The Lover’s Promise (No Exceptions #3)(26)
Author: J.C. Reed

Walking along the rundown buildings that were arranged in a “U” shape with parking spaces on either side, I couldn’t help but notice how little had changed since my last visit. There was comfort in knowing that even when the world descended into darkness and chaos, here everything would stay the same: the old battered cars parked outside gave a deceptive impression of the grandness of the place. Hidden behind the bulletproof metal doors, they stored brand new sports vehicles. The gray walls looked like they were in desperate need of renovation, yet the rooms were equipped with the world’s most innovative technology and amenities. The windows seemed dark and gloomy, as though no one had stepped foot inside in a long time, but I knew that at least forty people lived here at any given time.

Forty people on Jett’s side.

Forty people with weapons.

I hadn’t yet forgotten how much their rough, tattooed appearance had freaked me out the first time I arrived. Now my fear was surpassed by other worries. Would I finally uncover the truth about Jett and what was going on? My dread didn’t so much emanate from finally getting answers, but stemmed from what that truth might be and, subsequently, what it would mean for us.

Taking a deep breath, I waited for the camera to change position and for someone to walk out. When nothing stirred, I walked along the concrete path until I reached the fourth building and stopped in front of the main door. Just before I could knock, the door was thrown open and out stepped Brian.

Gang leader.

Tiffany’s boyfriend.

Jett’s mentor and one of his oldest friends.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as he stopped inches from me. My heart lurched as it dawned on me that he must have seen me through the security camera and probably had plenty of time to make up his mind as to what to do with me.

So much for my surprise moment and forcing Jett out of his hiding hole—if he was even here.

With pale, freckled skin, light blue eyes, and short, blond hair that shimmered red in the winter’s sun, he looked like a nice guy until you reached the part where you discovered that his body was all muscles—the result of excessive training—and his neck and shoulders as well as his arms were covered in tribal tattoos that probably had a deeper meaning but looked creepy as hell.

If his scars and the dangerous glint in his eyes weren’t enough of a warning that he liked to fight—both physically and verbally—his fierce demeanor spoke volumes.

In the short time I had known him, I had discovered that Brian didn’t only enjoy being in control; he was downright addicted to provoking and confronting people. He was the most competitive and argumentative person I had ever met. I always thought Jett liked to take risks, but Brian took the extreme to a new level, which was why his people both respected and feared him. Imagine car races through the city. Hacking into computers. Tracking people. Underground fighting. Brian showed no fear. Losing just made him want to play harder. I would even go as far as to say that he lived on adrenaline—just like Jett once had.

“Brooke.” Brian greeted me with an amused grin on his face.

“Brian.” I nodded, keeping my voice calm and steady. “Is Jett here?”

“It depends. Why do you want to see him?”

“I need to talk to him.”

“You sure it’s just talking?” he asked and cocked his brows, his voice full of insinuation. Instantly, a hot blush warmed my cheeks as I remembered the day Brian walked in on us when we were naked in the community shower room. The memory of Jett’s strong arms pinning me to the wall, his erection lodged deep inside of me, as the water poured down on us had me all flushed.

I jutted my chin out, feeling defensive. “Just talking and nothing else.”

“Ah. Now that’s interesting. I don’t recall Jett mentioning you were coming over.” Brian inclined his head toward me, his gaze scanning me up and down. “So remind me what do you want to talk to Jett about?”

I shrugged. “Nothing in particular.”

“Nothing at all?” He raised his eyebrows.

“Nothing I can think of.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, of course I’m sure.” I glared at him. “Now can we get this over and done with?”

I already knew it was going to be a long argument, which he so clearly enjoyed. Behind him, I glimpsed people gathering on the stairs, watching the scene that was about to unfold. Brian’s best friends. They were always around him. If I hadn’t known them better, I would have gone so far as to say that they were his guards. Cheerleaders. Fans. Group bullies. Probably bored to death with what little had happened during the day and they were seeking that extra kick, which happened to be me—the highlight of the day. Yay!

Whatever. If he could play that game, so could I.

“I don’t believe you,” he said, amused.

“Of course you don’t,” I muttered.

His grin widened as he shrugged. “You have to give me a valid reason why you want to see my man.”

“Like I told you, there’s no particular reason why I want to talk to him. Do I look like I need a reason to see him?” I pointed at my inflated tummy.

“As a matter of fact, you do,” he said with the same annoying smile as before. He squeezed his thumbs into his pockets and waited, watching me.

I stared at him down, unsure how to proceed.

Brian was as stubborn as a bulldog, but I wasn’t ready to give in yet. He had played the same game so often, I knew that the only way to win was to either give in or spill the secrets, and I couldn’t do the latter.

“Cut the bullshit. Even if I had one, it’s none of your business, Brian.” My voice was sharp and to the point, which was only rewarded with a more annoying grin. “Besides, it’s in his best interest. Now let me see Jett.”

“I see. His interest,” he mocked me. I watched him cross his arms over his muscular chest and lean against the door, his imposing figure blocking the entire door. “Now let me remind you, Brooke. This is my place. Jett is my man. You’re trespassing on my property. I don’t let anyone in, not even when he wants it, without a solid reason. So, let me rephrase, are you sure there is nothing I should know that’s going on under my roof?”

I narrowed my eyes, suddenly feeling anxious.

From the way he so often repeated the question, I couldn’t help but wonder as to what he was referring. Did he know somehow about Jett’s problems and wanted to test me how much I knew? Was he just being curious, sick of having spent the day on the couch with no action? Or was it genuine concern for his friend? All I knew about Brian was that he was Irish and that he liked to fight. If I didn’t want to piss him off, I had to tread carefully.