The Ritual

“Actually, we’re just grabbing a few things, then going back to the apartment,” I inform them.

“Oh.” Her face falls. “I have been texting and calling you all weekend, and you never answered,” she tells her.

Blake frowns, and I look at Gunner. He pretends like he’s not listening and looks away to the grand staircase.

“Hmm,” Blake adds. “I didn’t have anything on my phone from you. Maybe I didn’t have any reception. We were out pretty far.”

I grab Blake’s hand, ending this conversation and pulling her away and down the hall to my room.

After I close the door, I turn to her. “I have to attend a meeting,” I tell her.

She just stares at me, her pretty blue eyes still heated from earlier. She hasn’t spoken directly to me since I snapped at her on the way here.

“Stay in here. I’ll come back when I’m done.” With that, I turn and exit the room to see Gunner and Sarah in the hallway.

“Sarah is going to hang out with Blakely while we’re occupied,” he tells me.

I nod and open my bedroom door for her. Sarah doesn’t even look at me as she enters, and I yank it shut harder than I mean to.

Gunner laughs. “Trouble in paradise already?”

“Let’s get this over with.” I ignore him and shoulder past him.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

RYAT

STEPPING OFF THE elevator, Gunner and I step into the basement. The bunker was added after the hotel was given to the Lords. It’s an armory down here. More guns, ammo, and weapons we could ever need. It’s also where we hold all our important meetings.

The walls are matte black with racks of guns hanging on the far wall. The right wall has knives of various sizes and colors.

There’s a black table in the center of the room. Enough seats to fit fifty people. I notice that only the seniors are present. I plop down next to Prickett, ignoring Matt, who sits across from me. Gunner takes the seat to my right.

Lincoln enters the room and doesn’t waste any time. Clapping his hands, he gets started. “I’m guessing everyone has seen the news by now and is aware of what’s happened.”

“Yes,” everyone says in unison.

He takes the chair at the head of the table. “I need two volunteers for an assignment. I can’t give you any other details other than the job might take a day, might take three weeks. That all depends on how long it takes you to get it done.”

I’m about to volunteer when I hear Matt speak. “Ryat and I will handle it.”

Gunner’s wide eyes shoot to mine while Prickett runs a hand down his face.

“Ryat?” Lincoln looks at me, relaxing back in his chair, waiting for confirmation.

I can’t say no. If I do, it’ll prove to everyone in here I have a problem with Matt. “Sounds good, sir,” I say and then clench my hand in my lap. Motherfucker!

“Perfect. You all are dismissed.” Lincoln stands and exits in a hurry. I’m sure to go get updated on whatever I’m about to be doing.

“Are you fucking serious?” Prickett snaps in my face the moment we’re out of the room and jumping on the elevator. Thankfully, it’s just him, Gunner and me. The others stayed behind.

“What was I supposed to say?” I growl.

“No. That you refuse to work with him.”

I snort at that.

“He’s obviously setting you up.” He goes on.

“Let him.” I shrug.

“Ryat …”

“I don’t give a fuck about him right now.” I snap at Prickett and put my attention on Gunner. “I need a favor from you.”

“I’ve got it covered.” He nods, already knowing what I was going to ask.

“Thanks, man.” The elevator dings and stops on the first floor. We exit, and Lincoln stands there.

“May I have a moment?” he asks me.

“Yeah,” I tell him as Gunner and Prickett walk off down the hall, leaving us alone. “What’s up?”

“Sure you want to do this?” he asks.

“Doubting me?” I arch a brow.

He chuckles. “Never.” His face gets serious, and he checks his watch. “All I know is that you’ve got five hours. So, I’d make sure your girl is home and in bed asleep before you leave.”

BLAKELY

“IS EVERYTHING OKAY?” Sarah asks me while we sit on Ryat’s bed.

“Yeah.”

“Why do I feel like you’re lying to me?” She laughs softly.

I sigh, pulling the hair tie loose from my hair. The messy bun was falling anyway. “Does Gunner tell you anything about the Lords?”

“Nope.” She shakes her head. “And I’m totally fine with that. I’d rather not know.”

“It drives me nuts,” I admit. “Like what the fuck could they possibly be doing that’s so secretive?”

“Listen, Blakely …” She takes my hands in hers. “Whatever you’re thinking, let it go. Okay? I’ve heard some shit while staying here, and you’re much better off not knowing.”

“Like what?” I urge.

Letting go of my hands, she tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. “They …”