by Rebel Hart
“Can it, Hannah. I’m trying to listen out.”
“And this will keep happening, too. This is his life, Dani. This is how this man gets by. That’s how guys like this are. It’s not a one-off thing for them. I wanted something better for you. Something nicer. Something easier.”
I growled. “I don’t want easy.”
She sighed. “I don’t even know who you are anymore.”
I stared at her. “Maybe you didn’t know who I was in the first place.”
I turned back toward the window. I didn’t need to be dealing with her shit right now. I had enough on my plate. Like figuring out what the hell had happened to Max. He should’ve been here by now. I knew he wasn’t far away. But how the hell could I help him?
I don’t even know where he is.
“Pack. I have to keep packing.”
Hannah snickered. “Yeah. What’s with that anyway? You're packing as if you’re going away for the summer or something.”
“Again, wouldn't understand.”
“Try me.”
“No, thanks. I’ve heard enough of your mouth to last a lifetime.”
She scoffed. “I don’t know what you’ve done with the Dani I love and cherish, but I’d like her back, please.”
I shoved shirts into my bag. “Yeah, well, she’s not coming back. Don’t like it? Get a new roommate.”
I walked over to my closet and ripped it open. If I had more time to pack, then I might as well pack as much as I could. I ripped shirts off the hangers. I pulled open drawers and picked up socks. Panties. Jeans. I shoved it all into my bag until the damn thing wouldn't zip. Then I paused to see if I heard Max. I walked back to the window. I peeked out it again. And when I didn’t hear him, I rushed to my bag.
Pouring the contents out over my bed.
“Now, what are you doing?”
I shook my head. “Will you shut the fuck up? No one wants to hear you talk anymore.”
Hannah paused. “Wow. I knew this man might change you. But I didn’t think he’d make you into a bully, Dani.”
I sighed. “When you stop bullying me about my choices in men, I’ll stop bullying you about your unwanted opinions on every single part of my life. Okay?”
I looked back at her and her gaze dropped to her book. She flipped it back open and I started rolling my clothes down as small as I could get them. If I had things my way, I’d just move in with Max. Commute to and from school. Save my parents’ money on campus housing. But I’d settle for a new roommate.
No, not a new roommate. A new dorm.
I needed a new dorm.
I picked up my phone and sent a text message to Max. Where the hell was he? I needed to know what was going on. I leaned against my bed and started looking up the paperwork information for requesting a dorm room change. I needed something across campus, even if that meant my classes would be a hike. Preferably, the dorm room across the street from campus police.
What’s that dorm building’s name again?
“And another thing, Dani. What is it with you and this--?”
I groaned. “Hannah, I can’t with you right now. Max is in trouble, I need to figure out what the hell’s happened, and the last thing I need to be doing is bickering with you. You want to bicker with someone? Call my parents. They’ll bicker with you until you’re blue in the face. But unless you want to be my friend again, I have no interest in speaking with you. Let alone fighting with you. I’ll be doing that enough with my parents once they find out everything that’s going on.”
She paused. “Trouble? And you want to help this man? Do you even hear yourself?”
I whipped around on her. “I hear myself just fine!”
My voice bellowed over our dorm room and Hannah winced. Physically winced. I felt my fists balling up and my heart rate skyrocketing out of control. I needed her to back off. I needed her to be done with this shit for a little while. I turned around and took in deep breaths, forcing myself to continue packing. Because the more time that passed, the more I was convinced I wasn’t ever coming back to this damn room.
“What do you think you're going to do, Dani?”
Hannah’s voice was light. Calm. Collected. A far cry from the tinny, prissy voice I’d gotten lately from her. I felt my back tense as my movements paused. I clutched a pair of jeans to my stomach as Hannah stood behind me. Hovering. Interjecting. Poking her nose around where it didn’t belong.
“If Max really is in trouble, what in the world do you think you can do for him?” she asked.
I snickered. “You have no idea what I’m capable of.”
“Do you have a gun?”
I turned around. “What?”
She shrugged. “He carries a gun, right? Do you have one so you can shoot your way to him?”
“That isn’t the--”
“Do you have anyone else you can call? A friend of his?”
“I can call them, yeah.”
“Do you have their numbers? Right now? So you can stop blowing up his phone and call them?”
I swallowed hard. “All I have to do is--”
“Do you know where he goes to hide? Where he goes to hang out? Where he might flee to if he’s in trouble? Do you two have a rendezvous point? A code word, in case shit goes south?”
I blinked. “What in the world is up with your questions?”
Her face fell. “Like I said, been there, done it. You're not capable of helping him. You don’t have the tools to save him from whatever it is you think he’s gotten wrapped up in. If you march out those doors, the only thing you are is dead.”
“And how do you know that?”
“Judging by how frantic you’ve been for the past forty minutes? I’d say that’s enough for me to go ‘I just know, Dani.’”
I blinked. “It’s been forty minutes now?”
I whipped back around to my bag and started packing quicker. I rolled up my things and shoved them inside, finally getting all of my clothes in there. She didn’t understand. Even if she thought she understood, she didn’t. Obviously, she hadn’t loved her guy like I did if she wasn’t still with him. I loved Max. And he loved me. And together, we were unstoppable.
