Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 42479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
Kane's gaze hardened. “And one more thing, if Shawn decides running is a better option than taking responsibility, you’re gonna give us his location. Immediately. You don’t hide him, you don’t warn him, and you sure as fuck don’t help him disappear. If he runs, he belongs to us.”
They nodded in agreement again.
Kane’s eyes narrowed as he delivered a final warning. “Good. Because if you fuck this up, the next time you see Gauge will be the last time you see anything.”
The threat landed exactly as Kane intended, and the men swallowed hard, their faces fearful. I watched their reactions carefully, feeling a grim satisfaction in knowing they fully grasped the seriousness of Kane’s promise. It might not have been the brutal resolution I preferred, but it was enough to secure Riley’s safety and freedom from the threat they’d posed. The urge to handle this permanently still simmered beneath the surface, but I knew my prez had made the right call.
With a final tense exchange of nods, Kane turned abruptly, signaling the rest of us to follow him out. Our business here was done. The low rumble of engines filled the air as we mounted up then rode out of the empty lot.
When we got back to the clubhouse, Kane gave me a chin lift. “Go take care of your woman, Gauge. Tell Riley it’s over, make sure she knows she’s safe now.”
I nodded gratefully, relief flooding through my chest at the thought of Riley finally being free from the burden she’d carried for so long. I wanted to give her everything she deserved, including the reassurance that this particular nightmare was finished. I didn’t hesitate any longer, turning quickly to stride out of the clubhouse and head straight back to where I’d left my woman.
All I could think about was getting her in my arms, feeling her warmth, and letting her finally relax into the safety she’d more than earned. Riley was mine, and nothing would ever threaten her again.
18
RILEY
Iwas wiping down the kitchen counter for the tenth time when I finally heard the familiar rumble of Ryot’s Harley pull into the driveway. He’d been gone most of the day, and I knew something big was happening with the club.
The garage door went up and down, then Ryot came through the door into the kitchen. As soon as his eyes found me, his expression softened. He crossed the room in three long strides and pulled me into his arms, kissing me like he needed the contact as much as I did.
When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against mine. “It’s over, baby.”
I blinked up at him. “What do you mean?”
He cupped my face with both hands, thumbs stroking my cheeks. “The club business I was on was brokering a deal with the guys Shawn got mixed up with. They agreed to stay away from you. Raze is handling the legal side. The police will have everything they need by morning. The warrant’s going to be dropped, and your name cleared.”
Tears sprang to my eyes so fast I couldn’t stop them. I clutched his shirt, my voice shaking. “It’s really over?”
“Yeah, sweetheart.” He kissed my forehead, then my temple, and my lips again. “You’re safe. No more looking over your shoulder. It’s done.”
I buried my face in his chest, letting the relief crash over me. Although I trusted Ryot to keep me safe, I was now willing to admit I was a little more nervous once I found out I was pregnant because we had an innocent life to protect.
I cried ugly, messy tears. Ryot just held me tighter, rubbing my back and whispering, “You’re safe. And mine. Nothing like this is ever going to touch you again.”
“I know,” I mumbled against his chest. “It’s probably just the hormones.”
“Go ahead and cry it out, baby.”
When I finally pulled back, sniffling, he smiled down at me. “Now that you’ve got all that out, how about we celebrate?”
Gesturing toward my face, I gave a watery laugh. “How can you possibly want me when I look like this?”
“I will always want you.” He captured my mouth in a deep kiss that left me breathless. “And you’re fucking gorgeous even when you cry, baby.”
I twined my arms around his neck, and he walked me backward all the way to the bedroom. When my legs hit the edge of the bed, his hands slid under my shirt.
“Been thinking about this all day.”
He pulled my shirt over my head and dropped to his knees in front of me when he saw I wasn’t wearing a bra. His big hands spanned my waist as he pressed a soft kiss to my stomach.
“Gonna keep you safe,” he whispered, his lips brushing my skin. “Take care of both of you because you’re mine.”
I shivered, threading my fingers through his hair. “Ryot.”