Chapter 35
-Logan-
The cruiser lurched out of the lot. The city lights smeared across the glass like bruises.
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I should’ve felt the sting of the cuffs, but I couldn’t feel anything. All I saw was Hailey collapsing to the pavement as we pulled away.
Becker was talking in the front seat, gloating to his partner. But his words were just static. All I could think was how fast it had all gone to hell.
I clenched my fists against the cuffs. The bite of them grounded me just enough to keep the rage from spilling over. Becker droned on, smug and self–satisfied. But I tuned him out. All I could think about was Hailey… the look in her eyes.
The way she screamed my name while I ducked into the pig pen.
It fuckin gutted me.
We pulled up the station. Becker yanked open the door, and his hand gripped my arm like he thought I’d bolt.
I almost laughed. Where the hell was I gonna go?
They marched me inside. My boots scuffed against the linoleum, and the sound echoed in the empty hallway.
Becker’s partner – some rookie whose name I didn’t give a shit about – muttered something under his breath as they led me to booking. I didn’t bother–responding.
My mind was still back at the clubhouse. Watching Hailey crumple like a ragdoll.
Booking was a blur. Fingerprints, mugshot. Same questions I’d answered a hundred times before. Name, age, height, weight.
Like any of it mattered.
Like any of it would change the fact that Becker had me exactly where he wanted me – cuffed, pissed, and powerless.
They shoved me into a holding cell and the door clanged shut behind me. I leaned against the wall, my head thumping against the concrete as I stared up at the flickering lightbulb.
Hailey’s face kept flashing in my mind. Her wide eyes.
I should’ve stayed with her. Shoulda kept her safe instead of letting Becker bait me. But the bastard knew exactly what buttons to push.
He knew I wouldn’t stand there and let him drag Monty’s name through the mud, let alone threaten Hailey.
The sound of footsteps pulled me out of my head. Becker appeared on the other side of the bars with a smug grin plastered on his face.
“Comfortable?” he asked, leaning against the door with his arms crossed.
I didn’t answer. Just glared at him with my jaw clenched so tight it almost hurt.
He chuckled, shaking his head. “You know, Nash, you really should’ve thought twice before taking that swing. Assaulting a police officer? That’s gonna look real good on your record.”
I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to stay calm. “You’re full of shit, Becker. Get these cuffs off me.”
17:52 Fri, Dec
Chapter 35
His grin got wider. Asshole.
“Unless you wanna come in here and hold my dick for me. I gotta take a leak.”
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Becker laughed. The sound grated on my nerves. “Always gotta be the smartass, huh, Nash? Don’t worry, you’ll get your chance to piss… eventually.”
I clenched my fists and the cuff’s dug into my wrists. “You tryin‘ to scare me or somethin‘? I’ve been in worse places than
this.”
He tilted his head, stepping closer. “Oh, I’m sure you have. But here’s the thing, Logan… This time, it’s not just you. You’ve got that pretty little girl of yours wrapped up in this mess. And your pal, Maverick? He’s sitting in a cell down the hall, facing charges that are going to put him away for a long time. All because of you.”
I had to fight the urge to lunge at him. My hands were still trapped behind my back. “You planted that coke,” I snarled. “You set Monty up.”
Becker shrugged. “Prove it. You’re just another thug who can’t keep his temper in check. And your girl? She’s collateral damage.”
The rage was boiling inside me. I wanted to rip through the bars and wipe that smirk off his face. But I couldn’t. And he
knew it.
“You’re gonna regret this,” I growled.
He laughed, shaking his head. “You’re the one who’s gonna regret it, Nash. Every time you look at Hailey, you’re gonna remember this night. And you’re going to know it’s your fault.”
He walked away. I leaned my head back against the wall, closing my eyes. Becker’s words echoed in my head, twisting the knife deeper.
He was right. I dragged Hailey into this mess. And then I let my temper get me locked
I failed her.
- up.
I sat on the cold, hard bench, staring at the floor. All I could think about was her… those blue eyes wide and scared.
*Collateral damage*
Like she was nothing but a fuckin pawn in his game.
I took a deep breath. The cell smelled like bleach and sweat. It was a smell I knew too well… one that brought back memories I’d rather forget. But this time was different.
The sound of footsteps dragged me out of my thoughts again. I looked up as Becker strolled back into view with his hands stuffed in his pockets like he didn’t have a care in the world.
He stopped in front of my cage, that smug grin still plastered on his face.
“Got a visitor for you,” he said. His tone was dripping with mockery. “Thought you might want to see her.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Hailey?”
Becker chuckled, shaking his head. He stepped aside and Kat Sterling appeared in his place, looking me up and down.
“Detective Becker, remove those handcuffs from my client. What do you think this is?”
Becker’s smirk disappeared. He glanced between Kat and me, his jaw twitching. “Fine,” he muttered, pulling out his keys. He unlocked the cuffs and I rubbed my wrists.
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Chapter 35
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He leaned toward me with a scowl. It looked like he was gonna say something, but Kat stepped forward. “You’ve made your point, Detective. Now leave.”
He hesitated for a second, then turned and stalked off.
Kat stepped up to the bars, her eyes locking onto mine. “You look like hell,” she said bluntly.
“Feel like it too,” I muttered, rubbing my hands over my face. “He has me by the balls, Kat.”
Her lips pressed into a line. “He’s trying to rattle you. Don’t let him. I’ve already started working on getting you out of here, but it’s gonna take some time.”
I felt my jaw flex. “What about Monty?”
Kat nodded, her expression dark. “I’ve already spoken to Maverick. Becker’s trying to pin everything on you two, but he doesn’t have enough evidence to make it stick. Not yet.”
I exhaled hard.
She looked me over again. “You’ve got a real knack for making my job harder,” she said finally. “Assaulting a cop? Really, Logan? You’re worse than your father, and I once had to help him flee the country.”
I groaned, running a hand over my face. “He was baiting me, Kat. He threatened Hailey. What was I supposed to do?”
“Not clock him in front of half the precinct,” she snapped. “You Nash boys, I swear.”
I sighed. “Hailey… is she okay?”
Kat softened a little. “She’s with your sister. She’s worried. But she’s a tough cookie. She’ll hold it together.”
I nodded, but the guilt was eating me alive. I promised to protect her. Now she was out there alone while I was stuck in this fucking cell.
“We’ll get you both out of this,” Kat said quietly. “But you’ve got to trust me. And you’ve got to keep your temper in check. Becker’s looking for any excuse to make this worse.”
I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm. “I know.”
“Good. I’ll be back in the morning. Try to get some rest, Logan… You’re gonna need it.”
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
