Chapter 71

“I am Mikel.”

He extended his hand and lifted me to my feet as if I weighed less than a feather.

“And my friend here is Hugo.”

Hugo seemed to have a less friendly disposition than Mikel. Scowling, he glanced at me, gave me a slight nod, and returned his gaze behind me to Jack.

I dusted myself off and turned back to face Jack. He too had stopped and was staring warily at us.

“Jack, are you going to let them scare you? You’re in a gang for crying out loud! Get her!”

Jack glanced back at Rachel and then back at us with a pensive gaze.

“My friend, if you know what’s good for you, you would walk away. That woman’s tongue is like a sharp knife, I know. But don’t let her slicing words push you into a tiger's mouth,” Mikel said.

I had my eyes fixed on Jack but I could hear the smile in Mikel’s voice.

“Don’t be a bitch, Jack,” Rachel spat.

Jack looked so conflicted, like a lost puppy not knowing where to look. I almost felt bad for him. He was stuck between Rachel and a hard place. It made