Page 37 of Cinder (MC Fables #2)

L ars

In Church, Beast brings the rest of the club up to speed.

“Do we have any idea who killed him?” Bear asks.

“Devil’s Kitchen is a blind spot,” Bram adds. “Minimal cameras. Nobody willing to talk.”

“So we don’t know who came and went out of Cheezy’s apartment,” I say.

“Or put a bullet in his skull while he was doing the five-finger shuffle,” Axe adds.

“Is it possible our suspicions about Cheezy were right and he was the one who sold the clean routes on the dark web?” Rogue asks. “Maybe they paid him a visit.”

Gambit frowns. “But why would they kill him? ”

Rogue shrugs. “Maybe they’re afraid he’ll say something to the wrong person.”

“Dead men can’t talk,” Axe says.

“It’s possible,” Beast says. “The sheriff will keep us up to date with any new developments but in the meantime we’ll do some digging of our own. I also want another crew to join me on patrol tonight. I want eyes on the roads to see what is passing through our territory.”

I volunteer.

So does Balls.

And we head out straight after church.

I volunteered because I’m trying to figure out what is going on with me and Ella. I’m trying to make sense of my feelings for her.

My whole adult life, I’ve avoided the very things I find myself wanting with her.

Except that one time we don’t talk about.

I grip my handlebars tighter until the memory recedes.

I’ve spent fifteen years avoiding the memory, and I’m good at stopping it before the pain comes.

I let out a rough breath.

It should be enough to stop me from pursuing Ella. But the truth is, it makes me want her even more.

The night ends up being uneventful. No suspicious activity on the roads. No sign of the Bratva. Just plenty of hours to think as I ride.

Being so quiet, Beast sends the second patrol home to get some shuteye.

It’s close to midnight, and as I steer my bike toward home, I can’t help but wish Ella would be there waiting for me in my bed.

And as I climb the stairwell leading up to the clubhouse, I can’t stop the emptiness from creeping in when I know she won’t be.