Runner: A dark enemies to lovers gang romance (Sapphire Duet Book 1)
Runner: Chapter 25

Confusion swept through me as I sat in the dark corner of the bar. Something wasn’t right, and I had a feeling Kade and Gray had something to do with it. I hadn’t spoken to them in a couple of days, ever since coming back from Roseville. I was still shaken from knowing they’d heard my entire conversation with Rhett. They knew Joel’s name. I wasn’t worried about them trying to look into him like I knew they would. They wouldn’t replace anything helpful. I didn’t even care too much that they knew about Caleb. Again, they’d never be able to replace him.

The thing that had put a weight on my chest was that they’d seen my weakness. They’d gotten a peek into the hellhole of abuse I’d lived through, and I could see the pain they felt for me every time I looked at them. I detested it. And opening up to Gray had only made it worse. I didn’t want to share my life with any of them. I should have just shot Rhett in the head, but no. I wanted to make sure he knew it was me who killed him.

My phone rang, bringing me back to the present. My stomach flipped when I saw Rylan’s name on the screen. I’d been avoiding him too. Although I doubted he wanted to see me after the picture Kade had sent him. Rushing out of my chair, I jogged to the entrance, answering the phone as I ducked out of the bar.

“Hi, Rylan.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were back in town?”

I chuckled. “I honestly thought you’d reconsidered after what happened.”

“I told you I’d see you for our date.”

“How did you know I was already back?”

“The crew aren’t the only ones with ears in the city.”

I leaned against the old bricks. “Are those ears hearing anything about me?”

“Nice try. You’ll have to go on that date to replace out.”

I grinned, not remembering the last time someone had tried so hard to do something with me that didn’t involve sex. I stepped to the side when a group of guys strutted down the sidewalk to go into the bar. One of them shot me a flirty grin before they disappeared through the door.

“Why doesn’t it bother you?” I asked, turning my attention back to my phone call.

“What? That you’re seeing other guys? Especially two guys who hate me?” He sounded amused, which only enhanced my confusion about him. “Are you seeing anyone other than Kade and Gray?”

“I’m not seeing them,” I snapped. “I’ve just fallen into bed with them a couple of times. And there’s been no one else since coming to town. I’ve been too busy to replace guys to sleep with.”

That wasn’t exactly true. I didn’t want any other guys—except these three. I ran a hand down my face, seriously considering just leaving Ridgewood now. They were getting too close. I was thinking about them more than I should be. They were figuring out my secrets, and I couldn’t let that happen.

“How was the rest of your business trip?” he asked, sounding genuinely curious.

“If it makes you feel better, I almost killed Gray and Kade.”

He let out a laugh, thinking I was joking even though I was actually dead-ass serious. When I found out they’d heard my conversation with Rhett, that had been my first thought. I never left witnesses. If it had been anyone else, I would have shot them without hesitation. But I couldn’t. I couldn’t pull the trigger because I didn’t want them dead. And that was a problem. I’d come here to use them for a job, but somehow they were forcing me to feel things I’d long ago given up on.

“What are you doing tonight?” he asked.

“Why? Going to ask me on that date?”

“Depends on where you are.”

I sighed. “I can’t tonight. I’m working.”

He paused. “With the crew?”

“Nope. By myself this time.”

Someone pushed open the bar door, and the music got loud until the door shut.

“Sounds like a good time,” Rylan said, sounding a bit upset.

“I’m not partying. My work takes me to interesting places.”

“Like where?”

“I’m at some dive bar on the north side.” I craned my neck to look at the sign. “The Bar Room. Real original name.”

He chuckled. “That place has been around since before I was born.”

“You never answered me.” I tapped my fingers against my tight jeans. “Why don’t you care that I slept with Kade and Gray?”

“Because I think I’m a better man than them, and I plan to win you over.”

His words shocked me into silence as a warm flush traveled down my neck. “Do you talk to all the women like this?”

“No, Mili. I’m only talking to you.”

I cleared my throat. “I’m available tomorrow night. For the date.”

“I can’t. I have a meeting. How about Friday night?”

That was two days from now, and I had no plans at all this weekend. “Sure.”

“Can’t wait to see you, Mili. Stay safe tonight.”

“Goodnight, Mayor.”

I slipped my phone back into the clutch I had looped around my wrist. My stomach was still fluttering from the phone call with Rylan as I went back inside the bar. It was busy but not packed, which was perfect. If only one of the men in here would dance with me. At first, I thought it was an off night, but as I walked back to my table, I knew I wasn’t imagining it. The second any man in here met my eyes, they averted their gazes just as fast.

