I made the decision to get involved with Ryu and I knew the risks that went along with it. Had I stayed away, none of this would’ve happened. But I ignored all the warning signs, too enthralled with the man hiding behind the bad boy exterior.
“Is Ryu going to jail?”
He frowns at my question, not liking how easily I dismiss his advice. But the stupid part of my brain is holding on to a spark of hope that Ryu and I have some sort of future. Guess this is what people mean when they say love can make people think and do crazy things.
“It’s not looking good for him.” He says it with such finality that the sliver of hope I was holding on to starts to fade. Apparently done with the conversation, Special Agent Robinson stands up and opens the door. “I’ll escort you out and have someone take you home.” Without saying a word, I follow him out.
We’re halfway down the hall when I feel tingles slide across my skin. I shift my head to the side and lock eyes with Ryu. All the air in my lungs escapes as I hold his gaze. My throat tightens as a sob climbs its way up. The person staring back at me is not the Ryu I know. This version is no longer full of confidence and power.
What I see is a man who’s been beaten and stripped of everything that makes him who he is. The hurt and guilt and shame he’s harboring are wrapping around him to the point it looks like he’s suffocating, but too exhausted to fight back.
The sob finally escapes me and tears begin to fall like they’re chasing it. It’s at this exact moment that my heart ignites in a flame, burning like a wildfire. His eyes tell me it’s over, and no matter how badly I want to argue and fight for him, for us, I know it’s done.
Our time together has ended.
I fell in love with him, and now all I have to show for it is a hole where my heart once was. Love is not supposed to feel like this. Love is supposed to consume you in the best way possible, not burn you to the core, leaving nothing behind but ash.
Ryu hangs his head at the same time Special Agent Robinson calls my name. “Ms. Whitley, this way.”
Without looking back and with tears streaming down my face like a broken faucet, I follow him out of the building.
Ryu
Seeing Poppy cry makes everything Dickface said more real. She knew exactly what I was thinking—it’s over. Watching her heart break was one of the worst things I’ve ever had to witness. Any doubt I had about the way she felt for me was cleared up in the span of five seconds. And it crushed me that I couldn’t pull her into my arms and make all the pain go away.
I stare at the floor, still feeling Poppy’s eyes burn into me. There is an ache in my chest from the hole that’s growing, but anger is starting to take over. I hate the fact that every insecurity I have was flayed wide open for everyone, including Poppy, to see. Sparks of rage zing over my skin, my hands itching to slam the guy’s head on the table.
“That was intense,” Dickface mumbles.
Fuck you is what I want to yell, but I hold back. My jaw tightens as I glower at him, letting his words slice right through me—I deserve it. He leans back, waiting for my answer.
The swirl of confusion, coupled with an assault of indecision has my head pounding. I squeeze my eyes shut, hoping for a reprieve but no such luck. Tension has settled in my neck and shoulders and is working its way down through the rest of my body. I equate the feeling to when I am recovering from a sparring session.
Wrecked.
Drained.
I hate the position he’s putting me in. But what choice do I really have?
With a heavy sigh, I say, “Fine. I’ll do it.” For her.
“Wonderful.” He smiles, rubbing his hands together. “I’ll get someone to take you home. We’ll be in touch.” He walks out the door, the twins following behind him.
As soon as the door closes, I hang my head. “What the hell did I just do?” I whisper.
Today’s the day that I meet with the members that are left of the Fallen. I sent a blast text out yesterday to those whose numbers I have, telling them to spread the word.
I park my bike and scan the scene. There are more bikes and vehicles here than I expected. Looks like word got out. I hang my helmet on the handlebar and make my way inside. Not knowing if I’m going to be shot on the spot or jumped and beaten to death, I brace myself before stepping into the warehouse.
But the minute the door closes behind me, my eyes find the pole Poppy was tied up to. I freeze up, finding it hard to breathe. I fight through the images parading around in my head. All eyes are on me; there’s a mix of confusion, irritation, and concern on their faces.
