19. 19 Tori

I hate that this meeting is happening at the dead of night. The streets are so eerily quiet, it sends a chilling shiver down my spine as we approach the dank, abandoned warehouse. It seems almost too cliché, like a scene robbed straight out of a movie.

The street light above flickers, wanting to give up on this place like the rest of the world. The sound of its light humming and the pounding of my heart are the only sounds filling the silence. Thorne's dark eyes, encased by deep shadows, crinkle at the corners as he scans the area, assessing. Probably memorizing the layout of the warehouse from the outside in case shit goes sideways, which it inevitably always does.

His hand in mine is the only thing keeping me going, moving me forward step by step. The last time I felt this scared was when these three kidnapped me after beating Javier. They took me after school and locked me in Ryder's cellar for a night. They swore they'd keep me there forever unless I signed an NDA about what they'd done.

I shudder at the memory, having a hard time dissociating past them from now them. It's too much, even knowing they loved me then. I do my best to shake the thought away, but not without Thorne noticing. He mistakes it for fear of what's to come, squeezing my hand in comfort, a needed strength in the gesture. I don't dare correct him, getting my head out of the past and refocused on the dangerous task at hand.

Blaze leads the way in confident strides, as if this isn't his first rodeo. For all I know, he's had these kinds of meetings before. They aren’t called the Iron Triad for no reason. The three of them had their own gang in high school—a way-too-successful one, considering.

The only fear I can sense in my sexy-as-fuck K-idol is the concern he has for me. I realize now why Thorne said they've kept their distance… I could really be their ruin. Even with them having settled the relationship matter between us all, I am their weak link. If anyone wished to do them harm, they'd only have to get to me. Considering I'm not the most athletic, or the strongest, it wouldn't be too difficult of a task to accomplish.

“Stay close to me. We'll keep you safe,” Thorne assures me with another gentle squeeze of the hand. His eyes are soft with worry as they hold my gaze momentarily.

I nod my head, scooting even closer than I already am. There's no need for me to pretend. I'm shitting my goddamn pants right now. Ryder's presence behind us is the only thing keeping me from feeling as if the very shadows will come to life and drag me away when I'm not looking.

“Just make sure to bite that sharp tongue of yours, KitKat.” Ryder gains my attention, shifting my gaze to him over my shoulder, seeing his cocky smirk.

His muscles are tense, like maybe he's holding back right now. There's a dark look in his eyes that would normally blanch me—drain me of my blood and make me feel faint—but it isn't directed at me. Ryder can be bone-chilling at times, almost as if there's a monster he' s constantly battling inside—one that's begging to be released, to rip away his conscience and bathe the world in blood.

“I thought you loved my mouth?” I try to lighten the mood with a sorry-ass joke. It almost works, seeing Ryder's smirk widen and Thorne's shoulders drop just an inch, but just as quickly as the moment of relief comes, it's snatched away. The warehouse door slams open, revealing a large man with shoulders so wide, they hardly fit through the doorway. My eyes land on the black metal in his hands, a rifle. A fucking rifle.

His eyes narrow on us as if deciding whether to gun us down half a block away, or wait until we're at the door. Either way, it doesn't bode well for us. It isn't until we're under the flickering light that the man seems to recognize Blaze, letting his index finger relax away from the trigger.

My lungs fill as I suddenly remember how to breathe again, dropping my shoulders to their normal state, not having realized they were practically to my ears. With deep breaths and a constant mantra of ‘ keep your mouth shut, Tori,’ we make it inside the warehouse, following Mr. Gung Ho to the back. He leads us up a metal staircase that seems to barely hold together.

Seeing as Goliath here isn't scared to climb up it, we follow, but not before exchanging wary looks. Thorne and Blaze communicate almost telepathically, as nothing is said, but heads are nodded in understanding. For once, I'm glad they're a close trio, using that force to our advantage.

Gunslinger leads us to a black door tucked away at the end of a very dimly lit hall. I'm shuddering despite the warmth Thorne's body brings me as my nerves get the better of me. When the door creaks open, all I can think about is my self-control, or lack thereof .

We step inside a dark room, the dim light of the warehouse barely doing enough to cut through the thick shadows. The place smells like metal and grease with a sour hint of something else hanging in the air. Maybe fear. My own, probably.

Blaze is the first to cross the threshold, his shoulders rigid. Thorne moves beside me, his hand never leaving my own, while Ryder brings up the rear, his presence like a dark cloud creeping over the room.

A few Niners are scattered around and keeping their distance, but clearly watching us like hawks. Every step feels heavier, more deliberate, like sinking deeper into quicksand. We don’t know what we’re walking into—just that Nico’s called and the time has come to repay our debt— whatever that means.

