“It wasn’t meant to be anyway. He’s probably in love with someone else or just wants to live a free life without a woman by his side. I don’t know.”
It hurts thinking of either of those options, but I don’t tell Carmen that.
“You’ll find someone amazing, I’m sure of it.”
“Not if I get locked up for that fire.”
“Do they have any proof?”
I shake my head. “No, but Riggs wasn’t the only one who said they saw me there. If they don’t find anything, then I’m worried they’ll be forced to consider me the only suspect.”
“It’ll work out, I’m sure of it.”
I nod, trying to fight the urge to scream and cry. I pass it off the only way I know how. Humor.
“Well, just think, I’ll look pretty hot in a prison jumpsuit.”
Carmen laughs. “Oh, you’ll be someone’s bitch no doubt.”
I chuckle. “I’m ready.”
We both laugh, and I make her a coffee, chatting with her a bit more before closing up shop. I head back to my apartment, talking to Dom on the phone as I walk. He believes me when I say it wasn’t me, and so does Mom and maybe Dad, but I know my parents still think I could have avoided it. Hell, maybe I could have. Maybe this is all a result of the childish game we were playing.
I can’t wait to see what Giorgio has to say about it.
I hang up with Dom and my phone rings, Riggs’ name flashing across the screen. He’s calling me? Why?
I answer without hesitation.
“I didn’t light the garage up, Riggs. I swear.”
He doesn’t say anything for a second. “Not here to talk about that. The cops will prove you did. I have your brother here.”
I blink, confused. “Dom?”
I was just talking to him.
“No, Stefano.”
What?
Why?
“Why?” I question.
“He stole drugs from me.”
Oh.
Oh no.
No, Stefano, no.
“Riggs, don’t hurt him. Please. I’m coming right now.”
I hang up the phone, turn, and run toward the clubhouse. I bust inside when I do, rushing past the people milling around the bar and straight down to where Riggs usually spends his time. I shove the door open to see Beckett, Hugh, Hank, Remy, and Riggs all standing in the room with Stefano on a chair, hands tied behind his back. His eyes swing to me and my heart races.
“Let him go!” I say, rushing over.
“You untie him, I fuckin’ kill him,” Riggs growls.
I stare in horror at the man I actually allowed myself to have feelings for. Surely he wouldn’t be so cold as to kill my own brother?
“If you so much as touch him, I promise you I will be the one to burn down that god damned garage and that clubhouse and I’ll make sure every single one of you is inside.”
My voice comes out like a whip.
Riggs steps forward but it’s Beckett that puts a hand out, stopping him.
“Your brother stole drugs from one of our dealers, and then he sold them for double the price and made a profit. We can’t have that shit happening. We let this go then more and more people will think it’s okay to fuck with the club. We have to make it known that it won’t fly.”
I stare at Beckett, and then I look to Stefano.
“Is this true, Stefan?”
My brother looks to me with empty eyes. I should have listened to Giorgio when he said he was in trouble, I should have paid more attention to what was going on around me. I didn’t, and now my brother has gotten himself into this mess, and I’m not entirely sure I can get him out of it.
“I needed the cash,” Stefano murmurs. “I had no choice.”
“There’s always a choice,” I say. “You come to me, you go to your brothers, Mom, Dad, anyone. You don’t steal from a biker club.”
“Let them punish me, Evelina. I did what I did, let it happen.”
I turn to Riggs. “Why did you call me here? Why did you bring me around when you know damn well there is nothing I can do? Are you getting off on this? Is this some part of your big plan to get rid of me? You want me gone so badly you’d hurt my family? Fine, I’ll fucking leave, just let him go.”
Riggs stares at me, eyes narrowed and slightly confused. “I told you because it’s your family and you have the right to know.”
“That you’re going to hurt him?” I scream, throwing my hands up. “What good will that do me? I can’t do anything to stop it. You wouldn’t let me even if I could. You’re out to get me and you’ve won, okay? You’ve won. Let him go and I’ll leave. I’ll close my damned shop and leave. I swear it.”
“Eve!” Stefan yells. “No.”
I look to him and finally, finally the tears I’ve been holding onto explode, and I start to cry. I rarely cry, and my brother knows this. His face drops and he jerks on his restraints.
I look to Riggs. “I’ll leave. I’m done. You win. You’re going to bring me down until I have nothing left. I should never have started this war with you. I never thought you’d hurt me like you are. I didn’t light this place on fire, I wouldn’t risk a life like that. You made sure I went down for it, though. Now my business is tarnished and people think that’s who I am. You’ve ruined me enough, leave my brother out of it.”
I let out a broken sob and then turn, rushing out.
I need air.
I can’t breathe.
I run outside and it’s pouring with rain. I reach the large industrial bins and slam my fists onto them, over and over. The rain soaks me in seconds, and I scream with frustration. I can’t take anymore. It was fun before, but not Riggs is making sure I suffer, and I don’t know what to do about it.
“Hey.”
Someone grabs my arm and swings me around. It’s Riggs, he’s standing in the rain,