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I could still remember the night we’d got into it with a rival gang. They’d crossed into our territory, or we’d crossed into theirs. And we’d finally gone to blows, and chaos ensued. Before we knew it, bullets were flying. I was trying to get to cover when some asshole stepped out of the shadows and had his gun aimed right at my chest.

He smiled as he pulled the trigger.

I thought I was dead. I was just waiting for the bullet to hit when I felt myself being lifted from my feet and tackled to the ground. It wasn’t until I hit the ground that I realized that it was Knox who’d plowed into me, saving me by taking the bullet in his shoulder.

He spent weeks getting back on his feet, and I hated every second of it.

It should’ve been me, but then I would’ve been six feet under, and I would’ve missed the opportunity to hear Knox brag about saving my ass. I would’ve also missed the chance for him to milk that damn bullet for everything it was worth.

I could still hear his ass saying, ‘You know, a thank-you would go a long way. And a cold beer would, too.’ And it wasn’t just now and then. It was every damn day. I almost smiled at the thought. Almost.

I felt a little lighter as I finished up with the truck and headed home. As soon as I walked through the door, I grabbed a drink and some cold leftovers from the fridge. I hit the recliner and turned on the TV, scrolling through a bunch of shows I didn’t care anything about. I eventually turned it off and headed to the back for a hot shower.

I’d just gotten out and pulled on my boxers when I heard my phone ringing. I slipped on a clean shirt, then went to the dresser to pick it up. When I glanced down at the screen, I was both surprised and concerned to see that it was Emery calling. “Emery?”

“Ravage,” she whispered.

“What’s wrong?”

“Someone’s here.” There was no mistaking the fear in her voice when she added, “They’re down in the shop.”

“You sure?”

“I wouldn’t be calling if I wasn’t… I tried calling Jax, but he didn’t answer.”

I was already pulling on my boots when I asked, “Where are you?”

“I’m in the kitchen.”

“Is the door locked?”

“Yes, but I’m not sure if I locked the one downstairs.” I threw on my cut and grabbed my keys as I listened to her say, “I think I did, but I don’t know.”

I heard something in the background, and my heart damn near stopped when Emery gasped. Fearing they’d gotten in, I asked, “You okay?”

“I don’t know… What if they try to come upstairs?”

“Listen to me.” I threw my leg over the seat of my bike. “Check the lock on the door.”

“It’s locked.”

“Good.” I sent Reaper and Mercy a text, letting them know there was trouble at Emery’s and to get there as soon as they could, before telling her, “Now go to your bedroom.”

“Ravage, I’m scared.”

“Get to your room and lock the door.” I tried to remain calm as I told her, “Get in your closet and stay put until I get there.”

“Okay.”

“Don’t come out for anything. You understand?”

“Yes.”

I started the engine as I told her, “I’m coming, Emery.”

“Please hurry.”

“I’m on my way.”