Page 42

"Phoenix—" I start.

"Outside. Five minutes." He pulls the broken door closed as much as it'll go and disappears.

I stand there for a moment. Heart racing. Adrenaline flooding my system and trying to process what just happened.

"Who were they?" Paige asks.

"Phoenix. The club president." I grab my sweatpants from the floor. Pull them on. "And Wraith. He's… They're my brothers."

"Your brothers just kicked down the door."

"Yeah." I find my T-shirt. Pull it over my head. "They did."

"Why?"

Good question.

I grab my phone from the nightstand. The screen lights up with notifications.

Fifteen missed calls. All from Phoenix.

Thirty-seven texts. Phoenix, Judge, Brick, Canvas, Wraith, even Diesel.

*Where are you?*

*Answer your phone*

*Priest this isn't funny*

*If you don't respond in ten minutes we're tracking your phone*

*Found you. Stay put.*

"Fuck," I breathe.

"What?"

"They were trying to reach me. I had my phone on silent." I look at Paige. She's pulled on the t-shirt and sweatpants I gave her earlier. Still looks terrified. "I'm sorry. I should've checked it. Should've let them know I was okay."

"Why were they looking for you?"

"I disappeared for twelve hours without explanation." I run a hand through my hair. "They probably thought something happened. That I got into trouble and needed backup."

"So, they tracked your phone and broke down the door."

"Yeah."

"Your club does that? Just tracks each other and kicks down doors?"

"When we think one of our own is in danger? Absolutely." I cross to her. Cup her face gently. "I need to go talk to them. Explain what happened. Are you okay here for a few minutes?"

"What are you going to tell them?"

"The truth." I stroke her unbruised cheek with my thumb. "That I helped someone who needed it. That you're under my protection now. That anyone who wants to hurt you goes through me first."

"Gabriel…."

"Trust me." I lean down and kiss her forehead. "They'll understand. This is what we do."