Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 42479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
My boots echoed against the concrete as I moved quickly through the empty garage, heading toward the hidden stairway that led to a part of The Pit few people ever even knew existed. The stairs descended into relative darkness, my hand sliding along the reinforced concrete wall as I went down two full levels, through industrial-grade steel doors built to contain anything that happened beyond them.
I stepped into the open waiting area, the harsh fluorescent lights overhead casting a stark glow across tiled floors designed specifically for easy cleaning. A couple of metal tables and sturdy chairs stood to the side for when situations called for a wait, and a small stainless-steel counter ran along one wall, complete with a sink and industrial-grade disinfectants. We kept it stocked for washing away whatever got on us when things got messy down here—and they often did.
To the right were two bathrooms, each equipped with a shower and cabinets stocked with clean sweats in case our clothes ended up too stained or ruined by whatever went on behind the reinforced doors. It was a place few outsiders ever saw and even fewer ever walked out of.
There were cells lining one of the back hallways, heavy doors with advanced locking systems rivaling federal security facilities. Soundproofed walls ensured that no scream, threat, or confession would ever carry beyond the concrete confines of this isolated level. No cell phones worked down here, no cameras recorded our movements, and no external surveillance penetrated these walls.
It was a place specifically created for situations that required secrecy and containment—interrogations, holding dangerous individuals, or when someone needed to permanently disappear. Those few outside the club who knew of its existence never spoke about it, their silence ensured by fear and respect that ran far deeper than mere threats.
I moved quickly past the open area, heading toward the cells. My pulse was steady, but adrenaline surged hot and heavy through my veins, every nerve ending fully alert and ready for what waited for me. Edge stood just outside the cell, his arms folded across his chest and his expression unreadable when he looked up and met my gaze.
“Got your text.” My voice echoed slightly off the unforgiving walls. “Shawn’s in there?”
Edge inclined his head toward the door. “Yeah, picked him up late last night.”
I stepped closer, my eyes locked onto the solid steel door, already picturing Shawn sitting behind it, likely terrified and fully aware of the gravity of what was coming next.
A pulse of satisfaction shot through me at the thought of finally dealing with the asshole who’d put fear into Riley’s eyes and nearly destroyed her life. This was personal. Tied irrevocably to the woman who slept in my bed, carried my child, and owned me completely. Nothing could stop me from exacting justice for every sleepless night she'd spent looking over her shoulder, afraid of shadows.
“Appreciate it, brother. Time to have a long-overdue conversation with our friend in there.”
Edge gave a small, knowing smile and stepped aside to allow me access. I reached for the door handle, anticipation tightening every muscle as I prepared myself for what lay beyond that threshold. Shawn had made a grave mistake threatening someone I loved, and tonight, he was going to learn exactly what it meant to cross that line.
I stepped through the heavy steel door and into the dimly lit cell, letting the reinforced barrier shut behind me with a dull, echoing thud. Shawn was sitting hunched over on the narrow bench, the image of a man who knew his future had just been sealed.
His breathing was uneven, rapid, shallow, and his gaze jerked immediately toward me, recognition and panic flashing clearly across his face. Good—he knew exactly why I was here, what was coming, and how fucked he was about to be.
I approached slowly, each stride echoing loudly off the tiled floor and concrete walls, the only sound beside the rapid rasp of Shawn’s uneven breathing. He watched me warily, shifting uncomfortably, visibly debating whether begging would make any difference at this point.
“Gauge, listen, please. I’ll fix this,” His voice cracked under the pressure, desperation clinging to each word. “I swear, man, whatever you need me to do, I’ll do it. Just let me explain—”
“You had your chance.” My tone was flat enough to send a shudder through his body. “You didn’t do what you agreed to, and it put Riley’s life in even more danger. Now you’re going to answer for that choice.”
He tried to rise, perhaps out of some futile instinct to run, but I grabbed his collar and yanked him roughly to his feet, slamming him firmly against the concrete wall behind him. He struggled weakly, but I outweighed him easily and pinned him there, cold calculation keeping me focused on the task at hand.
What happened next wasn’t about anger—it was about the kind of justice that wouldn’t leave any doubt about the price of hurting someone I loved. I was meticulous and efficient, making sure Shawn fully understood every bit of pain he’d caused Riley. Each strike, blow, and moment where I made him cry out served as a grim reminder of exactly what would happen to anyone who threatened what belonged to the Redline Kings.