My plan was not going to work if I couldn’t make people remember me tonight. I was dressed to perfection. Blue jeans that stuck to me like a second skin. My black crop top dipped down, revealing more than an eyeful of my breasts. My eyes were surrounded by thick black and gray makeup. I looked like a girl who loved to party at these kinds of bars. But not one guy had asked me to dance or bought me a drink, and I’d been here for an hour.

I panicked for a moment, wondering if somehow people were replaceing out I was Sapphire. But no, it wasn’t that. There were a few women in here that I knew were close to the crew, and they weren’t ignoring me like the men were. Although I noticed a couple of them giving me scathing glares.

I needed an alibi tonight, and this place was perfect. The crew owned it, and it was one establishment where there weren’t cameras. There was enough of a crowd for people not to notice when I slipped out, but it small was enough that I’d get noticed and could prove I was there if asked. But no one was fucking paying attention to me. I checked the time, clicking my tongue. I had a backup bar to go to, but I didn’t like it as much as this one.

Cursing under my breath, I stalked to the bar. “Can I pay my tab, please?”

The bartender glanced at me as he wiped a glass. “You’re all set.”

I frowned. “I had three drinks.”

“They’re on the house.”

Like all the other men in here, he quickly looked away from me and hurried to the other end of the bar, even though there were no customers waiting. Narrowing my eyes, I bit the inside of my cheek before hopping over the counter and striding to the bartender.

“Hey, you can’t be back here,” the guy said, panic swirling in his eyes.

“Who paid for my drinks?” I asked.

“You’re covered,” he stammered out, taking a large step away from me.

I inched closer to him, growing more curious with each step. It was like he was terrified to be within five feet of me.

“Do you know me?” I asked, tilting my head.

“What? No—”

“Then why won’t you or any other guy in here look me in the eye?”

“You’re their girl,” he said quietly.

My heart stuttered. “Excuse me?”

“The crew,” he muttered. “Kade and Gray. Everyone knows that you’re theirs.”

“Everyone?” I choked out. “Who the fuck said that?”

He frowned. “They did.”

“They?” I growled, a fire lighting through me. “Kade and Gray said I’m their girl?”

He nodded. “At their club last night. People were asking about you, and they told the entire club you were theirs and off-fucking-limits. Those were their exact words.”

“People don’t even know me here,” I mumbled, thinking out loud.

“Uh, everyone knows you. You’ve been hanging out with them for a couple of months now.” The bartender was a bit calmer and more open since I was keeping my distance from him. “Talk on the north side flies.”

“Those fucking assholes,” I seethed.

He threw up his hands. “I’m sorry, but I don’t want to get involved.”

I grinned. “Of course. Thanks for letting me know.”

With rage coursing through me, I hopped back over the bar counter, scouting the crowd until I found someone I could use. One guy was blatantly staring at me from one of the tables, even as his friends were trying to discourage him. Fluffing my hair, I walked over to him and straddled his lap. His hands went to my hips, his fingers already digging into my skin.

His leather cut told me he was in a biker club, and although I vaguely recognized his patch, I didn’t know which club it was. He was at least ten years older than me, with long black hair that had a few gray streaks. He smiled, and he was handsome enough. His brown eyes screamed trouble, but that didn’t make me shy away. He could be a monster, and I’d still eat him for breakfast. Because I was the largest threat in this place. They just didn’t know it.

“Do you know who I am?” I asked, slowly biting my lip.

“My boys tell me that you’re spoken for.” His eyes stayed on my mouth. “But if that were true, why are you on my lap?”

I avoided his question. “Dance with me?”

“Sure, sweetheart.”

I nearly lost it when he slapped my ass while walking to the dance floor. Reining it in, I let him wrap his hands around me while we began dancing. I didn’t have time to seduce anyone else in here. I needed to leave in twenty minutes. If I danced through a few songs with the biker, I’d be seen enough for people to remember I was here.

I just had to get through it without killing him.

I dodged out of the way when he tried kissing me, grinding on him to the beat of the song. I could feel the heat of eyes on me, and nerves skated up my spine. My idea might be working too well. They’d all remember I was here. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be a big scene when I left so I could slip away quietly.

“Playing hard to get?” he asked gruffly.

“Why are you in a hurry?” I asked, trying to keep it flirty.

