Chapter Six

Adalee

"Where is he going?"

I was halfway out of my car when Fade waltzed out of the clubhouse straight to his bike and threw his leg over. He cranked up the bike, revved the engine while making eye contact with me, and then slid his sunglasses over his eyes.

"That looks like a challenge to me," Mark laughed.

"I'm following him," I decided instantly.

"You want us to come with?" Garett asked.

I shook my head and got back in my car. "No, just stay here. Get some more footage of the garage. Talk to Yarder about what the new garage is going to look like. We can try to hook some people who are into building and home improvements with that."

"What are you going to do when you catch up to Fade?" Garett asked.

"I'm going to make him see that giving me an interview is the only way we are going to end this." I slammed my door and cranked up my Beetle. I rolled down the window as I backed up. "Get whatever footage you can, and I'll check in with you guys later." I really had no clue what the hell I was going to do. I just knew something had to be done.

"Be careful," Garett called.

I waved and shifted into drive as Fade rocketed out of the parking lot.

I wasn't about to let him get away this time.

I pressed down on the accelerator and the Beetle responded with a low rumble as I followed him onto the main road. Fade was driving fast, weaving through traffic with the kind of reckless abandon that would have terrified a less determined driver. But I was more than determined—I was on a mission.

Keeping up with him was no small feat. The town's streets were a blur of neon signs and headlights as I matched his speed. He cut through intersections just as the lights were turning red, leaving me to make split-second decisions. My heart pounded in my chest, but I wasn't scared. If anything, the adrenaline sharpened my focus.

As we reached the edge of town, I saw him glance back in his side mirror. He had to know I was following him, but he didn't slow down. Instead, he accelerated, heading toward the highway that led out of town. I gritted my teeth and stayed right on his tail.

The highway stretched out before us, empty except for the occasional truck. Fade's bike was a sleek shadow against the asphalt, and I kept my eyes trained on it. We flew down the road, the speedometer needle climbing higher and higher. The wind whipped past my windows, and the engine's growl filled the car.

We reached Pittsburg in what felt like no time at all. Fade finally eased up on the throttle, and I did the same, maintaining a careful distance. He turned off the main road and headed into a small parking lot that housed a donut shop and a Mexican restaurant. I watched as he backed into a spot, his eyes fixed on me the entire time.

I pulled into the empty spot beside him and turned off the engine. For a moment, I just sat there, catching my breath. Then, with a sense of resolve, I got out of the car and rounded the front, coming face to face with him.

"Fancy meeting you here, cupcake," Fade said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. He stayed on his bike, looking completely at ease despite having just been tailed for twenty miles.

I folded my arms over my chest and met his gaze. "You knew I was following you."

He raised an eyebrow, and a smirk played at the corners of his mouth. "Of course I did. You weren't exactly subtle."

I rolled my eyes. "You drive like a maniac, you know that?"

Fade chuckled, shaking his head. "And you kept up pretty well. I'm impressed."

"Why'd you leave like that?" I asked, cutting straight to the point. "You know I needed to talk to you."

He sighed, his expression softening just a fraction. "I had some things to take care of. Besides, I figured you'd catch up if it were important enough."

I took a step closer, my frustration giving way to curiosity. "What things did you have to take care of?"

"You don't have a camera in my face. Am I supposed to answer that, or are we waiting for your two goons to get here?" he drawled.

"I don't know why you're fighting this so much. It's just an interview. Hell, more than half of it is going to end up on the cutting room floor," I said, exasperation creeping into my voice.

Fade leaned back against his bike, arms crossed. "Then what the hell is the point of doing it?" he countered, his tone edged with irritation.

I sighed, trying to keep my cool. "Because... because it's what you have to do, and it's my job."

He pushed his sunglasses on top of his head, revealing those piercing blue eyes that always seemed to look straight through me. "Your job sucks, cupcake," he said, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

I couldn't help but notice just how striking his eyes were—clear and intense, like a summer sky. They contrasted sharply with his tousled brown hair, adding to the rugged charm that made it hard to stay mad at him for long.

"Cupcake." Fade snapped his fingers in front of my face, snapping me out of my reverie. "You still with me here?"

I shook my head slightly, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "Uh, yeah. Sorry, I got... distracted."

Fade glanced around, trying to figure out what had caught my attention. Little did he know, it was him. He had distracted me.