“If he doesn’t pull up in ten minutes, I’m going to look for him myself.”
Hannah put her hand on my shoulder. “And what do you think you’re going to do? Seriously? Consider that question for a second.”
I slapped her hand away and spun around. I was tired of her antics. Tired of her judgment. Tired of her fucking bullshit. I unbuckled my jeans and pushed them down my legs. I pulled up the gauze against my thigh, showing her the tattoo. I trembled with fury. I was so angry I could’ve put my fist through her shocked face. And when her eyes slowly slid back up to my own, I forced myself to talk evenly.
“There isn’t anything you can say that’s going to change my mind, Hannah. I love him. I’m with him until the end. Whether you care about it, or not.”
She took a step back. “Holy fuck, is that thing real?”
I pulled my pants up. “Yes.”
She shook her head. “Jesus. Who are you? Where did this person come from? My God, if your parents knew--”
“They don’t, and they won’t. Not until I tell them. You got that? They don’t need to know. I’m a grown-ass woman living in a grown-ass world with grown-ass issues. I don’t need permission, or approval, or a go-ahead from any of you. I’m finally figuring things out for myself. And I just wish you were on board.”
“When it’s turned you into this, how can I be on board? This isn’t you, Dani.”
“You have no idea what ‘me’ is. You've only known me for a little over a year. All you know is the scared little girl I was coming into college. Weren’t you the one that wanted to get me out there? Weren’t you the one that wanted to get me laid?”
She shook her head. “This isn’t on me. This is all you. I meant going to some parties, Dani. Dating a few boys and finding one you might have liked.”
“Yeah, we
ll. I found one I loved. That I’ve given my all to.”
She blinked. “You haven’t--?”
“Like I’d fucking tell you anyway. Look, Hannah, I can’t force this on you. Do I wish you were on my side? Yep. Do I wish we were still friends? Yep.”
“We’re still friends.”
“We’re hardly roommates, Hannah! Look at us! I can’t stand you! And you can’t stand me, either. I’m done trying. I’m done trying to make you see my way with things. If you can’t take me as I am like this, then I don’t think we can--”
“Don’t you dare. Don’t you dare say what you’re about to say.”
I swallowed. “I still love you. I always will. You were my first roommate. My first ever friend on campus. But, I can’t keep doing this. I won’t keep doing this.”
I turned my back to her and slid my toiletries into the open spaces in my bag. I couldn't utter the words. I didn’t have the strength. But damn it, part of me wanted to. I felt my throat tighten as Hannah sniffled behind me. I didn’t want to lose my best friend over this. But I couldn't deal with her incessant criticism, either. Not any longer. It was too much, and I’d had enough.
“That how you really feel?”
Hannah voice was so soft that it almost broke my heart.
Almost.
“Yes. It’s how I really feel.”
She snickered. “Fine, then. I’ll find somewhere else to live.”
I zipped up my bag. “Not a problem. I’m already looking at new dorm buildings as we speak. Since I’m apparently the issue, it’s my responsibility to move anyway. Happy trails.”
“Wait, Dani. Stop. Please. We can talk this out. We can--”
I unlocked the door and ripped it open, slamming it against the wall. I still didn’t hear Max’s bike off in the distance, but I couldn't wait a second longer. I had a car. A nice one, at that. I could go out looking for him if I had to. And, if all else failed, I’d get a hotel close to campus for the night with the bit of money I had in my account. I knew that would raise suspicions with my parents. I knew it would prompt them to call me. But the idea was there as a last-ditch resort.
“Dani!”
Hannah yelled my voice down the hallway as I stopped outside the elevator. I jammed my hand into the buttons, thankful the door opened up immediately. I pulled my phone out as I stepped inside. I heard Hannah rushing down the hallway toward me.
“Dani, wait. Please!”
I pressed my finger against the ‘door close’ button, watching as she faded away. The doors closed before I heard her fists slam against it, and the elevator started moving. I sighed with relief. I looked up and watched the levels tick by. Until I was all the way at the bottom.
Then I started for my car.
I checked my phone and grew more anxious. I had no texts from Max. No phone calls. No voicemails. I stepped outside and felt as if I was being watched, but I wasn’t sure if that was my paranoia spiking or not. I hustled to the parking garage, thankful that my car was close. I tossed my things into the back before slipping behind the wheel. And the first thing I did was lock my doors.
Before shooting Max a text.
Me: I don’t know what’s happening, but I’m heading to your place. If you get this, please meet me there. Or tell John you’re okay so he can talk to me. Or Rupert. Or someone. Please.
Tears slid down my cheeks. I didn't even realize I was crying until I felt them dribbling down my neck. I cranked up the engine and backed out of the parking space before a horn started blaring at me. I screamed bloody murder. I looked in my rearview mirror. I saw someone flick me off before they raced off, making their way to the second level of the parking garage. I gripped the steering wheel tightly. And as I sucked down my fear, I eased myself out of the parking space.
Heading straight for the exit of the parking garage.