I yelped in surprise when he grabbed my chin hard enough to bruise. His eyes locked on to mine, hunger burning in them.

“I can see why the crew wants you,” he rasped. “You look downright fuckable.”

“Let me go,” I snarled, giving him one chance to remove his hand before I did it myself. Fuck my alibi; it wasn’t worth dealing with him.

“You’re mine for the night.”

He leaned down to kiss me but was ripped away before my knee connected with his balls. Shock filtered through me when I found Kade standing next to me, his gun pressed against the biker’s forehead. I didn’t need to look over my shoulder to know who was holding on to me. How the hell had Kade and Gray gotten here so fast? I figured they’d hear about it, but I had planned to be long gone. So much for my fucking alibi now.

“Making trouble, Rebel?” Gray murmured as he rested his chin on my shoulder.

“Me?” I forced out a laugh. “I’m not the one storming into a bar with guns raised.”

“What the hell are you doing?” the biker spat at Kade.

“One question,” Kade said, his voice dangerously quiet. “Did you know who she was when you started dancing with her?”

I wanted to scream that I was nobody. I wasn’t theirs. Kade had no right to try and come to my rescue. I didn’t want it, and I sure as fuck didn’t need it. But I kept control, biting my tongue as the biker’s friends edged closer, their weapons tight in their hands. One wrong thing, and this whole bar was going to end up in a damn shootout.

“She’s a bitch who wanted me.” The biker laughed gruffly, apparently not giving a shit that a gun was pressed to his skull.

Kade gritted his teeth, his finger resting on the trigger. I didn’t try to move from Gray’s grip, even when it loosened as he shifted to lean closer to Kade.

“We’re friendly with his motorcycle club,” he muttered to Kade, keeping his words quiet.

“Keep the peace and just go,” I said, glaring at the side of Kade’s head. “This is none of your business.”

Gray chuckled. “You’re our business.”

“Why?” I hissed. “Because you told the city I’m yours? Spreading lies isn’t smart, Gray.”

“Look at that,” the biker said, staring at me with a smirk on his lips. “Doesn’t sound like she wants to be yours. So you two can fuck off and let me finish what I started.”

“We don’t care that you party in our city,” Kade grated out. “But you know the rules. Disrespecting us doesn’t happen.”

The biker scoffed. “She came up to me.”

“Get the fuck out of here,” Gray demanded, letting me go and stepping beside me. He tried pulling me behind him, but I planted my feet, staying between them.

“Sure. But I’m taking her with me.”

I raised an eyebrow. “No, thanks. A dance was enough.”

His jaw clenched at my words, but he stayed still as Kade finally took the gun off the biker’s head. The bikers surrounding us were tense but still not intervening. My gut twisted, and I realized doing this had been a mistake. I thought I could have a night out in this town without Kade or Gray replaceing me. I underestimated them, and now I needed to get the hell out of here so I could do what I planned.

“I’m just going to go…” I trailed off, taking a step back.

“No,” the biker snarled. “You started all this by throwing yourself at me. Fucking slut.”

I froze when he whipped his gun out, aiming it straight at me. There was no time to pull my own weapon out. My heart was in my throat as I stared at the biker. If I had observed him for a minute before going up to him, I would have known he was a bad choice. But my anger at learning what Kade and Gray had done distracted me. Along with being on a time crunch. This was why I needed to keep my relationship with them just business. I was getting sloppy because they were in my fucking head.

“Put it down,” Kade ordered.

“Make your choice, sweetheart,” the biker drawled. “A bullet or my dick. Which one are you going to choose?”

“Shoot me,” I taunted. “Because the only way your small dick will go anywhere near me is if I’m dead.”

Rage flared in his eyes, and his finger went to the trigger. I went rigid when a shot rang out through the small bar. It took me a moment to realize it wasn’t the biker who’d shot—it was Kade. The biker fell to his knees, and blood seeped through his shirt from where Kade’s bullet had pierced his stomach. The room erupted in yelling, and I turned to see more than a few crew members coming to back up Kade and Gray.

“Fuck,” I muttered, glancing at my watch. I needed to leave now to make it in time. Gray’s eyes locked on to mine and he frowned, watching me inch back. But he wouldn’t leave Kade’s side. Not when there were so many weapons raised at them.

“I didn’t ask you to do this,” I told him coldly. “This isn’t my fault.”

“I never said it was,” Gray replied. “Where’re you going?”

