Page 24 of Ride with Zane
“Keep me on the line,” he insists with firmness.
I nod, a futile gesture he can’t see. “Fuck no, no, no,” I mutter under my breath. I push the car faster, the white lines on the road merging into a blur as I desperately try to distance myself from this unknown pursuer. Fear tightens its grip, a silent scream at the edge of bursting forth.
“Ashley, do not fucking speed! Talk to me,” Dad commands, his voice steady.
“It’s getting closer,” I whisper, my breath caught in my throat as I watch it attempt to overtake me. I brake, but the car mimics my actions, as if anticipating my every move.
Zane
The clubhouse buzzes with the electric energy of camaraderie and excitement, the sound of Ashley’s performance on the ice reverberating from the television one more time. Denise, Brick, and Blue sit engrossed, echoing my pride with their cheers and claps, their faces lit up by the brilliance of Ashley’s artistry. Her presence on the screen is like watching a masterwork unfold—a ballet on ice, each pirouette and elegant leap a testament to her dedication and talent.
But the tranquility is shattered as my phone vibrates incessantly against the wooden table, flashing Harrison’s nameacross the screen. A foreboding chill slithers down my spine as I answer.
“Rock, I need you,” his voice crackles through the line, raw and fraught with fear. “My daughter’s in danger.”
In an instant, I’m on my feet, the room falling silent as I engage the speakerphone. “What’s happening?”
“She called me, said someone was following her. Then, her cell phone just… went dead,” Harrison’s tone wavers with barely contained panic.
I relay the distressing information to the others, their faces reflecting my own mixture of shock. Harrison continues. “I know your neighborhood’s closer to the border that I am. She said she was fifty miles from Newtok, but she was speeding, I’m sure about that, and I need a favor.”
Without hesitation, Denise and the guys are already racing out of the door. I sprint to the office, grab my vest and gun—familiar weights that provide an odd sense of reassurance. Emerging outside, I’m met with the sight of off-duty Black Panthers mounting their bikes, ready for action.
The ride to the Wisconsin border becomes a blur, the collective roar of our engines a constant thunder as we push the limits of speed. Each mile stretches into an eternity, tension coiling tighter within me with every passing moment.
In the distance, I spot her car pursued by another vehicle—what’s their aim? Blue, Denise, Mac, and several others peel off, forming a protective ring of bikes around her. The pursuer takes another exit and the rest continue the chase, intent on capturing him.
I kill the engine and leap off my bike, landing firmly on the pavement. Ashley’s car door swings open, and she stumbles out, illuminated by the headlights. The instant she notices me, she rushes forward, collapsing into my embrace, her body wracked with trembling sobs.
“Shh, Princess. I’m here. You’re safe. It’s alright,” I whisper soothingly, enfolding her in my arms. She clings to me fiercely, her desperation palpable, and in that moment, I find a profound sense of peace just being there for her.I’m here, Princess.I’ve missed you so much. I press a tender kiss to her head, drinking in her floral scent.
As police sirens pierce the night, Ashley backs off slightly, tears streaking her face as she gazes into my eyes. Recognition dawns on her features, and a pang of cold fear grips me—the fear of losing her, of her pulling away due to the life I lead. I pushed her away before, but now it feels like my heart is bleeding, and a realization strikes me like a bolt: I don’t want to lose her.
“Cupcake,” Harrison’s voice breaks the moment, rushing over with a mix of relief and concern. “You’re alright?” he asks her, his gaze flickering between us.
“Prez,” Brick’s voice cuts through the tension.
Harrison turns to me, gratitude filling his eyes. “Thank you, Rock. I owe you one,” he extends his hand.
“We’re good,” I reply firmly, shaking his hand before stepping back, giving them space. I join my brothers, who are ready to address the situation and support the others. “Di, take Royal, Sean and David and escort Harrison.”
She nods while I mount my bike once more, the weight of the night settles around me. Yet, the memory of Ashley’s gaze, the way she held onto me, lingers—an enduring reminder that amidst the road and brotherhood, there’s something more: her—my Princess. Whatever comes next, this moment will stay etched in my memory forever.
Chapter Eight
Ashley
Peering out of the window, I'm trying to stop my hands from shaking. “Cupcake, did he hurt you?”
“No, Dad.” My voice is a mere whisper. I feel so out of place right now. I'm not where I'm supposed to be. I've never seen Rock so furious and I dare to say scared. Why? How? My mind is about to blow for how many questions I have.
I squeeze my eyes tight trying to calm down. Dad doesn’t need to be worried anymore. To be honest, all I wanted was to stay longer in his arms but with Dad there I had to move away. “Dad, how do you know him?”
“Rock?” he asks, looking at me and I nod. “When I became the new sheriff, I knew there were things I wanted to change here. Newtok, at that time, was different.” He pauses and it seems he’s trying to choose what to say.What are you hiding dad?“The crime rate was way higher, and I didn't like it. It wasn't safe to live here, but I wanted it to be.” He sighs. “I first met Rock because of his fiancée.” My heart stops beating. “Shewas involved in a car accident. I was the one who worked on the case.”
Shifting in my seat I turn toward him; I need to know more. “What happened?”
Dad flashes the lights while entering Newtok. “She didn't make it.”