They know in their heart of hearts it’s the only way we’ll get to Tane, but it’s always been their goal to take him down on their own. Needing to partner with others isn’t only risky, it’s a blow to their egos. They’re proud of who they are and where they’ve come from, and needing to rely on others isn’t the way they ever wanted to play this. But that’s something they need to get over, and soon.
Flashbacks of the fist-fights between some of the Brixtons and the Snakes, the barbed comments, they all come rushing back. And the Snakes are some of the good ones, guys we’ve come to know and trust despite our initial differences.
The people we may need to ally ourselves with now can’t be counted on in the same way the Snakes can. Their loyalty hasn’t been tried and tested in the same way. Yet, Aria and her men recently proved that not all strangers are dangerous, and they might come to your aid when you least expectit.
I survey the room, noting the uncertainty etched on everyone’s faces. I don't love the idea of joining forces with our rivals either, and I know it won't be easy. But I don’t see any other choices. Sink or swim.
"I get why you’re hesitant," I say. "We’ve been fighting with some of these groups for years. But Devon's right. Tane's the real threat, and he needs to be taken out. I think Aria and her guys are proof that there are people who can be brought into the fold, who can really help us do this once and for all."
I lock eyes with Aidan, always the most resistant to anything involving risk, and someone the others all look to in times of uncertainty. As much as Skyler and Zeke are in charge of the Snakes' operations, Aidan has become the unofficial leader of our combined crews. "You've always had my back. I'm asking you to trust me on this."
Aidan holds my gaze for a long moment before nodding. “If Angel says it's the right move, I’ll ride with her.” He glances at Devon. “And you as well. Alliances are my personal kryptonite, and it’s because of you two that we got as far as we did last time. I’d be an idiot not to listen.”
My eyes shift to Skyler and Zeke, and their faces are serious as usual.
Aidan runs his fingers through his hair, his trademark tell that he’s anxiously contemplating something important.
Zeke and Skyler glance at each other in silent conference, and they both nod.
Skyler is the first to speak up. “Yeah, you’re right. I don't love it, but we need to take a leap of faith. It feels like we either do this or drown in the wake of Tane’s terror. Neither seems like a great option, but this really is our only chance to finish this.”
“I don’t like it, but you’re right,” sighs Zeke. “I don’t see any other options.”
I turn to Devon, my breath unsteady as the weight of what we’re about to do starts to settle. "Alright, sounds like we're all in. What's the plan?"
Devon grins, a predatory glint in her eye. "First, we reach out to Dimitri. His crew clearly has beef with Tane, too, and they’ve proven themselves worthy of an alliance. They saved our lives back there for goodness’ sake, and put themselves in harm’s way in the process. With their help, we'll just about have the manpower needed to launch an all-out assault on his stronghold."
Excited murmurs ripple through the room.
"Once we join up with Dimitri and the other guys, we hit Tane hard and fast before he knows what's coming," Devon continues. "We take away his money, his products, his territory. We destroy his entire operation…”
“We make him rot from the inside out? Go out with a bang?” Brick’s eyes are gleaming now, his interest piqued by the possibilities.
A savage smile tugs at my lips. We’ve spent so long fighting Tane's goons, barely surviving by the skin of our teeth. The promise of finally crushing him fills me with dark satisfaction that I know Devon and the rest of the group shares.
"Let’s do this," I say, fire in my eyes. "Let's end this bastard once and for all."
Chapter three
The warehouse explodes into action as both crews rally. United by a common purpose, former enemies stand shoulder to shoulder, ready to wage war against Tane Brown. It's amazing how past differences melt away in the face of a common goal.
I scan the room, buoyed by this new energy, adrenaline pumping through my veins. We just might pull this off.
My gaze lands on Roman across the warehouse. He's watching me intently, an unreadable expression on his rugged face. Our history is complicated, full of passion and pain, defined by an undeniable magnetism between us, ever since he walked into my hair salon and killed a man right in front of me.
He strides over, his movements graceful and predatory. "You sure you're ready for this, Angel?" His voice is low, meant only for me. "Taking on Tane again is gonna get messy. People are gonna die. Hell, we almost died last time we tried. I can’t bear the thought of anything bad happening to you—"
I lift my chin. "I know exactly what I signed up for, Roman. Death and pain are nothing new to me—you know that. The question is, can you handle it?" I search his dark eyes. There's desire there, and concern. But also ruthlessness.
He steps closer, invading my space. "Don't worry about me, princess. I was born ready for this fight."
I swallow hard as his woodsy scent envelops me. "Good," I manage. "Just don't get in my way."
His mouth curves into a wicked grin. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Before I can react, he turns andstalks off to confer with the rest of the guys. I release a shaky breath, thrown by the way he still affects me after all this time. But it’s not just him, because Aidan, Brick and Slade all have their own magnetic pull on me as well.
Shaking it off for now, I focus on the task at hand. The battle against Tane will be brutal and bloody. But with Roman and the other Brixtons at my side, I know I can face anything.