Page 23 of Unchained

The tears start slipping down my cheeks. It’s just not fair. He already did time for a crime he didn’t commit. He lost six years of his life. He shouldn’t have to lose any more.

“I promise, Em. I will make this right.”

My brother’s voice doesn’t ease the ache. There has to be another way.

“Baby, I need you to do me a favor.” I look up and Trevor wipes the tears from my cheeks. “Need you to stop crying so I don’t have to think about my sad girl while I’m laying in my cell tonight.”

I wish I could just shut off the pain for him, but it’s impossible.

“Now, I need to go with your brother, so they don’t come raiding the place and arrest us all.”

“He’s right, sis. Backup won’t be far behind me. And they’ll come in with guns blazing.”

There’s nothing I can do other than let him go. I don’t want to cause more problems for anyone. I don’t want to get my brother into trouble. I hug Trevor tighter, then pull back and lean up onto my toes. “I love you,” I whisper. “Just please come back to me.”

“I always keep my promises. And I promise, I’ll be down on bended knee one day, making you mine.”

I already am his. Ring or not. Name or not. I am his and always will be.

CHAPTER 18

Trevor

“Like I promised my sister, I’m going to work day and night to make sure justice is served and that you’re given your freedom.”

I shake Bryson’s hand, and then I’m hauled into the prison by Officer Jenkins, one of the cops I’ve always despised.

“You thought you could hurt one of our men and get away with it. You’re going to pay for what you did, motherfucker. You made a fucking laughingstock out of the entire system. Made us look weak. And when the cameras aren’t looking, I’ll be in your cell tonight, making sure everyone knows who the weak one really is.”

It’s not the fucking time for him to mess with me. I almost lost my girl. My heart nearly stopped beating when I saw Rodriguez point the gun at her. I wouldn’t be able to live knowing she no longer walked this planet. As soon as that fucker looked down, getting distracted with my girl’s legs as she started to slide her pants down, I took my shot. My heart leapt into my throat when I pulled the trigger, and I nearly hit the floor when his lights went out.

If Jenkins wants to fuck with me, he’s going to wind up being next.

“Appreciate you looking out, man.” Burbank steps up to us. “But since I’m the one who was attacked, I’m the one who gets to exact payment.”

Jenkins nods. “I’ll make sure the cameras go out at eight. If you need backup, you let me know.”

Burbank nods his head and then yanks me by the arm, dragging me through the doors and leading me down to solitary confinement. I had assumed I was going back to my cell, but apparently not.

“What the fuck happened?” Burbank follows me into the cell. Guess he brought me down here so we can talk. No one can hear us down here. “You were supposed to be up in Washington, crossing the border into fucking Canada. What the fuck went wrong?”

“We were waiting on Diego. But Rodriguez had him pegged. The moment I gave up my location, he came after me. Come to find out there was a cop tailing him, so he caught me.”

“Fucking hell, man. I was so fucking sure when the search came up dry that you were home free. Now, they’re going to try to pin your ass to the wall.”

“My sister agreed to testify, so I may have a shot of clearing my name.”

He shakes his head. “You better pray for a fucking miracle, boy. In the meantime, I’ll make sure the gnats don’t descend. You’ll be staying in here, and I’ll be the only officer that keeps a watch on you.”

“Thanks, man. You don’t owe me any more favors, but I appreciate it.”

“You saved my life, Trevor. I owe you fucking everything. Besides, I have no tolerance for innocent men being locked away, and I know your truth. I’ll bring you something to eat as soon as it’s lights out.”

Fuck. Being in this place feels harder this time.

CHAPTER 19

Emberly