I shot her an “eek” look and followed my furious man out to his bike.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t answer my phone,” I apologized sincerely as we arrived at his bike. “I was having fun with Dallas and, well, it was just thoughtless of me. I’m sorry,” I repeated, knowing how upset I’d be if I couldn’t get a hold of him.
“I called you ten fucking times,” he growled. “Was scared out of my goddamn mind. And lo and behold, the very thing I was worried about fucking happened!” he exploded.
I stared at him, waiting for the deep breaths it took before he pulled me into a hug so tight it was nearly painful. “If anything happened to you, I’d be fucking lost, baby.”
“Nothing will happen to me,” I soothed as he pulled back to cup my face in his palms.
“I love you, Grace. You became my world the moment I set eyes on you. I will protect you with everything I have, with my life. I’m just asking you to help me out with that, okay?”
His declaration had me sucking in an audible breath. “I will, I promise,” I agreed. “And I love you too.”
His mouth slammed down on mine. “Don’t have the time to show you what that means to me, but no doubt that’ll be happening later,” he vowed as his lips skated over mine.
“Okay,” I agreed breathlessly as he handed me my helmet, clipping it under my chin, straddling his bike, and guiding me up behind him. Moments later, we were headed for the club, no doubt to set in motion whatever revenge Ruston would seek.
Chapter 18
RUSTON
Fury and elation dueled in my bloodstream as I pulled through the compound’s security gate, Grace’s arms around me.
My woman loved me. Those were the words I’d been wanting to share and needing to hear on a day where I’d been crazed with worry, only to find my worst fear realized.
That miserable fuck had set his targets on Grace.
When I strode through the doors, her hand in mine, my gaze immediately locked with Tank’s, his chest heaving with fury as he held Dallas close to his side.
“That’s the last time that fuck threatens my wife,” he thundered. “We need to take him out, now.”
“We’ll talk about our options,” I replied, immediately cooling in order to meet his fire. Despite my own wrath, I needed to lead with a clear head and strategy. It wouldn’t do any of us any good to go off half-cocked.
“Office.” I tilted my head to the side, wanting to discuss this behind closed doors.
Grace loosened her grip in my hand. “I can just go…”
“You’ll come with me.” I shook my head definitively as I pulled her down the hall and to my office with Tank, Dallas, Lincoln, Ryland, and Cason in tow.
The others were newer members of the club and prospects who were still earning my trust. This was a conversation for the inner circle.
“I want to know what he said to you, every detail,” I told Grace as soon as we entered the room and Linc shut the door.
Grace looked around, and for the first time, despite how she was raised, I realized how imposing this situation could feel, so many large men in small quarters. As if reading my thoughts, Linc and Ry moved to the wall, leaning against it in an effort to make more space.
With a quick nod of gratitude, I turned back to my girl. “Grace?”
She licked her lips. “Well, he said he’d heard I was pretty.” She winced, no doubt knowing how every word she relayed would only heighten the rage I was already barely containing. “And then he said that you’d stolen guns, drugs, and his men. And that it was time he took something from you.” She swallowed as my fists clenched. “Then he said you’d dug my grave.” She winced as she said it, and the room grew thick with tension.
“Motherfucker,” Lincoln snarled.
“Grace was so badass,” Dallas interjected. “She basically told him to go fuck himself,” she shared proudly.
“Not in so many words.” Grace shot Dallas a look. “But I knew cowering in fear wouldn’t do me any good. And it’d have given him too much satisfaction.”
Fuck, but my girl was strong. If I wasn’t so furious, I’d be able to focus on the pride lancing through me.
“What?” I barked when a quiet knock sounded on the door. A moment later, Sunny appeared, looking rightfully apprehensive to be interrupting.