32
Max
The first thing I felt was the pain at the base of my head. Shit, it felt like someone had impaled me with something. Moving my head hurt. I couldn’t even dream of opening my eyes. Were they swollen shut? They didn’t feel swollen.
They’re heavy.
I went to move my wrists, but couldn’t. My eyes snapped open with that truth. My head swam and I felt myself growing nauseous again, so I heaved over to the side. Moving my head was excruciating. I needed a goddamn doctor. But what I needed more than that was to be able to move my arms.
Or my legs, for that matter.
I struggled to get my bearings. When bile wasn’t working its way up the back of my throat, my mind swam with so many other questions. Like Rupert. Where the hell was Rupert? Was Dani all right? Who the absolute fuck made this decision to tie me to this chair?
Because it would certainly be their last.
I squinted my eyes as I gazed around the darkened room. There was a light hanging above my head. High above, actually. I tilted my head back, but it was painful to stare into the light. It made my head swim. My eyes felt as if they were screaming. Yep. There was no doubt in my mind that I had a concussion. And every second that passed meant my inevitable death if I didn’t get it taken care of.
Where the fuck is Rupert?
I looked around for him. I resisted the urge to call out his name. So far, the only things I knew were this: I was alone in a big room, with ceilings that were vaulted high, and the damn place smelled like rust. And mildew. And there were metal beams holding the ceiling up.
Like a warehouse.
Holy shit, I was tied up in a warehouse somewhere. I had no clue where I was, either. How long had I been knocked out? I needed answers to these questions. My head was on a swivel, no matter how much it hurt. I needed something--anything--to tell me where I was. But, more importantly, I needed to figure out how to get out of these binds around my wrists and ankles.
My eye caught something red and I squinted, cursing the light for shining down onto me instead of at whatever the fuck that was against the wall. I tried scooting my chair, but it didn’t budge. And when I say it didn’t budge, I mean it didn’t move. It didn’t tip. It didn’t tilt. It didn’t do a damn thing.
My eyes fell downward.
I know where I am.
The second those bolted legs came into view, it clicked. The red on the wall. The high beams. The singular light. The metal chair with its legs bolted to the concrete floor. I was in my father’s warehouse. A place I’d been many times. I even knew the room I was in. I knew what part of the warehouse and what room he had me tied up in.
And it didn’t bode well for me.
My father had his warehouse sectioned off into certain areas. The main room in the middle was for shipping containers and product he moved. Priceless artifacts shipped from one point to another, with him taking a cut off the top. That was, by far, his biggest money maker. So long as he got his fifteen percent and a rental fee for the days someone had to use his warehouse, he asked no questions and didn’t poke or prod as to what was being shipped around. This place was always fucking busy.
Which was why it worried me that I heard nothing.
Suddenly, footsteps sounded in the corner. The light grew brighter over my head, forcing my eyes closed. The footsteps grew closer. They shuffled around, and I tried my best to pinpoint the canter of the walk. It sounded familiar. I felt my blood already bubbling as my gut comprehended what my mind was slow to take in.
“How the mighty have fallen.”
Benji’s voice hit my ear and I wanted to snap his neck.
“Where’s Rupert?” I growled.
He dipped down into my view. “Wow. You’ve seen better days, Maxwell.”
I lunged at him. “Don’t you dare use my full name, you slimy piece of shit. Where the fuck is Rupert!?”
My roaring voice echoed off the corners of the massive building as Benji stood up. With a crooked grin on his face, he crossed his arms over his chest. I hated how blurry he was. I hated how my mind didn’t feel right. Everything was hazy. As if I were walking through fog and reliv
ing memories.
I had to get out of my bonds.
“Are you really going to continue struggling with your brain swelling the way it is?”
I snarled. “Listen here, you slimy snake, I know damn good and well you’re working with my father. I know damn good and well you’re doing this because I won’t let you rush the fucking club. Well, you want to know why I won’t let you rush!?”
He snickered. “Because I’m apparently unreliable. Or, so you’ve told me.”
“No. Because you have a future well beyond the club.”
He paused. “What?”
I leaned back into the chair. “I pressed college and didn’t let you rush because you’re smart, Benji. You have a future beyond the club. Beyond the bloodshed. Beyond the firefights and my father’s whimsically disgusting ways. I never let you pledge because you’re better than that.”
“You--you did--you did that for me?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I did, you shithead.”
A searing pain cracked me across my face and my head fell to the side. The involuntary roar of pain that escaped my throat before I vomited again reminded me of just how vulnerable I was. I hated that feeling, too. Dread filled my gut. I coughed and sputtered as spit dangled from my lip. Then, I felt someone fist my hair before my eyes found Benji’s again.
“You don’t get to make that decision for me, El Presidente. It’s my life. I do what I want with it. Whether you like that shit or not. Got it?”
He shoved my head, forcing me to heave again. And I made a vow to myself. Then, and there.
Benji dies by my hand.
“You’re right,” I murmured.
“What was that?”
He dragged my head around for a bit before his gaze found mine.
“Say that one more time, All Powerful One?”
I grimaced. “You’re right.”
He grinned. “Perfect. Glad you know your place. You're right. I am smarter than all of you. I mean, look at where you’re sitting and where I’m, well, standing.”
