Page 103 of Endo
Cece freezes, her jaw dropping for half a second before she snaps out of it. “¡Eres un cerdo, Revel!” she exclaims, smacking him hard on the shoulder, her voice a mix of outrage and disbelief. “You wish,pendejo! Keep dreaming!”
He just laughs, throwing his hands up like he’s innocent. “What? I’m just saying, Cece. You’re the one with the dirty mind.”
Cece glares at him, her cheeks flushed, but the corner of her mouth twitches like she’s fighting a grin. “You’re lucky you’re pretty,cabrón, or I’d drown your ass next time we’re out there.”
Revel smirks, clearly pleased with himself. “So you think I’m pretty, huh? I knew it.”
“Ugh, you’reinsufferable!” Cece mutters, spinning on her heel and stomping up the path, her lavender hair swinging with every step.
The rest of the group bursts into laughter, Wolfe shaking his head. “Revel, you’re gonna catch hands one day.”
“And what a glorious day it’ll be,” Revel replies, his grin wide as he falls into step behind Cece, clearly unfazed by her fire.
Their voices fade as we walk up the sandy path, the soft breeze carrying the scent of salt and seaweed. The sun hangs low, casting long, golden shadows over the trail, and for the first time in so long, I feel... at ease. The laughter, the teasing, the way the team feels like a patchwork family—it’s something I didn’t know I was missing after losing Cruz.
The beach house comes into view, its familiar silhouette outlined against the fading sunlight. This was where the team came to let go, to laugh, to just enjoy life. After his funeral, I couldn’t bring myself to come back here. The memories were too heavy, suffocating in their weight.
But now… now it’s easier. Cruz is still everywhere I look, his memory woven into every corner of this place, but it doesn’t crush me anymore. The memories don’t feel like chains; they feel like comfort.
Like he’s still here in some way, part of the family he loved so much.
It’s… peaceful.
But the peace shatters the second I hear the sound of tires crunching on gravel.
The smile slips from my face as the distinct rumble of engines pulls our attention toward the parking lot. Trucks—black, menacing, and loud—roll to a stop just outside the house. Doors slam, and I know before I see them who it is.
Owen.
The man steps out first, his leather jacket catching the last rays of sunlight. His face twists into that smug grin I hate more than anything. Behind him, his men pour out of the vehicles, their guns drawn, their movements calculated.
My stomach drops.
Reign reacts first, his body going rigid as he steps in front of me, his shoulders squared. “Stay behind me,” he growls, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The others fall into place immediately. Talon and Wolfe move to flank Reign, their expressions hardening. Sayshen and Revel pull Cece and Bexley closer, creating a protective barrier between the girls and the threat.
Owen’s voice slices through the air, sharp and mocking. “Ah, biker barbie. Thought I’d find you here,” he sneers, stepping forward with the swagger of someone who thinks they own the world. His gaze sweeps over the group before landing on me, a smug grin spreading across his face. “You know why I’m here, so let’s skip the bullshit. Hand over the bike.”
Reign takes a step forward, his shoulders squared, his fists clenched at his sides. The way his body shifts, coiled and ready, sets the hairs on the back of my neck on edge. “You’ve got some fucking nerve showing up here,” he growls, his voice sharp and low.
Owen chuckles, clearly enjoying himself. “Let’s not waste each other’s time, Matthews. I didn’t see Cruz’s bike in the driveway, so where the fuck is it?” His tone darkens, his grin twisting into something cruel. “Don’t make me tear through Tampa to find it. Because trust me, I will.”
Reign’s jaw tightens, his voice deadly calm. “You’re not tearing through shit. You already trashed her apartment like a goddamn coward. What’s next? Going after her fish again?”
Owen laughs, the sound grating. “You mean that little tank? What was its name? Blue?” He clicks his tongue mockingly. “Didn’t seem like much of a loss to me. You should’ve been worrying about bigger things, Matthews. Like how bad it’s gonna get if you don’t hand over that bike.”
My stomach churns, a mix of anger and fear twisting in my chest. The way he talks about it so casually, like destroying someone’s life is just another day for him, makes me want to scream.
“Enough,” Reign snaps, his tone hardening. “You want a bike? Take mine. Fully upgraded, worth twice as much. That’s my offer.”
Owen raises an eyebrow, feigning interest. “Yours, huh? That’s a start. Maybe you’re finally learning how to deal.” He nods toward one of his men. “Go grab it.”
Reign steps forward, cutting him off. “You don’t touch a fucking thing until you’re off this beach. You take the bike, you leave, and that’s the end of it.”
Owen’s grin falters slightly, but he recovers quickly. “You’re in no position to negotiate,” he says, his tone sharp now, the mockery gone. “I don’t think you understand, Matthews. I came here to get what I’m owed. And I’m not leaving until I have it.”
Revel steps forward, his stance relaxed, but there’s a dark edge to his voice. “You’ve already taken enough, Owen. You’ve got your dirty fingers in every corner of this city. Isn’t it time you cut your losses before someone cuts you?”