The sound of my boots hitting the concrete as I approach the makeshift stage causes the hair on the back of my neck to rise. I’m not used to this kind of attention from the members, and the fact that it's quiet as hell in here is equally eerie. I hop up on the stage and face everyone. And wouldn’t you know it, some are looking at me like I’m the answer to whatever questions they have. That’s not what I want to be, but apparently, it's what I’m going to be.
All right.
Step one: convince them that I should be Pres.
Easy, right?
“I’m guessing by now everyone knows that some shit went down the other night. We lost eight members with another eight in lock-up, including the Pres. Last I heard, Ace is still in the hospital from the beating I gave him.” I watch as brows raise at that bit of information. Interesting. This has me wondering how many people Ace involved in his little attempt at setting me up. “I know that some of our own were the cause of all this. But I also know that if I ask about the setup, no one’s gonna snitch.”
I survey the room, taking my time to assess each face standing in front of me, letting it linger a half-second longer to gauge their reactions. No one looks twitchy, like they know anything.
I cross my arms over my chest. “So, where does this leave us? We’ve got no Pres and no officers. And my understanding is that they’re gonna be locked up for a while. The Tennessee Chapter I’m sure has heard about the shit that’s gone down and will be expecting an answer on how we’re going to fix it. Any suggestions?”
“We vote on a new Pres?” Drew asks, speaking up from the back. A low hum of agreements starts trickling through the group.
“And who’s gonna offer themselves up for that role? Keep in mind that a group of our own just tried taking out the current Pres. And let’s not forget that anyone who fills the position is now in Marcus’s sights.”
That has people shifting on their feet and eyes bouncing around to other members like they’re too scared to open their own mouths, waiting to see what everyone else is going to say first.
Dumb and pathetic is what it is.
“You should do it.”
Everyone’s heads, including my own, turn to JD, who’s sitting by the bar drinking a beer. I, of course, didn’t tell JD anything. I made up some shit ass excuses.
“Me? And what makes you think I want it?”
He stands up and casually makes his way to the stage, hopping up on it to stand beside me. “Let’s be real. Out of everyone standing here, you’re the best choice. Your father is or was Pres. You’ve spent your entire life growing up in clubs. I think if anyone in here deserves the position, it’d be you, plus you stopped Ace from completely destroying the club.”
He tips his beer my way and looks out over the group. “Unless someone else has a better option?” I don’t miss the way he gives everyone a challenging look. Here I was thinking I’d have to sell myself for the role, but it looks like someone else has done it for me. Honestly, I’m a little taken aback by his proclamation, but at the same time. . .grateful?
“Aye.” My head turns to Leo, who nods at me.
“Aye.”
“Aye.”
“Aye.”
Before I know it, the entire group gives their approval, and all I can do is stand in awe that this just happened. I walked in here today, not knowing how this was going to turn out, and in less than an hour, I’m the new
president of Legion’s Fallen MC.
Fuck my life.
My stomach churns with acid. I don’t want the job. I just want Poppy and to get the hell out of here. But if I have any chance of being with her and being the man she needs, this is my only option.
JD turns to me with a wide grin and clasps my shoulder. “Congrats, my brother.” Then he turns back and says, “Hell yeah! Give it up for Dragon, our new Pres!” The deafening sound of excitement echoes through the open space. I force a smile because I should be happy at this moment, right? I mean, things are falling into place better than I had imagined.
“This calls for a celebration,” JD continues, riling everyone up more. “Tonight, we party!”
“Hey, man.”
I look away from the bonfire to see JD approaching me, a beer in each hand. The party is in full swing and one of the biggest ones we’ve had in a while. It’s amazing how quickly the dead can be erased from memory. I’m sure if I gave a shit about anyone here, dead or not, I may experience pangs of remorse. Even the members who are now locked up carry no presence. It’s like they never existed based on the shit going down inside.
