Rafe (Inked Brotherhood 5)

Unbury me, reveal me

Pull me out of the grave.

I’m back, banging the drum

I had no hope, yet here I come

Done with the past,

I look ahead and I see you

You shine so bright

And I’m back.

‘Resurrection’ by Rafe Vestri

Chapter Sixteen

Rafe

“Rafe,” Colt says over the phone, his voice crackling. “Chickened out yet?”

“Fuck you.” I pull a frozen meal out of the fridge and stick it into the microwave. “Tonight at nine, right?”

“Right.”

A beat of silence. I hate the silence, because I can hear myself think, and all I can think of is Meg and how she left. How fear flashed in her eyes, how her face paled when she heard of my plans. How sadness twisted her beautiful mouth.

“I love you.”

Dammit. She has my heart. Doesn’t she know?

But maybe it’s too late now. I told her I’ll be there for her, and then showed her that dealing with my past is more important than her. No wonder she walked out without another word. All those words and nothing to show for them.

Fuck, her absence hurts like a broken bone.

I nuke my meal and turn to the window. Night is falling. “So what did you want to tell me? Decided what you want in return for helping me?”

“Yeah.”

“So what’s it gonna be?” I glance at the plastic-wrapped dinner and my stomach roils. “What can I do you for?”

“Yeah, well, here’s the thing.” A pause during which I poke at the plastic wrap and rip it, burning my fingers and not caring one bit. “You’re friends with Asher Devlin.”

I still. Not sure why I wasn’t expecting this. After all, Ash fought in the club before, though what Colt expects to get out of that is anybody’s guess.

“Go on.” I peel off the wrap and grab a fork. I should eat, or I’ll never have the energy to fight. “Spill.”

“Johnny Cooper, the boss at the fight club, likes Asher. Johnny was friends with Asher’s daddy, Jake Devlin, back in their boxing days. I bet if Asher asks a small favor of him, Johnny won’t refuse.”

I freeze, my fork in the air. “Leave Ash out of this.”

Colt tsks. “Not asking him to get involved. Only to ask Johnny one question.”

“No way.”

“Listen, man.” Colt grunts. “This is a matter of life or death to me, okay? It’s why I’m helping you out, even if it costs me, and it’s why I’m asking. I’m not doing it lightly.” He sounds like he’s grinding his teeth together. “Please, Rafe. Going into the club is important to you, I get it. And I am getting you inside. Please help me out.”