The sound of boots scuffing against concrete catches my attention, and my heart jumps into my throat as I glance up just in time to see Nico strolling toward us. He's flanked by two menacing-looking goons, who I’m sure don’t have names because they don’t need them. Nico’s all that matters here. His hair is slicked neatly back, reflecting the light brilliantly against its glossy black hue. A face that pretty should not be so evil.

"Glad to see you showed up," he says, his voice smooth, dripping with false warmth. His eyes flick toward me for a second, cold and calculating, before they settle on Blaze.

I'd much rather be back in bed with Ryder. Can we just rewind time?

"Didn’t give us much of a choice, did you?" Blaze replies, his tone casual, but I can hear the bite beneath it.

Nico’s smile widens, flashing just enough teeth to remind us he’s the one in control. "I did say I’d be calling on you. And now, here we are," he gestures to the dim, empty space around us like it’s some kind of grand stage. "I need your assistance with a small matter. "

"Which would be?" Ryder cuts in, his voice low, and dangerous. His posture is loose, but there’s a tension just under the surface—like he’s ready to strike if Nico gives him a reason.

Nico's smile doesn't waver, but there's something darker in his gaze. "Just a little territory dispute. But first…" His eyes land on me again, and my stomach twists. "I need your girl to play a part."

I blink, giving myself a moment to process what he said before asking something stupid. "What?"

Blaze steps forward, instinctively putting himself between me and Nico, but Nico doesn’t back down. His eyes stay locked on mine, like he’s already made up his mind. "Valen Kade, the boss of the Black Talons, is coming here tonight. He’ll have his woman with him. And I need to show that I’m not… lacking in that department."

It takes a second for his meaning to sink in, and when it does, my blood runs cold. "You want me to pretend to be… what? Your trophy?"

Nico chuckles, though there’s no humor in it. "Let’s not be dramatic. It’s just for appearances. You’ll sit by my side, smile when necessary, and make sure Valen knows that I’m not to be underestimated."

"Like hell.” I shake my head while Blaze growls— like actually growls —his eyes blazing with fury. I can feel the heat radiating off him even from here. Thorne shifts beside me, his grip tightening just enough to let me know he’s on edge too.

Nico raises a brow, looking almost amused. "Oh, I wouldn’t refuse if I were you. This isn’t a request, sweetheart. It’s part of the deal."

I swallow hard, trying to wrap my head around this new twist. I glance at the guys, feeling the weight of their tension pressing down on me. We’re trapped here and we all know it. The favor we owe Nico… this is the cost. It could be worse. He could be asking us to kill someone. But what happens if I say no?

"It’s not happening," Ryder says, stepping forward now, his voice a low rumble of anger. "You can’t just—"

"It is happening," Nico cuts in, his voice turning icy, eyes narrowing on my demon. "Unless you’d like to renegotiate the terms of our deal? I’m sure Thorne would make a great addition to my collection at the casino."

Hell no! He's too pretty for that.

Silence falls as tension buzzes in the air. Ryder’s jaw clenches, but Blaze holds him back with a look. Thorne hasn’t said a word, but I can feel the storm brewing inside him too. They all want to tear Nico apart, I know it. But they also know we don’t have a choice.

I close my eyes for a second—inhaling sharply, trying to clear my head. This isn’t about pride, it’s about survival.

"Fine," I say before I can overthink it, my voice is steadier than I feel. "I’ll do it."

Blaze’s head whips around, eyes wide with disbelief. "Tori—"

"It's fine," I cut him off, keeping my voice calm even though my insides are churning. Be strong for them, Tori. "If this is what it takes to get through tonight, I’ll play along. It’s just for show."

The guys look like they’re ready to explode, but Nico’s grin tells me he knows he's already won. "Smart girl.”

He motions for one of his lackeys to bring something, and within seconds, a black dress is handed to me, more suited for a cocktail party than a shady warehouse meeting. I stare at its smooth, sleek surface, feeling the weight of what I’m about to do settle on my shoulders.

Seriously?! Why do guys think we have to dress in skimpy dresses to be impressive? Put me in a leather jacket and some tight pants and I'll shake the world.

I snatch the dress, avoiding the guys' stares as I slip behind a screen to change with trembling hands. Even though I can't see them, I can feel their eyes on me, the weight of the situation pressing down on me like a ton of bricks.

Great. Just great.

I yank off my jacket and pull the dress over my head. The fabric is smooth, but clings to my body like a second skin. Black and tight, making me feel like I’ve stepped into an alternate universe where I’m suddenly a femme fatale—only without the guns or the glamorous lifestyle.

It’s not about the dress, it’s about what it represents.

I take a deep breath, trying to ground myself. This isn’t forever. It’s just one night. One act. I can handle this. I’ve been through worse. But knowing that the guys are out there—fuming and powerless to protect me—it makes everything feel heavier. They think I’m some delicate flower, but really I'm more of a prickly succulent. They've made me so.