I haven’t heard anything about my father, then again, I doubt I’d be the first one he’d call. Guess I should be thankful we got into it the other day. A good son would be doing all he can to try and post bail or get his sentence reduced or something. But I’ve never been a good son—so fuck him.
JD extends his hand and I take the beer that's offered. I’m not in the mood to party tonight, but seeing as how I’m now Pres, I don’t have the option to just bounce whenever I want to anymore. I’d rather be climbing into bed with Poppy and sinking my dick deep inside her. But I can't do that either.
“Thanks.” My reply is clipped with irritation, not directed at him, but I’m not about to explain myself. Hell, there’s literally no one I can talk to about how I’m feeling and the shit I’ve gotten myself into. I’m stuck wallowing inside my own guilt-ridden thoughts.
“How’s it feel being Pres now?”
I watch the flames dance, the night sky their background. The movements a seductive whisper reminding me of the wildfire that is Poppy, and I find myself getting lost in them. How did I go from wanting to move up north with her, to being arrested right in front of her, to now being the president of the very thing I have been trying to escape in the span of forty-eight hours?
I lost my heart the other night, then turned around and sold my soul to Hades himself. Now my only focus is bringing Marcus down. The faster I can get the Feds off my back the faster I can have her back in my life—forever. Well, that’s if she’ll take me back. But I’m hoping after I explain everything, she’ll agree to give me another shot. Then I can prove to her that I am the person, the only person who can love and protect her the way she deserves.
“Don’t know yet,” I say. “No one’s tried to kill me, so that’s a plus.”
“I can tell you that a lot of people are happy you’re running the show.”
“Ya, well, we’ll see how long that lasts.”
“I gotta be honest with you, Ghost was a piece of shit. He didn’t set the bar high as far as presidents go,” he laughs.
“This is true.” I down half the beer for the sole purpose of using the soon-to-be empty bottle as a way to sneak away. Five minutes is all I’m asking for to collect my thoughts. After the meeting today, I didn’t get a chance to go home and let everything sink in. Nah, my ass ran an ‘errand’ where I had to go meet up with the FBI douches. Give them an update on my progress and go over the next steps.
“Incoming.” JD elbows my side.
Damnit.
Four freaking groupies are on a mission and head straight for me. I chug the last of the beer, but I wasn’t quick enough to slide away.
“Hey, Dragon,” a blonde—I think her name is Candy—purrs, coming to a stop in front of me. The rest of the girls fan out, one draping herself over JD. “We wanted to come over here and congratulate the new Pres and,” she takes a step closer to me, running a palm up my chest, “offer any kind of assistance that you may require.”
My body shivers in disgust at her touch. I don’t want another woman touching me, I only want hers. I go to open my mouth and tell them to get lost when my cell rings. Pulling it out, I see a blocked number. Unsure if it's the Feds or not, I excuse myself and head up to my new office.
“Yeah.”
“I knew it couldn't be right, the new president of Legion’s Fallen forgetting to call me and notify me of the change.”
That voice.
It couldn’t be.
“Marcus?”
“Looks like the Little Dragon is now sitting high in his castle,” he muses.
I ease down into the chair, swallowing hard. Marcus has my number. Marcus is on the phone with me. Dread bottoms out in my gut, taking all the blood from my face with it.
“I. . .uh. . .was planning on calling you tomorrow. The decision was made only a few hours ago.”
“Dragon,” he tsks. “Your father was a worthless piece of shit who couldn't play by the rules. I expect more from you.”
I grip the arm of the chair, wondering just how much shit I’m going to be in, and I’ve only had the job less than a day. He isn’t aware that I know he wanted my father dead. I need to try and play nice. I’m not ready for my life to end by the hand of some sadistic bastard I’ve never met.
“Nevertheless,” he continues. “I wanted to call and personally congratulate you on your new position.”
I blink. “Uh. . .thanks.”
