Pawn (The Pawn Duet #2) - T.M. Frazier Page 0,16

foot, either because of the impact of the can or drunkenness. Possibly a little of both.

I roll my eyes as Percy lifts another one, and they repeat the process to the roaring cheers of the other morons eager to gain the approval of their future almighty leader.

Seriously, they should make a documentary about these people. If nothing else, it would be good for a laugh.

Shit, I’m not the smartest man, but these motherfuckers make me feel like I’ve gained a few IQ points in the few minutes I’ve been watching them.

The big guy spins in a circle, victoriously accepting the applause for his drunken idiocy. Percy claps and slaps the guy on the back. I can’t help but think of how easy it would be right now.

It would only take one call to Sniper. He’s in Bear’s crew and ex-military. For a small fee or hell, probably just a six pack or the fun of it, I could have him pick these motherfuckers off one by one. Pink mist everywhere.

No more Fourth Reich.

But that can wait, because right now I’m here for a reason, and right now, that reason is bending over to pick up the discarded beer cans Percy and his buddy just tossed to the ground. I catch a full glimpse of her rounded backside filling out her jean skirt. My cock twitches again. “It’s not that kind of confrontation,” I remind him out loud because I’m a crazy person now who talks to his cock. And partly because I wish it was that kind of confrontation.

Mickey looks around, then slowly makes her way into the dark toward the back of the building where not a single light shines through any of the windows.

Whatever kind of confrontation it is, it’s happening now.

Tonight will decide Mickey’s fate.

And mine.

Mickey

Promises are the sweetest kind of lies. Also, they mean nothing spoken from a place of desperation, and that so happens to be exactly the place I find myself in. Lost in a void of desperation. Consumed with only the thoughts and desire to get to Mindy. All while playing the devoted fiancé to the future leader of The Reich at yet another shit-show of a party celebrating what, I’m not exactly sure. I never am.

Sneaking away from the party isn’t easy. I wait for forever for what feels like the perfect moment when I think I won’t be missed. I find that moment between the forehead beer crushing competition and the how fast can you run through the bonfire without burning to death dare.

Slowly, I back away from the crowd until I’m fully enveloped in the shadows of the side of the building. Once I know I can’t be seen, I turn and run at full speed. When I reach the lighted courtyard, I slow my pace. I come across a couple walking back into the main building. We exchange polite greetings and I try not to breathe too heavily and show my exertion. The second they’re gone from view, I race to the trailer, and I throw open the door.

Only, it’s empty. At least, it’s empty of Mindy. All that remains are the mattresses and other crap that were there before. Even the cage that was under the window is now gone.

I shut the door quietly and resume my search. I try and tell myself that it will be okay. That Percy promised to protect her.

But promises are the sweetest lies. You just thought that yourself.

Shit.

Casually, I attempt to make my search look like a meandering stroll, whistling and gazing up at the stars occasionally. While on the inside I’m yelling at myself to run from door to door and tear them off the hinges.

After what feels like hours, I’ve covered the entire compound, checking open doors and peering through windows with no luck at all.

The bass of the party shakes the walls of the hall as I get closer to the party. The bonfire light shines through the archway leading out into the courtyard. I stop, unable to propel myself any further. I can’t go back there. I just can’t.

I take a step back and then turn, running into the girl’s bathroom. I check the stalls for feet and find none. I lock the door behind me and rest my back against it, sliding to the floor.

My thoughts shift from my sister to Pike and how I wish he was here right now. How I wish I could lose myself in his arms when it all gets too much