“She’s staying,” I replied firmly. There wasn’t another conclusion I’d accept. And after yesterday, with everything we’d laid bare, I was much more confident I had a better shot at my forever with her. If only I’d known my own damn bullheadedness had been getting in my way.
“We’ll do our part.” Ava grinned.
“I know you will.” My sister might try me at times, but she was kind and generous, and I trusted her more than most people. She was also strong as hell. After Castillo had hurt her as collateral, we’d both had the unfortunate experience of learning what she was really made of.
A lesson I would never allow repeated.
“Us tough chicks gotta stick together.” She winked as though reading my mind.
“Just keep out of trouble,” I grumbled, biting back a smile. Truth was, Grace couldn’t be in better company.
“Hi.” Grace’s quiet voice sounded from the bottom of the stairs, and I turned to find her wrapped in a fluffy robe, her red hair wild and eyes sleepy. “Ava.” She perked up when she spotted my sister, shuffling over to give her a hug. “Sorry, I’m still half asleep.”
“It’s so good to see you,” Ava greeted, returning her hug.
“Come here, baby.” I beckoned, reaching for her and pulling her down into my lap where she immediately curled up.
“How are you feeling?”
“Fine.” She yawned. “I slept great. Your bed is really comfortable.”
“I’m glad you think so,” I responded, rubbing her back as Ava came back from the kitchen holding a cup of coffee out to Grace.
“Thank you.” Grace sighed gratefully, sitting up in my lap and putting the cup to her lips. “So, what’s on for today?” she asked.
“I have to work.” Ava grimaced. “And speaking of, I should jet. But I was hoping maybe we could meet up later at the club if you’re up for it? Me and the girls have been dying to see you.”
Grace visibly perked up. “That sounds great. That work for you, babe?” she asked me with a raised brow.
“Works for me,” I agreed. “As long as I get you to myself for most of the day.”
“On that note, I’m outta here, guys. See you tonight!” Ava called in parting as, with a wave, she let herself out through the side door.
Grace turned to me. “Maybe we could sort my car today? I’d like to have my own way of getting around. And, if I am staying, I need to start looking for a job.”
“You’re staying,” I affirmed. “And there’s no rush on the job front. Hell, you don’t have to work if you don’t want to. As far as your car—mechanic called. Baby, that thing needs so much work, it would cost more to repair it than replace it. How your father and brothers let you get away with driving that thing, I’ll never know.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Because I’m a grown woman, maybe?”
“I’m well aware of that fact,” I assured her. “You’re also mine, and I’m going to make sure we get you into something safer.”
She rolled her eyes. “Probably something with zero personality.”
“Ladybug, you don’t need any help as far as personality goes.” I chuckled. “The new car can be purple for all I care.” I shrugged. “Long as it’s safe and has four-wheel drive. We’ll worry about that shit later. Now, we’re going back to bed to restart the day the way I’d intended.” I took her coffee and set it aside before standing with her in my arms.
She let out a shriek of delight. “Works for me,” she agreed breathlessly as I strode for the bedroom.
* * *
When we pulled through the security gate of the club that night, Grace on the back of my bike, a feeling of rightness settled in my gut.
“This scene is familiar.” She laughed as the club’s guard dogs came to greet us, their tongues lolling at my familiar scent.
“Can’t be too careful.” I shrugged as I helped her off the bike, and she knelt to greet the four dogs that now lived at the club and had quickly become beloved by all the members.
She stood, taking in the expansive property with evident curiosity.
“This is the main building.” I gestured to the large structure in front of us, proud to show her what I’d spent the last decade building. “The converted barracks serve as housing for anyone who needs them, either permanently or temporarily.” I pointed to the crop of buildings to our left.
