Page 63 of The Riders’ Reign

He gives a rare smile. “Same.”

I turn to him. “What did you do to the plane?”

“A little bit of airplane maintenance with a razor blade, is all.”

“Fucking hell. You beautiful bastard.” Ace nudges Camile out of the way, grabs Ghost by his face, and kisses him loudly with an exaggerated smack on the lips.

Ghost rubs at his mouth with his hand and frowns. “Gross. Cut it out.”

Ace only laughs and throws me a wink, and I wonder if he’s thinking about what happened during the hazing, which is what I happen to be thinking about now.

“Area is secure.” One of our men approaches, glancing from me to Ace. “Now what?”

“Was Shelley’s sister on that plane?” Camile asks, her voice sad.

Ghost’s eyebrows shoot up his forehead. “Shelley’s sister? Fuck. Is that who she is?”

“Yeah,” Ace says, blowing out a breath. “Her name is Megan. It’s a long story and one we’ll tell you once we’re back at the compound.”

“I thought I recognized her but couldn’t place it. It must be because she reminded me of Shelley.”

“Yes,” Camile interjects, “but is she still alive or was she on that plane?”

“I’m hoping not.” Ghost gives a grim smile. “The last time I saw her, she was in the bathroom in the hangar.”

“Please, can we go and see? She must be so frightened.”

Ghost takes Camile’s hand. “Seeing another female face might be good for her, assuming she’s still there.”

“I’ll come with you,” Phoenix offers. “I still can’t believe those fuckers brought poor Shelley and her sister into this. Like they haven’t been through enough.” He shakes his head in dismay.

They leave us to cross the runway and enter the hangar. I really hope Shelley’s sister is safe and they’re not about to find an empty bathroom. I’m sure none of us wants to return to the compound with that news.

A couple of guys jog up to me, distracting my thoughts. “How’s it looking?” I ask.

They nod. “Coast is totally clear now, Rook.”

The men talk to me as if I’ve got the same status as Ace. I don’t. I’m still a rookie. And hell, Jack might still decide not to patch me in, but I think that’s unlikely. At least, I hope so.

I glance toward the hangar to see Phoenix, Ghost, and Camile helping a woman out of the dark building into the night. She looks worse for wear, and I immediately feel a massive surge of anger at the men here and what they might have done to her. Her dress is ripped, and she holds it together over her bra with one hand. When they near, Phoenix slows to take his cut off, then pulls his t-shirt over his head, leaving him bare-chested.

“Here, put this t-shirt on.” He hands it to her before pulling his cut back over his shoulders.

She smiles up at him weakly and pulls the top over her head, covering her torn dress and exposed bra.

“You ride in the car, Megan.” Camile gestures to the vehicle. “I’ll be right behind you on one of the bikes.”

“Won’t you stay with me? Please?” Megan asks in a shaking voice.

Camile glances at me and Ace, and we give her a quick nod each.

“Okay, if you’d feel better that way.” Camile smiles at her.

Ghost grimaces. “I’ll take the car, too. I’m far too fucked to ride a bike, even on the back.”

“We’ll get you patched up when we get you back.” Camile looks at his face and winces. “I’m sorry. I bet it hurt when I kissed you.”

“Darling,” Ghost drawls, “don’t you ever apologize for kissing me. Now, come on, let’s get the fuck out of here.”