Chapter Nine
Justice
“Skylar, wait,” I call as she tries to hurry away from me. She stops and turns to look at me. “This isn’t about you,” I tell her.
“Are you really doing this? It’s not you; it’s me thing? We’re not in high school, Justice. I made a mistake.”
“I really like you, Skylar. I do.”
“There’s always a but.”
“There is. And this is a hard one for me. I don’t think I’m ready for this yet. My past …” I shake my head.
“Thanks for last night.” She turns and starts to walk away when I see them. His eyes are on her, and I quickly grab her, pulling her into me. Everything that follows happens quickly.
“Move quickly, Mr. Sinner,” the man orders as we are ushered quickly toward an SUV. Sky stumbles and nearly falls as I hold onto her, keeping her upright. This is fucked up, and I know it. Why is she being taken with me? Thoughts run through my head, but none of them are good.
“What’s going on?” Sky asks as men climb into the back of the SUV with us. The car starts up, and we’re quickly driven away from the club.
“What the hell is happening?” she screams louder this time, and I don’t blame her. This is scary, and I think I know what it’s about, but I can’t tell her. I just … can’t.
“Stop screaming.” One of the men snaps at her.
“Don’t talk to her like that,” I snap back, pulling Sky into my side. “Why is she here?” I ask, wondering what the hell is going on now.
“You’ll be briefed once we’re in a safe location,” the man tells me.
“Safe location? What the hell does that mean?” Sky looks at the guy in the rearview mirror. I know she’s afraid, and I know this will be a lot on her, but I have no choice but to go along with it now. I see how she curls into herself, and I pull her closer to my side. I hate this. I hate this for her.
“We’ll be there shortly,” the man answers. I keep her tucked into my side, holding her as close as possible.
“What’s this about, Justice?” she asks, looking at me with big green eyes.
“I can’t explain right now. I will though. I’ll tell you soon. Just trust me, Skylar.” She nods her head, and my heart leaps in my chest. She trusts me. She shouldn’t trust me. No one should, but she does.
The ride seems to take forever when we pull around the back of a hotel.
“You don’t speak to anyone until we’re in the room. Do you understand?” The man asks, looking between the two of us.
“We understand,” I tell him. He nods his head as Sky looks up at me, unsure about everything. I give her a small nod letting her know that it will be okay. Everything is going to be fine.
We’re ushered out of the SUV and into the hotel's back door. I keep Skylar’s hand wrapped around mine as we’re led through the lobby and into the elevator. Men surround us, and no one speaks as it moves up.
The doors slide open, and we’re led down the hall to a room. When the door is unlocked, we’re ushered inside.
“What the hell is going on?” Sky snaps this time. The nicer of the men stops moving and turns to face us now.
“For now, you’re under our protection. I’m sorry it has to be this way, and we couldn’t talk openly on the road. A situation has arisen, and we’re taking the necessary steps to make sure you are protected.”
“I don’t understand. Protected from who?” Sky asks as I cross my arms over my chest. I should interject and explain, but he doesn’t let me. He does it for me.
“Mr. Sinner has testified against a man called Mr. Bana. For some reason unknown to us at this time, Mr. Bana has been released from prison.”
“He what?” I snap loudly.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Sinner. We thought you would have been informed of this sooner. I apologize for that. These are the steps we need to take to keep you safe,” he answers. Grohl, his name badge says.
“I wasn’t informed,” I tell him.