Devil’s Vengeance (Devil’s Disciples MC #6)

Chapter 38

CHAPTER 38

MARIAH

Going back to work wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped. I thought with enough distractions, I could get through it, but my head snapped around every time the door opened and I jumped if anyone dropped a book or shut the door too hard. Regina must’ve noticed because she didn’t fight me taking over story time. Being around the littles helped a bit, but as soon as they were out the front door, I was feeling twitchy again.

“Okay. I’ve tried to be patient, but something is obviously wrong. Time for you to tell me what’s going on,” Regina said, sitting down beside me. Her expression was firm, but her touch was kind as she put her hand on mine.

I shook my head automatically. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Is it about that slimy biker? Is he bothering you again?”

Technically, yes. And that was part of it. But his whole crew showed up last night. Or at least enough of them to cause that much damage and murder someone. When it was just him coming after me, I felt like I could deal with that. I had self-defense lessons and a taser in my purse. I could take on one slimy biker with a god complex. But I couldn’t do anything about an entire crew. And I doubted the silent alarm would be enough if they tried to come here. I didn't want Regina or anyone else getting hurt because of me, but I wasn’t sure how long it would take for Chase or his crew to deal with Trick, either. I wasn’t well off enough to be able to quit my job and walk away.

My head and my heart were conflicted, too. Seeing the heartache on Chase’s face, feeling the way he clung to me, it all made me feel closer to him. Too close, maybe. I was falling for him, and that would make walking away just that much harder. But I felt like I needed to. For my safety and the safety of everyone around me. Staying with my parents was fine for a night or two, but Trick found me once. It wouldn’t be that hard for him to find me again. The town wasn’t that big. And I didn't want him hurting my family.

The fear of what was coming, the despair over what was lost, and the sadness over what I’d lose if I walked away, all combined to make me an anxious mess, and I couldn’t hide that from Regina. Not after everything I’d been through in the last few months.

“That slimy biker, Trick–”

“Now that’s not very nice,” a familiar voice drawled. “I took you out on a date and everything.”

My head jerked up, and I stared in horror at Trick, who was leaning casually against the reception desk, playing with a butterfly knife. My eyes dropped to his hand, watching the blade whip around easily. I saw the threat for what it was and sat frozen, willing myself not to glance toward the computers where Bear was supposed to be watching. Either he hadn’t noticed yet, or he wandered away to do something. Whatever the reason, he wasn’t coming to my rescue just yet.

“What are you doing here, Trick?”

He flashed me that slimy grin and I hated myself for not recognizing it sooner. I was so pissed at Chase, I ignored the red flags just because a guy was being nice to me. I shouldn’t be allowed to pick my dates anymore.

“I’m here for another date. We never got to finish that first one before Jesse showed up. I had plans for you.”

I gaped at him, horrified. “Why the hell would I ever go out with you again?”

“Because I can show you a good time. Way better than Jesse ever could.”

A scoff slipped out before I could stop it. “So we can add delusion to your many red flags. Go away, Trick. I’m not going on another date with you.”

He raised an eyebrow at me. “Thought you two weren’t seeing each other.”

My brow furrowed a little as I tried to wrap my head around what he was getting at, but Bear’s bark of fury caught Trick’s attention, and he grinned wildly. “Thanks for clearing things up with me. I’ll see you around for our second date. Tell Jesse to watch his back.”

He pushed off the desk and walked away, laughing to himself like he’d just heard something funny. It took me too damn long to figure out what it was. I blanched. “Did I just admit to that man that Chase and I were a thing?”

“That’s what it sounded like. Are you?”

I didn't know how to answer that. And it didn’t really matter. I just gave Trick ammunition to keep coming after me because I couldn’t keep my mouth shut. Snatching up my phone, I immediately dial Chase’s number. He picked up on the second ring.

“I know. I’m on my way. Sit tight.”

He hung up before I could say anything, but it didn’t matter. He was doing what I wanted. I glanced out the window of the front door at Bear, who was on the phone with one hand on his hip. He probably called Chase first. I didn’t know who else he was calling after the fact. All that mattered was that Chase was on his way, and I needed an exit plan. Trick made it perfectly clear that he wasn’t the slightest bit afraid to approach me in public. I couldn’t stay here and continue to put Regina and the patrons who came here in danger. I wouldn’t.

I took a break when I noticed Chase standing outside. He was talking to Bear, a deep frown on his face. He frowned like that so often it was going to become permanent. He said something and scowled, but I didn’t catch any of the conversation. By the time I was outside, Bear was getting on his bike and Chase was headed my way. He stopped in front of me, scanning me from head to toe. I shook my head .

“He didn’t touch me. He just talked. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what?”

I grimaced. “He was being an ass. I didn’t realize he was fishing until I said something that made it sound like we’d been sleeping together at the very least. I shouldn’t have even spoken to him.”

That got me a bland look. “No. You shouldn’t have. You should’ve called Bear over or pressed that damn button like I told you to.”

His tone made me stiffen, and I glared back at him. “He had a knife, Chase. The implication was clear. If I started shouting, he’d do something with it. And I can’t call the cops just because he’s standing in front of me. He wasn’t doing anything illegal.”

Chase pointed at the sign on the door. “Pretty sure weapons aren’t allowed on the premises. Unless you’re telling me that only applies to guns?”

I glanced at the sign with a frown. “It applies to everything, but calling the cops because he has a knife would only piss him off more. I need to leave, Chase. He’s obviously not going to leave me alone, and it’s not safe here. I don’t want other people to get hurt because of me.”

The flinch was subtle, but I saw it and immediately felt guilty.

“I’m sorry. I didn't mean–”

“I know what you meant,” he interrupted. He sighed heavily. “I’m sorry. I’m just frustrated. I don’t mean to take it out on you. He’s toying with you, and that pisses me off.”

I was glad he was taking it seriously, and I understood his frustration, but I couldn’t figure out what would happen next.

“Do you think you can help me pack up my apartment? I don’t know how long this is going to take, but I can’t–”

“You can’t leave,” he growled. I thought for a minute he was being stubborn, but from the look on his face, whatever he had to say, he didn’t like it.

“Croy’s new plan is to draw Trick out. He needs bait to sweeten the pot.”

After everything I’d learned about Chase, I knew this wasn’t his idea and he wasn’t on board. It didn’t stop me from yelling at him .

“What are you talking about? I’m not going to be fucking bait for that creep!”

He grimaced, taking my elbow so he could pull me into the shadow of the building and out of sight of anyone coming in and out of the library. I couldn’t get my head around his plan. I wasn’t part of the crew. Why was I being dragged farther into this? Was this a punishment for going to Riley when Croy threatened Chase’s life?

“Listen, I know this is a stupid fucking idea. And I’m not saying you’ll be left unprotected. Plenty of guys will be around and the rest are on alert to show up if Trick does come around. He won’t get anywhere near you.”

I made an incredulous sound, crossing my arms over my chest. “Like he couldn’t get close today? He was just here, Chase! Less than five feet away from me with a knife in his hand. Why the hell would I believe I was safe after that?”

Irritation flashed across his expression for a moment. “Because they only had one person here and Trick waited until Bear went to the restroom to come for you. It won’t be the same next time. I–”

“No. You’re asking too much. It’s not just me that’s at risk here. Kids come to the library, Chase. Old people who can’t run away if something bad happens. I’m not letting you or your crew put them all at risk just because you can’t handle the situation yourself. I’m leaving. You can find Trick on your own.”