I smooth the dress down and step out, doing my best to keep my expression neutral. Thorne's gaze lands on me first, and the raw fury in his eyes makes me want to retreat back behind the screen. His jaw tightens, the muscle twitching in a way that makes my stomach flip. I’ve never seen him this angry; and trust me, I've seen some impressive scowls.

Ryder looks like he’s about two seconds away from launching himself at Nico, while Blaze's expression is hard to read—his eyes are fixed on me, but there’s something dangerous simmering beneath his calm exterior.

"You look perfect," Nico says, that smug grin still plastered on his face. You're disgusting. He moves toward me, extending his arm like this is some kind of twisted high-society event. "Let’s not keep Valen waiting. ”

I don’t take his arm, not yet. I glance back at the guys, silently begging them to send me a telepathic message that this will all end well. Just remember to bite your tongue, Tori.

"Play nice, Sweetheart," Nico murmurs close to my ear, his voice a low threat. "Or this could get messy, fast.”

I don't think the nickname ‘sweetheart’ has ever made me cringe more. I have to bite my tongue hard to keep from grimacing in his face. My teeth hurt, gritting them so hard to remain with a blank expression as I finally hook my arm through his. It’s just for appearances. Just for tonight . I keep repeating that in my head like a mantra as the group of us walk down the dim corridor toward a large, metal door at the end.

The door opens with a loud creak, revealing a man who could only be Valen Kade—the infamous leader of the Black Talons. He’s tall and broad-shouldered, exuding an air of authority that seems to fill the room. Dark hair falls in unruly waves around his face, framing sharp features and piercing eyes that flicker with a dangerous intensity. I’ve never seen him before, but the way everyone in the room tenses tells me all I need to know about who he is.

He’s seated at a table in the middle of the room surrounded by his men. His woman is perched beside him, dressed in a tight, red dress that clings to her every curve, her expression cold and calculating. This is what I mean. Why skimpy dresses? Her eyes flick to me immediately, narrowing as she sizes me up. Well, here we go.

"Valen," Nico says smoothly, his arm still linked with mine as he steps forward, exuding confidence. "I hope you’ve been keeping well.”

Valen doesn’t get up. He leans back in his chair, eyeing Nico with thinly veiled disdain. "Nico," he replies, his voice low and gravelly. "You think bringing your little entourage will intimidate me?" His chin lifts to point at Thorne, Blaze, and Ryder just behind us as they hover close, refusing to be further than six feet from me .

"I brought them to keep things civilized," Nico says, his tone unfazed. "I prefer negotiations to bloodshed. We both know how costly that can be.”

Valen smirks, his gaze flickering between Nico and the Iron Triad behind us. "Costly for you, maybe. You think I care about losing a few men? I have more where they came from."

Nico leans slightly closer, his expression steady. "Then you should consider the bigger picture. An all-out war benefits no one. The Niners are not just a name—we’re a force, and we don’t fight for territory—we fight for survival. You want to test that?”

The tension thickens in the air, and we can feel the heat rising as Valen’s jaw tightens. "You’re bold, I’ll give you that. But don't think I'll buck at your words, Nico."

"My words hold weight," Nico replies coolly. "You’ve made your moves, Valen. You’re encroaching on Niner territory, and I’m here to discuss a solution. Let’s avoid a bloodbath, shall we? You don’t want that mess on your hands, and neither do I.”

Valen's smirk doesn't falter, but even I can see a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "And what do you propose?"

Nico straightens, his voice firm. "You agree to keep your operations within your borders, and we can work together on mutually beneficial arrangements. We both know this city can only handle so much chaos."

Valen narrows his eyes, considering. His gaze flickers to the boys behind me, then toward me before returning to Nico, as if assessing the threat each of us pose. "And what’s to stop me from taking what I want? I’m not afraid of you, or your little bodyguards, Nico.”

Nico’s smile returns, but it doesn’t reach his eyes, appearing more menacing than any I've seen before. "You should be. I’m not asking for your compliance—I’m offering you a way out. Think carefully, Valen. Blood on the streets doesn’t just stain the pavement—it also stains your reputation.”

Silence hangs in the air, heavy with unspoken threats. Valen leans back, weighing his options, while the atmosphere crackles with tension. The boys and I are on pins and needles, silent as we watch the exchange, knowing that at any second, this could all go sideways.

"You think you can just waltz in here and dictate terms?" Valen finally says, his voice low and steady. "What if I decide I want more than what you’re offering?"

Nico’s demeanor remains calm, his eyes locked onto Valen’s. "Then we both know this conversation shifts from negotiation to conflict, and that’s a road you don't want to travel. The last thing you need is war on your hands, especially one that involves the Niners.”

