Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46098 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46098 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
But more than anything, it was the way he valued loyalty and brotherhood that earned him the place as our leader. When we patched, we took an oath to follow him. And I would never break it…unless he ordered me to let my angel go.
He nodded once. “Let’s talk.”
I paused, jaw tight.
He tipped his chin, already a step ahead. “Prospect’s posted at the end of the hall. No one crosses this line without your say-so. From the hall,” he added, the corner of his mouth ticking when my eyes narrowed. “Nobody’s stepping through that door unless it’s you, me, or Cage.”
I stared him down. “No one touches her.”
“I gathered,” he said dryly.
“She’s mine,” I added quietly, the truth settling deep into my chest like a brand.
His gaze didn’t waver. If he disapproved or wanted to make a point about brothers and oversight, I would’ve heard it in that silent beat. Instead, he folded his arms and let the quiet stretch until it felt like a pact.
“Then you keep her alive.” The understanding in his eyes could only come from a man who knew what it was like to be driven by possession and the deep need to protect what was ours.
I nodded.
He turned as I fell into step beside him as we moved down the corridor, two heavy shadows in a hallway full of pictures that told a thousand stories about speed, blood, and wins earned the hard way.
When we rounded the corner, the prospect at the end of the hall straightened reflexively at the sight of Kane, his eyes cutting to me for a split second to make sure I wasn’t about to end his career.
I stopped in front of him, and he went stock-still, swallowing hard.
“You step two inches over that threshold without me telling you to,” I growled, my voice flat as a steel plate, “I’ll break your fucking wrist and feed your bike to my shredder.”
“Yes, sir,” he practically wheezed. “Won’t move, sir.”
Kane’s mouth twitched. “You heard the man.”
I rolled my eyes and followed Kane farther down the hall, ignoring his low chuckle. We didn’t speak until we were far enough away not to be overheard.
“Jax says that drive’s not candy,” he said as he.
“Feels like a wire keyed to a bomb we can’t see.”
“And you brought it home.”
“She brought it to us,” I growled. “And I didn’t let it hit the fucking ground.”
He made a low sound that could’ve been approval. “Edge told me your take. Your instinct for her.”
“She might be carrying something the cops will want.” I reiterated what I’d already told my brothers. “But she didn’t steal it for the thrill. I’m almost positive that she’s a courier who got cut off at the knees.”
Kane was silent for a few moments, staring at me. The full power of his attention practically burned through my vest. Then he asked, “You’re willing to stake the clubhouse on that read?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Yeah.”
“Then I’ll back your play. But you understand what you’re asking me to stack on top of your shoulders.”
“I do.”
“Good,” he said, as if he’d already known the answer. “Because if heat comes, it comes for everybody. And if someone tries to kick in our door to get to a woman under your protection, I will burn them all down and salt the ashes. I need to know you’ll be the first match.”
“I already am,” I said.
After a beat, his lips quirked up at the corners—which was practically a grin for Kane. “Thought so.”
We moved again, quieter, and turned back toward my hall. When we reached my door, I opened it just enough to look in. She’d rolled onto her side, one hand under her cheek, her soft, thick hair spilled across my pillow, and her breaths slow and even. I slowly closed the door, reluctant to let her out of my sight.
“Try not to fall in love tonight,” Kane murmured, without heat.
“Might be too late for that,” I said, before I could catch the words.
Well, shit.
Kane’s brows flicked, amused and resigned at once. “Shit timing, brother.”
“Useless commentary, Prez,” I returned, and the corner of his eyes creased with a quiet laugh.
He clapped a hand to my shoulder—heavy, steady, the kind of weight that meant you weren’t carrying it alone—and then he left me wondering what the fuck I should do next.
6
ASHLYNN
Iwoke to sunlight slanting through the blinds, warm stripes cutting across the blanket. The faint scent of coffee curled through the air, and I suddenly craved caffeine.
For a second, I let myself think I’d dreamed the whole thing. The crash. The men with guns. The motorcycle and the speedway.
Mason.
Then my ribs twinged when I shifted, and the illusion shattered.
I blinked fully awake and stretched out on the big bed.
A leather couch sat against the far wall, and Mason was on it. Watching me.