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Chapter 39
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2024-09-14 04:39:21Related chapters
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter 40
Later that evening, I parked LadyBug in the bar's parking lot, and as I put the transmission in park, I glanced around. The parking lot was filled with an unusual amount of Mercedes and Jaguars, and alongside them, I could see usual pickups and cars. The mix of wealth and blue-collar made it clear tonight was not going to be a typical night. With a sigh, I looked into my rearview mirror and adjusted my ponytail, then wiped away a smudge of lipstick under my lip. Afterward, opening my door, I stepped out into the heat, and instantly, the humidity erased the coolness the car's air conditioner had provided. With a grimace at the mugginess of the evening, I hurried across the parking lot and was practically at a run by the time I made it through the employee's entrance. The scent of cigars, cologne, and a hint of perfume drifted from the open doors of the bar and into the employee's lounge, hitting me instantly as I stepped through the doorway and into the bar area. A strongly built boun
Last Updated : 2024-09-14Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter 41
With my earlier thoughts still bouncing around in my head, I poured another drink, and at the same time, glancing up, I noticed the two bouncers near the VIP room eyeing the dancers. Red flags went up as one of them, heavily built with a shaved head and a neck tattoo, whispered something into a small earpiece. My curiosity piqued, and I glanced over at Tannin. However, she was busy shaking a cocktail and hadn’t noticed the men's odd actions.As I watched the men for a few more seconds, the music switched back over to a fast-paced tempo, and the bar's rhythm once again picked up. Unable to pin-point exactly what it was about the men’s behavior that was setting me off, I shrugged and turned to the row of taps behind me, pouring beers with the precision of a seasoned pro. As I was topping off the glasses, a hand slammed down onto the counter behind me, interrupting my flow and startling me. Looking over my shoulder with a frown, I took in the tall, well-dressed man who stood on the other
Last Updated : 2024-09-15Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter 42
As I watched, Lucien and the other two clinked their glasses together, the sound echoing through the bar. After they threw back the shots, John and Rick’s features contorted from the fiery brew as it slid down their throats. Their faces turned red, and sweat popped on their foreheads, their eyes beginning to water. But Lucien remained stoic, seemingly unfazed, as, eyes locked on me, he set his glass down. Licking his lips and carrying a smug look in his eyes, he murmured, "Your turn."With a nod, I grabbed a glass and filled it with the potent liquid. The room fell silent, the music fading into the background, as taking a deep breath and feeling the heat from the peppers sting my nose, I downed the shot. The burn was intense, causing me to suck in a slight breath as I fought a grimace.Lucien's eyes never left mine, admiration filling their depths. As he leaned in closer, he whispered, "I knew you had a fire in you. Now, let's see if you can keep up."The dance of power between us had
Last Updated : 2024-09-21Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter 43
The next morning as I came down the stairs smothering a yawn, Brian was flipping through channels on the TV, the volume blasting. With a shake of my head, I made my way toward the kitchen, then uttered a groan as I stepped into the room. Pots, pans, dishes and the makings of God only knew what, were everywhere; they overflowed the sink, the counters, and spilled over onto the floor. As I gazed at the sight before me, I couldn’t help thinking, “Damn Brian, what the hell did you make that could have possibly made this big of a mess?” Jesus, I mean, I loved having Brian as a roommate, but the guy had no respect for cleanliness.With a shake of my head, I gave one last look at the disaster, then turned on my heel and exited the room. Nope, not dealing with it today!As I was passing the front door, my steps were abruptly stilled by the knocking that came from the other side of it.~~Moments later, and the last thing I expected to see when I swung the door open, was the sight of a man in a
Last Updated : 2024-09-23Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter 44
The Hideout was a dingy place, the kind that had seen better days. The smell of stale cigarettes and cheap whiskey lingered in the air along with an underlying tension. The counter was crowded with what I assumed were regulars. I recognized Tonya from my days at the Raven’s compound, Rook spotted her as well, his eyes narrowing as he took in her nervous glances. He leaned closer to me, speaking into my ear so only I could hear, "She knows something."I nodded, my eyes flicking over Tonya. She had always had a soft spot for Rook, and I knew she would be willing to help if she could. As we approached the bar, Tonya slipped away from the group, meeting us halfway, her eyes pinned on Rook."What's going on, Rook?" she whispered, her voice trembling.He didn't mince words. "We have a snitch. Someone's been selling us out to the cops."Tonya’s eyes darted about the room before she spoke, "I think I know who it might be," she said in a hushed tone. "But I need to be sure before I say anything
Last Updated : 2024-09-23Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter 45