Valen smirks, glancing briefly at his woman before shifting his gaze back to Nico. "War is messy, but sometimes it’s necessary. I have my own ambitions, and your presence here doesn’t change that."

Nico nods slightly, maintaining his composure. "Then let’s make this simple. You want to expand, but pushing into my territory will lead to consequences. I’m offering you a chance to avoid that. I suggest you take it before you regret it."

The tension between them escalates as Valen's expression darkens. "And if I refuse?”

Nico leans forward, his voice low, almost a whisper. "Then you’ll have to consider how much you’re willing to lose. A man's ambition can lead to his downfall faster than his dreams. Are you sure you're willing to risk losing more than just your men?” His eyes flicker to Valen's woman, a clear, unspoken threat hanging between his words.

Before Valen can respond, his woman interjects, her tone icy. "You think your little show of power intimidates us? Valen and I are a team, a force to be reckoned with. What's this girl to you, Nico? Another play thing? Some pawn who'd be more than willing to stab you in the back?”

“Tori is the only woman able to lead a gang such as mine. Niners don't concede to obedient little whores. We own enough of those.” Nico grips my hand over his bicep, extracting my fingers from his arm so he can wrap it around my waist, placing me in front of him as if to show me off. Problem is, I suddenly feel like a meat shield. If bullets start to fly, I'll be the first one hit.

Of course, the guys feel the same way, taking a step forward, ready to grab me before this meeting is even over. Sensing their movements, Nico shoots them a warning look over his shoulder. All the while, he makes it seem as if Ryder, Thorne, and Blaze are his attack dogs and he just told them to heel.

“If she's so special, maybe she's what I need to take from you. You decide Nico, your territory or your woman.” Valen's smug expression is not lost on me. He thinks he has Nico cornered with his ultimatum, but what he doesn't realize is that Nico couldn’t care less for me. He'd sooner get rid of me than the cuff link on his shirt.

My three boyfriends, however, don't bother to wait for a response, yanking me out or Nico's grip. The gang boss curses as I'm pushed behind Thorne, his broad shoulders shielding me from view.

All hell breaks loose at that point. What starts off with curses ends in bullets flying, ricocheting around the room. We're all hunched over, trying to make ourselves smaller targets, but there's no use. We're outgunned here, and Nico is not paying us any mind.

Rifle guy bursts into the room behind us, only he's not alone. With him come various members of the Niners and their own guns, shooting back in retaliation. They flank in front of Nico, pushing past us and into the thick of the gun fight. We take the chance and hurriedly make our way to the metal doors .

My ears feel as if they're bleeding, vibrating with the ringing of bullets being shot, like pops of fireworks blasting off directly beside my ear drum. It's loud and so fucking frightening. A bullet zips past me, shooting through my hair, miraculously not hitting any other part of me.

I'm not even sure my heart is beating anymore, pumping so fast it feels still. My mind slows everything around me as I scan the room. There are four bodies on the floor already, and only one of them belongs to the Niners.

I hear Valen shout just as we push the metal doors open, “Katie!” His woman lay lifeless at his feet, her eyes glued to mine with a gun dangling loosely from her finger.

Was she aiming at me?

To my right, Ryder holds the smoking gun, staring straight into Valen's eyes. He shot her. I know the hunger for revenge, an anger fueled by righteous thoughts. Right now, Valen's eyes hold that very look, locking his gaze with Ryder's before flickering to me.

Fuck. He's coming for me.

Valen isn't worried about Nico anymore, grabbing the gun from Katie's hand and aiming it right for me. He shoots, his arm lifting from the ricochet as he watches his target with a focused glare. Me. I'm his target.

I blink, my eyes closing for too long as I hear a hiss before I'm shoved on the ground and covered by Ryder's body. Blaze and Thorne waste no time, grabbing guns of their own from the fallen bodies around us. Both of them aim for Valen, but he's already gone before they can shoot, blocked by sacrificial members of his gang.

“Get him up and follow me.” Nico's voice is the calm in a sea storm, not affected an ounce by what's happening around us. He's been in too many of these to be affected anymore, hasn't he?

I'm not sure what he means until Blaze and Thorne grab Ryder's arms, hauling him on either side. The right side of my dress feels wet, sticky, and warm. In a state of shock, my hand runs the length of my dress, lifting my palm up to see the familiar tinge of red.

Am I shot? Did he get me?

Nico, surprisingly, scoops me up off the floor with little effort, carrying me through a side corridor and down a few steps until we come upon a door that he kicks open. The warm night air is a welcome feel against my skin as Nico continues to run with me in tow. The boys aren't too far behind, lugging Ryder between them.

His skin is five times paler than usual, his feet dragging behind him. His shirt is clinging to his side, wet with… fuck, that's blood.

I'm not shot. Ryder is.