“Away from here,” I muttered.

“Mili, wait.”

I ignored Gray’s call and pushed through the wall of men, making it to the exit. I couldn’t stop the relief that seeped in when it stayed silent. No more gunshots rang out, meaning Kade and Gray were going to be fine. I shouldn’t care either way, but I did. Shaking off the nerves, I glanced at Kade’s black Jaguar parked on the street. I was tempted to boost it but didn’t need them chasing after me tonight. Instead, I found a gray sedan, and it was my lucky night because it was unlocked. I took my small tool out of my clutch after shutting the door. Hot-wiring it only took me a minute, and then I was racing down the street.

As I drove, I pulled out my phone and called Caleb.

“No changes?” I asked him once he answered.

“No. Ryan is still scheduled to meet with Juan and Vic in fifteen minutes,” Caleb answered.

“Good. I’ll be there in two.”

“Let me know when it’s done, and I’ll send the message from his email, telling the crew he changed his mind about the job.”

I wasn’t sure if it was just bad luck that someone who worked with Joel wanted to run a job with the crew or if they were on to me. But either way, it wasn’t fucking happening. It was a good thing Caleb had been keeping an eye on the men we used to work with. Hacking into Vic and Juan’s email was difficult. But it was easy to snoop into Ryan’s email. He hadn’t been in Joel’s inner circle, but he knew me. And everything would be ruined if anyone from the crew even mentioned my name in front of him. I couldn’t take that chance. Which was why the meeting wasn’t happening.

“I’ll text you when it’s done,” I said before hanging up. I was running late already and needed to get set up before Ryan showed up. I knew he’d enter the building from the back alley that I had just parked in. I’d scoped the place out this morning and made sure there were no cameras. No need for a mask, which would make luring him much easier.

Turning off the car, I pulled my small gun out of my clutch and stuck it in my waistband, then I hopped out after popping the trunk. Adrenaline rushed through me when I heard footsteps. Poking my head to the side, I saw Ryan walking slowly toward me. He was suspicious, seeing a car in the middle of the alley. And I was surprised he was alone. I figured I’d have to deal with at least two people.

“Excuse me,” I called out in a whiny voice. “Can you help me? My tire is flat, and I can’t lift my spare out of the trunk.”

Ryan stopped, indecision crossing his face. Seeing him had panic flaring in my chest. He was a reminder of Joel. Of everything. My past had been coming up way too much lately. I wanted it all buried again like it had been the past five years.

“Please,” I said, pretending to sniffle. “I’ve been stuck here for twenty minutes.”

The shadows were hiding my face, and he finally moved closer. I dropped my head, letting my hair cover my face until he was next to me.

“All your tires look fine,” he said uneasily.

“My mistake.” I lifted my face, and recognition flared in his eyes when he met my gaze. “You shouldn’t be here, Ryan.”

His eyes hardened. “You’re supposed to be dead.”

“Hmm, I guess neither of us should be here then.”

Before he could make a move, I gripped the tire iron and swung it at his head. I didn’t hit him hard because I didn’t want to leave a trail of blood on the ground. But it was enough for him to stagger, giving me a chance to kick him between the legs. When he doubled over, I grabbed his arm and yanked him closer before pushing him into the trunk. He began struggling, kicking me in the gut before I could get his feet off the ground.

“Bitch,” he choked out as I shoved his face into the carpet in the trunk. “When they replace out you’re here—”

“And that’s why you won’t have a chance to tell them.”

I pulled my handgun out of my jeans, pressing it to the back of his head. He froze, but I didn’t hesitate, squeezing the trigger. Nerves swarmed me when the shot echoed in the alley. I needed to get out of here before someone came looking. I grunted, lifting his body into the trunk. I slammed it shut and glanced around. I was still alone, but I knew it wouldn’t last long.

Getting back into the car, I drove off, making sure to stay within the speed limit as I left Ridgewood. I already had gasoline and matches two hours from here where I was going to burn the car. It was in the middle of nowhere, and by the time someone stumbled onto it, his body would be burned enough that it would be impossible to identify, except with maybe dental records. But that didn’t worry me. Joel’s men had always been trained not to be in any system. Even if they had dental records, they’d never match them.

As long as the crew didn’t catch me leaving the city with the body, I’d be fine. I’d wanted an alibi just in case, but that had obviously blown up in my face. I calmed down once I reached the edge of town, knowing I was home free.

For now, at least.