As I moved across the floor toward Lucien, his eyes never left mine. A slow smile spread across his lips, and when I came to stop before him, he greeted, “Marlowe.” Then, voice a caress, he continued, “You’re looking...different.”A small smile gracing my lips, I teased, “That so? Different is good, right?” After receiving a nod in response, I asked, “The usual?” His gaze traveled over me, a look of appreciation in his eyes. “Perhaps something a little extra, as well?” He teased, his voice silky and smooth: like warm whiskey.His words were and obvious innuendo, and I held little doubt he was referring to the dance we had shared. His boldness didn’t surprise me, as his personality was strong and somewhat forceful.Without removing my gaze from his, I brazenly replied, “Only if you can handle it.” Offering me a smile that hit me in the gut, for it was a slow, sexy quirk, he breathed, “Oh, I can handle it.” Sexual tension sparked between us, a live wire ready to catch fire at any mome
Last Updated : 2024-10-11Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter 46
I knew what was going to happen next, and for the first time since Torin's death, I didn't push the thought away. Instead, I took a deep breath and let myself be swept up in the moment.~~The hotel Lucien brought me to was contemporary and beautiful, and after a ride up the elevator, we stepped inside a plush hotel room. Closing the door behind us, he rested his hand on the small of my back, "It's not much," he teased, wearing a grin as his eyes swept over the expensive furnishings. "But it's all ours for the night."I shook my head. "It's perfect," I murmured.Lucien slid his arm the rest of the way around my waist and pulled me closer. "Are you sure?" he whispered, his lips caressing my ear. "If you're uncomfortable...""No," I protested, turning within his arms, and interrupting his words. "This is exactly where I want to be."His grip tightened as gazing into my eyes, he searched mine for any signs of doubt. But all he found was a yearning that matched his own. Walking me backward
Last Updated : 2024-10-16Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter 47
The next evening as I walked into the bar, Jess was standing behind the counter, his fingers tucked into a glass, drying the interior with a cloth. At the sound of my boot heels clattering on the hardwood floor, he looked up. “Hey, Kiddo,” he called.“Hey, Jess,” I returned.He studied me closely, his gaze lingering on my face. “You okay?”I nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of my lips. “Better than I have been in a long time, actually.”He cocked his head to the side, a knowing glint in his eye. “Someone got some action, I take it?”I rolled my eyes, feeling the warmth creep up my neck. “It’s not like that,” I said, though I knew my blush betrayed me.Jess chuckled. “It’s written all over you. But if you ever need to talk, you know I’m here, right?”I nodded, grateful for his friendship. “I know. Thanks.”He slapped the towel down and leaned against the bar. “So, who’s the lucky guy?”I hesitated for a moment before confiding in him. “Someone you wouldn’t expect,” I said, a
Last Updated : 2024-10-31
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Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter-67
Half an hour later, I made my way through the shadows, my senses on high alert for any sign of danger. I’d been unable to get a hold of Rook, and unable to let things rest until I did, I’d parked LadyBug a little way up the road from the Dinelli estate, and set out on foot. Now, as I reached the edge of the property, I heard a sound of twigs breaking underfoot, and before I could react, I had the barrel of a pistol pressed against the side of my head."You've got some nerve," a man's voice sneered right next to me ear. "You do realize this is private property, right?"I swallowed hard, my hand inching closer to the knife I’d placed in my waistband and fingers wrapping around the handle. “Private property? No, can’t say I did,” I lied, securing the knife in my grip.The man took a step closer, his bulk brushing against my back, but keeping the gun firmly in place. “Boss don’t take kindly to strangers crawling around the grounds,” he sneered. Afterward, he chuckled, a sound that sent ch
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter-66
I stared at the empty space where Torin had been. If what he said was true, then I was in deeper trouble than I had realized. This wasn’t just about some stolen money as Lucien had claimed; it was about family bloodlines and vengeance.As the door to my room creaked open, I pretended to sleep, my breathing shallow and even. Soft footsteps approached my bed, and I peeked through my lashes, seeing Tannin. She looked exhausted, as leaning over me she tucked the edge of my blanket in a little more securely."How you doing? You need anything? Something to eat? Drink?" she asked.I shook my head, tempted to telling her about Torin visiting again, but for some reason I held my tongue.Her hand hovered for a moment longer before standing, she murmured, "Just holler if you change your mind," then retreated, closing the door softly behind her.After she'd left, I lay for hours, thinking about Torin's visit and listening to the sounds about the apartment; the low volume of the tv. The hum of a
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter-65
As I laid back down, my thoughts raced. How could I face the monster that Lucien had shown me he was? I had survived the attack, but the fear remained, like a stubborn stain on my soul. I needed to find a way to get him to leave me alone for good.I needed to be smart, to use my brains as a weapon.I thought back to the night of the attack, to the words that had been exchanged. "Where's the fucking money, Rylee?" he had snarled. Another puzzle piece I was missing. Had Torin taken the money? And if he did, how the hell had he gotten his hands on it?I knew I had to get better, to get my strength back. I needed to face this situation head-on, and I couldn't do that lying in bed.The following days were a blur of pain, both physical and emotional. Each breath I took was a reminder of the bullet that had pierced my side. Surgeon had patched me up as best as he could, but the healing process was slow. Tannin, Jess and Rook took turns caring for me, their eyes filled with a mix of concern a
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter-64
