Page 31 of Diesel’s Second Chance

Fair enough. I wouldn't be able to sleep either if our positions were reversed.

I kiss her one more time, then force myself to step back. "Lock the door behind me. Don't open it for anyone except me or someone from the club."

"I will."

"I love you, June."

"I love you too." Tears stream down her face again. "Come home to me."

"Always."

I walk out before I lose my nerve. Before I say fuck the mission and stay here with her where it's safe, warm and everything I've ever wanted.

The door closes behind me. I hear the lock click. Stand on her porch for five seconds just breathing, getting my head straight.

Then I head for my bike.

The ride back to the clubhouse takes fifteen minutes but feels like five. My mind's split between June and what's coming, the woman I left crying in her doorway and the war I'm riding into at midnight.

*I'm coming back.*

I must. No other option.

The clubhouse is lit up when I arrive, every window glowing. Bikes are parked in neat rows. Brothers checking equipment, loading weapons, going through final preparations. The energy is tense, focused. Everyone knows what's at stake.

I park my bike and head inside.

The common room is chaos. Canvas is on the couch with his injured leg propped up, looking pissed off and resigned in equal measure. Eden's beside him, one hand on his thigh, clearly trying to keep him calm. Brick and Rosie are at the bar. Judge has Nora and Grace near the hallway. Grace is signing something rapidly and Judge is responding just as fast, making her giggle despite the tension.

Phoenix stands near the chapel door talking with Ranger and Saint. All three look up when I enter.

"Diesel," Phoenix calls. "You good?"

"Yeah." I head toward them. "Ready to ride."

Canvas catches my eye from the couch and scowls. "This is bullshit. I should be going with you."

"You should be healing," Phoenix says without looking at him. "That leg won't hold up in a fight, and you know it."

"I can fight!"

"You can protect." Phoenix's voice goes firm. "You've got the most important job tonight, Canvas. Everyone we love is staying here. You and Mariah are our last line of defense."

Canvas's jaw works, but he nods. "Fine. But you all better come back in one piece or I'm tracking down whoever hurt you and finishing the job myself."

"Noted." Phoenix almost smiles. "Quinn and Mariah are on their way over. After they arrive, no one leaves, no one opens the door except for us."

The women all nod. Grace signs something I don't catch, but Judge's expression softens.

Saint appears at my elbow, voice low. "Things go well?"

I glance at him. "Yeah. They did."

"Good." He claps my shoulder. "Now you've got another reason to come back in one piece."

"I'm coming back no matter what," I tell him. Mean it. "Got too much waiting for me now."

"That's what I like to hear." Saint's smile doesn't quite reach his eyes. He's riding out to potentially kill his own brother tonight. Can't imagine what's going through his head.