Page 136 of Unspoken Rules (Rules 2)

“Okay, let me spell it out for you. If you’re here for forgiveness, you’re not going to get it.”

He doesn’t reply for a good five seconds, and I can tell Haze is close to losing his temper.

“I heard you’re done fighting,” Tanner says after a while. “Rumor has it your guys kicked you out.”

How does he know that? It’s only been a few hours.

“Word travels fast,” he adds like he’s reading both our minds.

“What’s it to you?” Haze asks.

“Word on the street’s that someone’s been asking around the community about you since you skipped town. They’ve been very discreet; even I couldn’t trace them.”

“So what? You came here to warn me?” Haze raises an eyebrow.

“Yes, I did. Someone’s after you, brother. It’s not the North side, it’s not your guys. It’s not even the West side. Can you think of anyone you pissed off lately?”

I repress a snort.

I mean, has he met Haze? The list goes on and on.

“Thanks for the brotherly concern, but I’m good.” Haze walks to the door and swings it open, beckoning him to leave.

“No, you’re not. Even if I’m wrong about the psycho after you, you just became the number one target to all your enemies, can’t you see that? By tomorrow, the entire world’s going to know that you’re on your own. That makes you vulnerable. You’ll be dodging attacks left and right.”

“What’s your point, Tanner?”

“My point… is that you need to join my circle.”

This makes Haze scoff.

“Thanks, but no, thanks.”

“Haze, you don’t understand…”

“I do understand. I understand that my traitor of a brother is looking for an excuse to get my trust back and screw me over again.”

“You do realize that people will find out why you quit, right? It will lead back to her, Haze. Everything will.”

Haze’s anger fades, Tanner’s warning finally puncturing his walls. He glances at me. He’s worried.

“No one’s touching her,” he says.

“I can help you protect her if you give me a chance.”

“Protect her? Spare me the bullshit.” Haze points to the door once more.

“I know what I did was fucked up, but… things have changed since then. I’ve changed. I want to make this right. At least tell me that you’re coming to Mom’s reception on Tuesday.”

We haven’t had a chance to discuss that yet. Haze transports his weight from one leg to the other uncomfortably and shakes his head no.

“You have to come. We’re making a big announcement.”

“So?”

“It’s important.”

“What is it?”