Tannin’s voice brought me out of my memories, as sitting beside me, her eyes filled with concern, she asked, "You okay?"Nodding, I swiped at a tear that cruised its way down my cheek. "Yeah. Just haunted by some old memories."Her hand found my shoulder and she gave it a gentle squeeze. "Here, lay back," she urged, fluffing the pillows behind me with her free one. "You need to rest."With a sigh, I laid back on the pillows, allowing them to envelope me like a warm hug. "What if...." I began, then shook my head, allowing the words to trail off. Too many questions to voice. What if Torin really was alive? Why now? Why, after a year of absence, did he come back?Tannin sat down on the edge of the bed, and taking my hand, she murmured, "For now, rest. You're in no kind of shape to figure any what-if's. Heal first, answers after, okay?"I knew she was right, and that worrying myself over something I couldn't say wasn't a dream, was not doing myself any favors. But the possibility Torin wa
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter-63
There were times it wasn’t all fun and games, though. The dangers of a club's lifestyle were real. There were fights, drugs, the occasional gunshot between Dad's charter and rival clubs, and Torin, the devil with the heart of gold, was in the thick of it all.As the months went on, I grew up fast. I started to filling out in ways that made the older guys look twice. Torin noticed the change too, his glances lingered a little longer, his touches became a bit more deliberate. Yet, despite my desire that he would, he never stepped over the line.One night, after a particularly nasty run-in with a rival gang, Torin sat me down on an old crate in the garage, his eyes dark and serious. “You care about me, right?” he’d asked, his voice gravelly with exhaustion.I’d nodded. "Of course," I'd murmured, wondering where he was going with his question.Letting out a sigh, Torin stated, "Just don't put me on a pedestal, Princess. I'll only let you down."But I'd known he never would. And the day I
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter-62
Days passed and I’d begun to think maybe Tannin was right and Torin had been nothing more than a pain-induced dream. Or maybe it was just me missing him. But if he hadn’t been real then I had one whopper of an imagination. Every nuance, every movement, even his intoxicating smell had been too fucking real. Painfully real. He was the devil, aptly named by his brothers. I’d been in Hell since I’d first caught sight of him all those years ago. I don’t know that I believe in love at first sight, but the feeling that had gone through me had been as close as what one could come to describing it as such.My dad had picked me up from school, the bike’s engine rumbling like a beast outside the school gates. It was the first time he’d ever done that, and the whispers of the other kids had been like a siren's call to the rebellious spirit I didn’t even know I had. I straddled the bike, feeling the leather of the seat stick to the bare skin below my shorts and the heat of the engine seep through
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter-61
~MARLOWE~I stared at my reflection, my features distorted within the fissures stretching the length of the bathroom mirror. My hands shook as I gripped the sink. Tiny droplets of red dripped from my hand, staining the porcelain red with my blood. Dropping my eyes, I stared at the cuts and gashes, my thoughts racing. Whispers of confusion filled my mind—Torin was alive. I’d suffered through a year of pain. Of grieving. Of walking a road of death that hadn’t been mine. How could he? How could he have done this? I had grieved over his casket, died with each toss of dirt placed upon it. Anger was a light emotion to the wail of fury that had arisen within me as I’d gazed at the features of the man who had taken my heart six-feet under with him.The door to the bathroom creaked open, and Tannin stepped in, her eyes widening at seeing the blood on the sink. "What the fuck Marlowe? Are you okay," she hissed, coming over to stand beside me as taking my hand in hers, she gazed at the mess I
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter-60
I glared at Lucien. "You're going to regret this," I hissed, my voice filled with loathing."Doubtful," Lucien said with a sneer, his hand tightening around my neck. "But you're going to, for not cooperating."Blood pounded in my head from lack of oxygen and the room spun, but I knew I had to get out of this somehow. Using what strength I had left, I head-butted him.At the blow, he stumbled back, cursing, and I used the brief moment of respite to kick the chair from under me, landing hard on the floor.My legs had gone numb from the tight ropes, but I managed to get to my knees, my eyes scanning the room for anything to use as a weapon.As I saw a glint of metal in the corner, a knife, I lunged for it, my heart in my throat. But before I could reach it, the door slammed open and Rook burst in, his eyes wide with alarm."Marlowe!" he bellowed, drawing a gun.The two thugs that had brought me here had their weapons drawn, but they weren’t fast enough. Rook fired a shot, and one of them
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter-59
"It seems, you’re my stepbrother,” I blurted. Then shrugging, I continued, “My mom…your dad."For a moment, something flickered in Lucien's eyes, something that might have been admission of former knowledge of the fact. But whatever it was, it was quickly hidden. "Okay, so?" he asked, his voice taking on a slight edge as he shifted a little straighter in his chair.“Well, don’t you think it makes our relationship a little…awkward?” I murmured."No. Do you?" Lucien's voice sounded like more of a snap than a question."Honestly? Yeah, I kinda do,” I returned, defensiveness entering my voice."And why should the fact your mom is married to my dad change anything between us?" he said, his laughter grating on my nerves like nails."Because we're family!" I exclaimed.Sitting straight up in his chair, he leaned across the table menacingly toward me, sneering, "You're not my family.”I stared at him, the hurt and betrayal burning in my chest. "You knew all along, didn’t you?"“That you’re my