“That’s not the only reason I’m calling, but I take it you already knew that.” The thought hadn’t crossed my mind yet. I’m still stunned he’s on the other end of the line. “Seeing as the Fallen have fucked shit up down there, I want you and your crew here by the end of next week.”
“Next week?” My mouth drops. How the hell does he expect us to do that on such short notice?
“Don’t disappoint me. It’d be wise to stay on my good side.” I don’t miss the threat, and I know not to take it lightly. “See you soon.” And with that, the line goes dead.
“Dammit,” I yell, slamming my hands on the desk.
Poppy
Six Months Later. . .
“Poppy, you about ready to go?”
The door to my dorm room swings open, and Michelle, my roommate, comes bouncing in. She kind of reminds me of Deb, and I think that’s why I gravitated to her right away. She’s a bit taller than me with a rich tan, captivating chocolate eyes, and chestnut brown hair. We’re both freshman, but she’s majoring in business, so we only have a couple intro classes together.
“Please tell me you’re not still lying in bed where I left you?” She lets out an annoyed sigh and plops down beside me.
“Nope. I rolled over on my side and moved my leg about six inches.”
She jostles me with a huff. “You’re not bailing on me again. It’s Valentine's Day and I need you as my date.” She pulls in her bottom lip and gives me puppy dog eyes.
Since arriving at college, I’ve done my best at weaseling out of going out with her and a few of our other friends, preferring to stick to myself. I latched on to Michelle when I first arrived partly because I missed Deb and partly because I was still nursing a broken heart and needing comfort. Six months later, nothing has changed. I’m still not ready to let go of him.
The good news is that the days of thinking about him are getting fewer and fewer, which makes getting through each day easier. I’m staying busy with schoolwork and my internship, and it’s helped. What doesn’t help is days like today where I’m reminded of what I could’ve had. College is supposed to be a fresh start for me, a place where I can figure out who I am and who I want to be. Instead, I’ve managed to isolate myself—much like high school.
“I thought you had what’s-his-face taking you out tonight?”
“Allen will be there tonight, but I’m keeping my options open. Not that I have many choices, unlike y
ou who’s turned down dates right and left.”
“Ugh, not this shit again.” I roll onto my back and cover my face with my pillow.
She yanks it away. “Yes, this shit again. Look, I know something happened with a guy before you came to college but that was months ago. You need to move on. Who knows, you could’ve passed up your future ex-husband already. Not all of us can say that.” A teasing grin lifts on her face.
I’m aware that holding on to the past isn’t healthy, but I’m dealing with it the best I can. “Ha. Ha. You know, this isn’t convincing me to come out tonight.”
“Fine. Maybe this will.” She stands up and throws the blanket off me then grabs both my feet before I can even blink and tugs me out of bed onto the floor.
“Ow. Fuck. My tailbone.” I wince at the bite of pain from being dropped on my ass. I glare at her but she’s unfazed, smiling down at me instead.
“You have thirty minutes to get up and get dressed before I take matters into my own hands. And you don’t want to see what I’m capable of doing, missy.” The wild look in her eyes tells me she’s serious. I want to argue but think twice about it. She’s not backing down like she normally does when I turn down her invitations.
“Fine. But I’m only staying for an hour, and if anyone tries to hit on me, I’m leaving the option open to kick them.”
She laughs. “Deal. Time’s ticking away. Hurry the hell up.”
She helps me to my feet, and twenty-five minutes later, I’m standing in front of the mirror with a cranberry top, black jeans, and black heels. I even put makeup on, only because Michelle was following me around with her makeup tote threatening to do it herself if I didn’t.
“You look hot. Why you don’t dress up more is beyond me,” she says, coming to stand behind me and checking me out.
I roll my eyes. “Whatever. Let’s go so I can get home. There’s a new docuseries on Netflix I wanna check out.”
“Jeez. We need to find you a man.” I inwardly cringe at her comment. “Uber’s here.”
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