Page 14 of Shadow

I’m standing here like an idiot because I have no idea what I’m supposed to be doing in this situation.Should I even be seeing this right now? Lord! Help me!

“Vete a la mierda!” The man growls.

“Fuck me! No, fuck you!” Shadow answers, then bashes the guy’s head with the butt of his gun.

“That didn’t sound like Russian,” I say because that’s the only thing that comes to mind.

I’ve been hearing that Trey was mixed up with Russians since this started, but this guy is definitelynotRussian.

“What made you come to that brilliant conclusion?” Shadow shakes his head at me like he’s chastising a child.

I frown at his rudeness, “You don’t have to be a dick about it. I just expected Dolph Lundgren.”

“You’re like twenty… how do you know who Dolph Lundgren is?” Shadow quirks a brow at me.

“I’m twenty-four. And who didn’t watch Rocky? Besides, you can’t be that much older than me.”

“I’m twenty-eight,” he replies like that makes him so wise.

“Four whole years. Wow, oh wise one.” I roll my eyes.

This is one of the most asinine conversations I have ever had, especially considering there’s an unconscious man lying on my bedroom floor.

“Hmmmm,” Shadow makes a noncommittal noise, and I sigh.

“Anyways. Back to my original statement… he’s not Russian. So, who do you think he is?”

“No telling. But one thing is obvious, you won’t be able to stay here.”

“Why not? You got him, so I should be safe and sound… right?” The words taste bitter on my lips cause I know they’re just wishful thinking.

“Nah, doll. That’s not how this works. If the first one don’t succeed…” Shadow lets his sentence end, but I know exactly what he’s not saying.

“Then they’ll try, try, again…” I put my head in my hands, and I do my best to breathe through this anxiety. “I don’t have anywhere else to go,” I brokenly whisper.

I realize that I’m in a lot more trouble than I bargained for. If I can’t stay in my apartment, then I’ll be on the streets. I don’t have any friends or family that I can go to, and I won’t be able to afford to stay in a hotel for an extended amount of time.

“Hey, look at me.” Shadow moved into my space with such stealth-like movements that I didn’t even realize he was standing in front of me. “I told you the Sinners got you. Don’t worry. Grab a bag and get some essential shit. I don’t know if this motherfucker had backup or not.”

I nod my head and rush into my closet to pack.So much for being safe and sound.

Ten

MOVING DAY

SHADOW

There’s a bigger chance that Teagan will end up dead if I leave her in this apartment. The guy I knocked out is part of the Costa Oeste, a Mexican gang out of L.A. The tattoos that covered his torso, arms, and face made him easily identifiable. The Oeste’s are bad news, and they definitely deal in human trafficking, but from what we found out, Everett didn’t have anything to do with them. Out of all the debts Everett had, not once did the Oeste’s ever come up.

I called Ice and let him know what was going on, and he sent reinforcements. The Oeste’s run deep, so I know this asshole ain’t the only one here.

Detroit and Flyboy, along with a few prospects, are already sweeping the neighborhood. I may have this dickhead tied up and ready for torture, but that doesn’t mean he’ll talk. We need leverage or an incentive for these assholes to talk.

“I know I’m probably not supposed to ask questions, but since you’ve saved my life twice already, I think I’m entitled.” Teagan pauses as she waits for me to give her the go ahead.

For some reason, her questions don’t bother me as much as they probably should, which is saying a lot for me because everything bothers me.

“Ask your damned questions, doll.” I stare at her, hoping that my demeanor will stop her from being so comfortable and sexy.