Page 21

She sniffles and wipes her nose with the back of her hand. “What happens now? What if they come for me?”

“If they’re dumb enough to try, I’ll fucking kill them.” My voice is steel, unwavering.

Kaylie sniffs again. “Okay.” Her red-rimmed eyes find mine. “I’m going to help Cherry bring in groceries. I came in here to let you know about dinner. She’s making fried chicken, and she’s probably back from the grocery run by now.”

This is why Kaylie belongs with me. Her strength is something else. She’s everything I need in my life. She just hasn’t figured it out yet, and I’m going to enjoy every second of proving myself to her.

“Thanks, baby,” I murmur, brushing a kiss to her temple. “We’ll be out soon.”

She gives me a smile, one of the most genuine I’ve seen from her yet.

And it gives me hope.

I watch her until she disappears through the door before turning back to my men.

They all wear matching expressions.

I narrow my eyes, warning them to keep their mouths shut. Up until this point, my life has revolved around the club. I’ve never considered having a relationship because my brothers mean everything to me.

The club will always come first. That’s not a question.

But for once, I want to give myself permission to have something of my own. A woman I can get lost in. A partner to come home to. My escape.

Ruin closes the distance and leans over my desk, his fingers pressing into the wood. He opens his mouth, but screams from the common area cut him off.

Instantly, we’re on our feet, drawing our weapons and darting from the room.

I reach the common area first, and my heart stops when I take in the scene.

Demon.

The bastard got past the Prospects outside. Most of the club is out on a ride with Hawk, leaving us short-handed.

And standing between my brothers and Demon is Kaylie.

She’s terrified. It’s as though she’s lost the ability to move.

“Kaylie, baby, I need you to come to me.”

Demon has his gun trained on her. “I don’t think so, Kaylie,” he sneers. “One move and I’ll happily put a bullet in that pretty head. If I can’t have you, no one can.”

“Give it up, Demon,” Ruin barks. “You’re surrounded. You’re not getting out of here alive.”

“Oh, I know.” He waves the gun around wildly, his eyes bloodshot. “Thing is, that bitch is mine. She was promised to me, and Preacher is doing nothing.”

“Careful, Judge. He might be high,” Ghost murmurs at my side as I inch closer.

Kaylie’s eyes find mine, pleading.

My chest tightens, fury burning through me. I hold out a hand, my fingers twitching.

“Baby,” I say firmly. “Come to me.”

Her gaze darts between Demon and me. She takes a tentative step toward me.

Demon shouts, and she flinches before making a run for me.

Crack. Crack. Crack, crack, crack.