing up, she shakes her head once. That shit sobers me right up. I hate the bitch for making me feel like this. I hate her for making me love her. I lose it. I've no idea how to handle her. I thought I knew what I was doing but I've no fucking idea.

  “C'mere Lil,” I call for her. Needing to fix this shit, I try the first thing that pops into my head. Her eyes widen, but she doesn't move.

  “Now!” I bark at her. My voice makes her flinch, but she stays rooted.

  “Fuck no,” she whispers harshly. She's not that scared of me if she's willing to defy me. Fuck it, she don't want to come to me, she can fuck off. My mind is hazy and in a fury. I watch her square her shoulders, ready to throw down with me. She wants to go rounds with me, I'm game babe.

  “What baby, you upset?” I ask her. I want to hurt her, make her feel like I do. “You mad about my bitch for the night?”

  My words make Gin take notice. Standing back up he looks mad.

  “The fuck you say? Best watch what you say to her.” Wrong move buddy. Sticking his neck out for Lil. He's my brother, but I don't owe him shit. He wants to throw down for her, I'll be right here waiting.

  “Why you fuckin' care 'bout the bitch?” I ask pointing right in her face. She flinches again, but keeps that shit in check. Good little fucking soldier, knows to hold that shit in.

  Stitch saddles up to Gin. He's ready to throw down for Lil, too. We're about the same size but, I've got twenty pounds on him. I won't hesitate to put his ass on the ground. I have a feeling if I lay hands on Stitch, Lil will be right there.

  “Like Gin said, ya best watch what the fuck ya say,” Stitch adds. This shit makes me laugh. Brothers for years, best friends for eight and right there, right here for Lil. Shit's fucked up. Every motherfucker in this club falls for this girls shit. I did and look what that got me.

  “Hey brother, it's all good. You can have a turn at her. She's pretty good too. I'm done with that shit now.” Lil gasps and steps back.

  “Fuck you prick. That's why you love me, right?” she spits bitterly. The word love makes me flinch. Fuck her.

  “What Lil, don't look so fuckin' put out. You were just some pussy. Ready and willin' to give up for me, spread that shit wide and gave it to me. I got mine. Stitch can have a turn at it. I'm sure every brother in here would like a turn with that sweet pussy.” Yeah that one stung, didn't it baby? That wall around her crumbles. I watch a single tear slides down that soft cheek. I know I've hurt her good. There's no coming back from that.

  Gin gets one good crack at my jaw before Lows between us looking like he's about ready to murder the both of us. Good, put me out of my misery.

  “Take your shit outside or sit the fuck down.” Turning his eyes to Lil he looks her up and down. He doesn't look happy.

  “Lil, Chapel. Now!” With one last look at me she closes her eyes and leaves. Stupid bitch is about to get my ass killed. She's going to go in there and cry to Daddy. Fuck. I'm a fucking idiot for sticking my dick anywhere near that. Was it worth dying over?

  Fuck … Stitch shoves past me headed for the front door.

  “What in the hell is wrong with you?” Peaches sneers from beside Gin. Great the whole fucking family is here to witness my fucking mess.

  “You know exactly what my fuckin' problem is,” I bite out at her. I'm sure she has something to do with Lil leaving. Convincing her to go and shit. Conniving bitches.

  She looks confused, that shit is as fake as the whore’s tits that wer
e just grinding on my dick. “I don't. Would you like to enlighten me asshole,” she retorts with a snap.

  Before I can remind her of her friends little plan, the Chapel door slams open. Lil's eyes are wet and Low looks like he's out for blood. “Peaches, take Lil home now. I'll be right behind.” Those pissed off eyes swing to me. Time to kiss my ass good bye.

  “Chapel,” he grates turning on his heels storming back inside. One word signing my death certificate.

  Following Low, Lil walks right past me. She smashes into me hard. Elbow in my ribs. I swear to God I hate that bitch, because I don't fucking hate her at all. “He put a bullet in my Goddamn head because of you bitch, you best be cryin' at my Goddamn funeral. Big ass tears.”

  Slamming the door behind me, Low goes to his seat. I stand by the door. I'm not about to get comfortable for this.

  “The fuck is goin' on in my Goddamn club?” he asks gruffly. That bitch whined to Daddy.

  “What'd she tell ya?” Sighing he sticks his cigar back into his mouth taking a drag. He blows out a puff of smoke before he starts. “Said y'all had an argument. She just asked for a ride home.” Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. She kept her mouth shut. She is a good little soldier, better than I thought. Shit.

  “What'd ya do to her?” Low asks me. Blame directed right at me. Damn, I knew this shit would happen. “I know you two fucks got some shit goin' on.” For the first time in my life I'm speechless. He knows? What the fuck. We've been doing this shit in private all while he knew?

  “Fuck, you know?” He looks at me like I'm the stupidest motherfucker alive. Right now, I very well could be. This could either be really fucking bad or pretty fucking bad; neither is going to end well in my favor.

  “Not the Goddamn President for nothin'. I know shit. Why in the fuck you think I had you watch her?” Fuck me. He continues ignoring my wide eyed stare. I need a fucking smoke and another drink for this shit. “I saw it on your face the moment she walked her ass into Church. Shit, I talked about her enough, knew you'd be interested. You got a dick don't ya?”