There was no denying that Fade was handsome. His brown hair had just the right amount of tousle, giving him a perpetually windswept look that only added to his appeal. Those piercing blue eyes were captivating, full of intensity, and a hint of mischief. His devilish smile, the kind that promised trouble and excitement, was both infuriating and irresistible. He had a fit, muscular body that filled out his jeans and white T-shirt perfectly. The black motorcycle boots and leather cut with the club insignia on the back completed the look, giving him an air of danger and authority that was impossible to ignore.

"Seriously, cupcake," Fade said, his smirk widening as he took in my flushed face. "What's got you so distracted?"

I cleared my throat, trying to regain some semblance of composure. "Nothing. Just... thinking about how we can get through this interview with both of us being happy in the end."

A sexy smile spread across Fade's lips. "Happy ending, cupcake?"

"Not what I'm talking about, Fade," I droned.

"But it could be what we are talking about," he countered, a smirk playing on his lips.

I could feel myself being drawn in by his good looks—those piercing blue eyes, the tousled brown hair, and that devilish smile. His boyish charm was almost too much to resist, but I knew I had to stay focused.

I looked around and sighed. "Why the heck are we in Pittsburg?" I asked.

Fade shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, you're in Pittsburg because you followed me. I'm here because..." He pointed over his shoulder toward the Mexican restaurant. "Tacos." Then he gestured to the donut place. "Maple bacon Long Johns."

"You drove here for tacos and donuts?" I asked, incredulous. "You do know that it's barely ten o'clock, right?"

Fade laughed, the sound rich and warm. "What can I say? I have a craving."

I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips despite myself. "This doesn't cease to amaze me. You bikers are always marching to your own drum."

He winked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I aim to please."

As much as I wanted to stay annoyed, it was hard to remain upset with Fade when he was in a good mood. There was something infectious about his carefree attitude, a stark contrast to the intensity he usually carried.

"These must be some good tacos and donuts."

"They're the best I've ever had, cupcake," Fade declared, a confident grin spreading across his face.

I quirked my lips in amusement. "Maybe I should be the judge of that. At least with the donuts."

"You some donut expert?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"In another life I was." Another life indeed, I thought, memories flickering briefly in my mind.

He motioned towards the donut place. "Well, welcome to the Donut Kingdom, cupcake. You can tell me if my taste buds are right or not."

We walked into the donut shop, and I was immediately struck by how vibrant and bright the place was. The walls were painted in cheerful colors—yellows, pinks, and blues—that seemed to lift my spirits just by looking at them. The air was filled with the sweet scent of freshly baked dough, sugar, and icing.

The display cases were packed with over twenty varieties of donuts, each one more enticing than the last. There were the classics: glazed, chocolate, and powdered sugar. But there were also more unique flavors: maple bacon Long Johns, blueberry lavender, and even donuts topped with fruity pebbles. The sheer variety was overwhelming, and my mouth watered at the sight.

Seven small tables were scattered around the shop, each adorned with a small vase of fresh flowers. The place had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that made it easy to see why it was so popular.

We got in line, and I couldn't help but comment, "I have to say, I have never been to a donut shop that has had a line."

Fade smirked, clearly enjoying himself. "That's because you've never had a donut like these, cupcake."

As we waited, I studied the different options, trying to decide which ones to try. The line moved quickly, and soon we were at the counter. The friendly cashier greeted us with a smile.

"What can I get for you today?" she asked.

Fade looked at me expectantly. "You first, cupcake."

I scanned the case one last time before making my decision. "I'll take a maple bacon Long John, a blueberry lavender, and a classic glazed."

Fade nodded approvingly. "Good choices. I'll have the same."

The cashier quickly packed up our donuts, and we found a table by the window. Fade placed the box between us, and I opened it, feeling a childlike excitement.

"Alright," I said, picking up the maple bacon Long John. "Let's see if these live up to the hype."

I took a bite, and my eyes widened in surprise. The combination of the sweet maple glaze and the salty bacon was perfection. "Okay, I admit it. This is pretty amazing."

Fade chuckled, taking a bite of his own. "Told you. These donuts are life-changing."

We continued sampling the donuts, each one more delicious than the last. The blueberry lavender was a delightful mix of fruity and floral, and the classic glazed was just the right balance of sweet and doughy.

