Page 46 of Bedlam

A Ghost From Christmas Past

Spade

Something isn’t right. Ri has answered none of my texts or calls. I’ve been back for twenty minutes now from signing the paperwork titling the house over to me.I’m a homeowner and a widow. Fucking winning in life right now.That shit is still mind-fucking me.

Ryder had to get back to the clubhouse for a meeting, then will meet me back here later for dinner. He really needs to figure out what he’s doing about the club. He seems so miserable, but when it's just the two of us, he smiles often and isn’t so sad. I’m happy when I’m with him. He makes me forget all the bad and it's not just sex with him. It’s so much more that I can’t explain.

Deciding to go on the hunt for Ri, I figure I’ll take the elevator to the top and work my way down.He’s gotta be here somewhere.

The doors slide open and I step out, going to check the guest rooms and bathroom just in case he showered. I go to make my way down but stop in my tracks when I hear his cane slamming against the wood floor on the opposite side of the hallway; near Jade’s room.

Taking a deep breath, I walk towards the one room I’ve been refusing to enter, not wanting to face the inside of it and breaking my heart even further. If it’s out of sight, then it's out of mind. Right?

My heart is in my chest as I get a whiff of her scent approaching the open door. I hear whispers of ‘goodbye’ as I enter the doorway and see Ri with a gun to his head. I immediately take mine out from the back of my jeans and raise it, cocking the bitch and pulling the trigger.

The bullet sails through the air, slicing right through the top of his bicep, leaving him a nice flesh wound. He jumps at the pain, almost losing his balance as he drops Jade’s pistol to the ground, causing it to go off and ricocheting off her bed. Feathers spew all over the room as Ri heaves short breaths.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I yell, completely pissed the fuck off.

“Why do you want to die so bad, like what the fuck?” I continue to yell, but his sad eyes collide with mine and my heart breaks.

“I’m going to die anyway, why not move up the process?” He growls, and I could kick his fucking ass for even speaking it into existence.

“Bullshit. You aren’t going anywhere. Get the fuck out of your head. Now, cane your ass back downstairs so I can clean you up, asshole. Be grateful I didn't just do the job for you. Fuckhead.” I spit, not waiting for him to follow.

“I’m sorry, Reid, I’m so fucking sorry.” He sobs as he enters the elevator, leaning against the far wall with his head in his hands as blood drips from his arm.

“I know, brother. This has been tough on all of us. But I need you to man the fuck up. You are supposed to be the strongest out of the three of us, not the weakest, and that's how you’re acting. Don’t make me kick your ass and remind you why you’re a beast.” I chuckle as we get to the main floor.

“I just need some time. I promise I’ll never do that shit again.” He says and I nod.

“Good, because I love you, brother, and if you ever leave me, I’ll just die a little more inside.” I smile as he pulls me into a hug, squeezing me tight.

“I love you too, Reid. Sorry for scaring you,” he says and I nod.

“Alright, let's get you cleaned up. Then order some food. I’m fucking starving.” I say and he laughs.

“You’re always fucking hungry.” He says and we both laugh, heading into the kitchen.

The next day, I wake up and decide to whip up some eggs and clean the house. We have a few meetings to attend with The Aces that I am dreading to show face at.

Rolling the finished eggs with the wooden spoon, I turn to plate it up for Ri and Ryder. Looking up, I see movement in the doorway and jump out of my skin, causing the pan of eggs to hit the floor, food flying up at me. I blink as I stand there, staring at a fucking ghost. I round the island with my heart in my throat.

“J-Jade, is that really you?” I stammer.Her eyes widen in surprise as I hightail it to her, cupping her face and pressing my lips against hers, feeling the warmth of her as I wrap my arms around her waist. She stiffens at my touch and I feel the cold barrel of a silencer press against my temple.

“You might want to back the fuck up, Lad. I don’t know who you are, but you need to get your fucking hands off her.” The tool with the gun spits. I pull back, not letting go of her as I look deep into those eyes I missed so fucking much, but those same eyes look back at me with confusion.

“She’s my wife. So no, Lad, I won’t back the fuck up.” I spit as she gasps, pulling away from my embrace. He presses the gun harder against my head and I laugh.

“Babygirl, tell your goon to stand the fuck down before he’s the one with the bullet in his head.” I warn just as Ryder steps around the corner, placing the barrel of his gun to the back of the idiot’s head.

“He’s right, little sister, tell him to stand down or I’m blowing his top.” Ryder spits.

“Kane, put the gun down.” She orders and he does as he’s told. I take a step closer to her but she takes another one back.

“Please stay back. I don’t know who you are,” she says and my heart drops out of my chest.

“What do you mean you don’t know me? I-It’s me, Spade.” I stammer in a panic.What the fuck?