The buzz of insects in the tall grass was nearly loud enough to drown out my own thoughts. Sitting back in the midnight black Audi, I tuned into the crackle of Roland's voice over the radio earpiece.

The hulking, abandoned warehouse sat silent in the distance. Demarco and I had always used the old factory as a go between. Using it as a meeting base, or a drop place for cargo. But after the phone call from Demarco asking to meet, I was more than a little wary. I couldn't explain it, but something just felt off.

I worked my jaw. Maybe it was left over feelings from being interrupted earlier. A jolt of desire half-masted my cock as I remembered the vision Austin made with face flushed, head thrown back in pleasure.

I had wanted to tear off those painted on jeans and sink my cock into his velvet heat. I'd been trying to accomplish just that when the call had come in. So here I sat. Pissed, alone in the backseat, and with a feeling of dread tapping across my spine.

My earpiece crackled to life once again. "Boss, you're going to want to see this."

With a sigh, I stepped out of the vehicle, Ross and Logan stepping out of the front seats. We trekked through the yellow grass and prickly weeds. I needed to stop wearing my nice suits here, they always resulted in a trip to the dry cleaner after.

Pieces of rust flaked off as Ross swung the old metal door to the side. Passing by rows of crates I approached Roland, whose back was turned to me as he inspected something just out of my sight.

Once I got closer, I felt my breath whoosh out of me. Stab wounds littered my old business partners chest. A once white shirt was saturated with blood and crusted with dirt. Bruising around Demarco's knuckles indicated he had fought back before being overwhelmed. Eyes open and unseeing, blood trickled from parted, colourless lips.

Turning away from the gruesome sight I faced Roland. "I want an inventory done, and the body examined. This is clearly a message." I growled out the last part.

"Boss!" The shout came from the other end of the warehouse.

Like a rock hurled at 110 m/hr the bullet slammed into me, knocking me off my feet. That fucking hurt.

••••••••

As I had been doing for the past few hours, my eyes mindlessly traced the invisible patterns on the ceiling I could see in my mind's eye. I shivered, and tucked the covers more securely around my bare shoulders.

I could just put a shirt on, as my sweat pants weren't much for heat. I doubted I would be able to sleep much tonight, anyway, so I could take it off before Maddox found out. My goosebumps said yes, but my mind said no.

Some deep part of me craved the loss of control, of being obedient to another's rules. Maybe it was because I'd never had anyone care for me before, anyone I could just hand myself over too, that I could trust. I trusted Maddox. The realization caused a pleasant warmth to suffuse my limbs, and chase away the cold.

I'd always had to take care of Tj. A job I'd never begrudge, but it felt so good to do something for myself.

A loud commotion came from the hallway, and I sat up in confusion. Maddox must be home. I had to restrain myself from jumping off my bed and running to find the man. Shit, this man has me made.

The amount of noise and movement continued after a few moments. Stepping out of bed, I opened my door a smidge.

I felt my breath whoosh out of me, the blood drain from my face and my knees buckle. Clutching the door knob, I was able to keep myself upright long enough for my knees to stop wobbling like jelly.

My earlier inhibitions were gone as I ran towards the man barely able to stay on his feet.

Everyone was trying to talk over each other, people gesturing wildly. Roland, bruised and dirty, looked exhausted as he tried to support Maddox's weight on his shoulder.

Pausing just in front of Maddox, I took in the spot of red blooming out from his shoulder. "He's been fucking shot?!"

Roland nodded wearily. Maddox's eye kids fluttered, and he let out a pained groan when Roland jostled him.

The chaos blurred as the pain filled sound wrapped around me. Maddox was hurt, and nobody seemed to know what to do.

***

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