"Was your plan to get me in a sugar coma and I would forget about the interview?" I asked as I licked the sticky sweet icing off my fingers.

Fade shrugged. "I mean, I really just wanted a donut, but if you're close to being in a sugar coma, I think you need to finish that Long John."

"Nice try," I laughed. "But I'm a certified sugar addict."

"Is that so?" Fade began, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Suddenly, loud gunshots rang out, shattering the moment. Glass exploded around us, and screams filled the air. My heart pounded in my chest as Fade dove across the table, dragging me to the ground with him.

A scream escaped my lips as a sharp pain stabbed my side. The shots continued, each one like a hammer blow to my senses, until finally, silence fell, broken only by the terrified cries of people around us.

"Stay down," Fade grunted, his voice tense. He peered through the shattered window above us, and I saw his face turn to stone.

"What is it?" I asked, my voice trembling.

Fade didn't answer. His jaw clenched, and his eyes burned with a fury I had never seen before.

Around us, the donut shop was in chaos. Tables and chairs were overturned, shards of glass littered the floor, and people were huddled together, crying and shouting. Despite the commotion, all I could focus on was the anger radiating from Fade.

Nearby, two women were talking frantically. "This has to be some random shooting," one said, her voice shaking. "Or maybe a disgruntled employee."

I didn't know what it was all about, but one thing was clear: Fade knew a hell of a lot more than anyone else there.

"Fade," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, "what's going on?"

He finally looked at me, his eyes softening just a fraction. "Just stay here, Adalee. I'll handle this."

I wanted to protest, to demand answers, but the intensity in his gaze stopped me. Instead, I nodded, wincing at the pain in my side. "Okay, but be careful."

Fade nodded and then moved swiftly, his movements purposeful and controlled. I watched as he made his way through the chaos, every step radiating determination.

As I lay there, trying to process what had just happened, my mind raced with questions. Who had done this? Why? And why did Fade seem to have an idea of what was going on?

I pressed my hand to my side, feeling the warm, sticky blood seeping through my fingers. The pain was sharp but manageable. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

The sound of sirens in the distance grew louder, signaling the arrival of emergency services. Paramedics and police officers flooded into the shop, adding to the confusion.

"Are you alright, miss?" A paramedic knelt beside me, her eyes full of concern.

"I think I've been shot," I said, my voice shaking. "Or something."

"Let's get you checked out," she said gently, helping me to my feet.

As I was led to an ambulance, I glanced back at Fade. He was talking to a police officer, his expression grim. I knew that whatever was happening was far from over.

The paramedic helped me onto a stretcher and began to examine my wound. "You're lucky," she said, her voice soothing. "Looks like you were just hit with some flying glass. We'll get you patched up in no time."

I nodded, grateful for the reassurance, but my mind was still on Fade. I needed to know what was going on. As soon as the paramedic finished, I thanked her and carefully stood up, ignoring her protests.

"You really should go to the hospital and get checked out," she advised.

"I'm fine," I insisted. "I need to find someone."

The paramedic looked skeptical but didn't stop me. I returned to the donut shop, now a scene of controlled chaos. Police were interviewing witnesses, and paramedics were tending to the injured.

I spotted Fade near the back, still talking to the officer. His face was set in a hard line, and I could see the tension in his posture.

"Fade," I called out, my voice cutting through the noise.

He turned, his expression softening when he saw me. "Adalee." He moved toward me, and his eyes focused on the blood on my shirt. "You were shot?" he asked.

I shook my head. "No, just some glass cut me. I must have fallen on it when you pushed me to the ground."

"You need to go to the hospital."

"I'm fine," I insisted, ignoring the throbbing in my side. "What happened? Who did this?"

Fade glanced around, then took my arm gently. "Let's talk outside."

We stepped out into the sunlight, the chaos of the donut shop muted behind us. Fade ran a hand through his hair, looking conflicted.

"Talk to me, Fade," I urged. "What's going on? Did this have to do with you?" Bad things had been happening to the club, but they were all explainable.

The garage had exploded because of a ruptured gas line.

Faye's ex had been a psycho, and he killed her because he didn't want anyone else to have her.

But this? A drive-by shooting at a donut shop?

Was this just some crazy coincidence?

Was this connected to the club? But how? We weren't even in Mt. Pleasant.

He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I can't tell you anything, cupcake, but I can tell you that we're not safe."