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Clearing my thoughts, I follow Ciro and the other two assholes out the front entrance. I stop outside next to Asher. “Next time, don’t let those men in here,” I order, knowing he’s still learning. It’s why he’s manning the door.
“You got it,” he grumbles, knowing he’s screwed up. Asher’s been learning to read people better, and for the most part, the guy does a good job of keeping those who will cause trouble out. Once we know he’s able to do this, we’ll switch him up, and he’ll be working inside with the others in keeping an eye on those inside the club.
Nodding, I tap his shoulder. “I’m outta here.”
“See ya tomorrow,” Asher says, getting back to work as a few girls come up to the door. One of them looks at me with come fuck me eyes.
Shaking my head, I start down the sidewalk leading to the alley where my car’s parked near the back door.
Rounding the side of the club, I scan the area. Ever since Mara-Lee found Eliya back here being beaten nearly to death, we’re constantly keeping our eyes out for other possible threats coming at us.
My father and brother must think I’m stupid if they believe I’d allow what they did to the woman get to me. Yes, we’ve taken Eliya into our protection, and I’ll take care of her, but she’ll never be mine.
Passing the dumpster, my steps falter—spotting a form next to it, seeming to be trying to hide in the shadows.
What the hell? Why does everyone seem to want to hide behind our club?
Fuck.
The figure doesn’t move as I approach. I realize it’s a woman with her legs brought up to her chest. Squatting next to the woman, I furrow my brow in concern. She’s not budging. If it weren’t for the way her chest rises with her breaths, I’d think she were dead. I reach out and brush her hair out of her face to see if I know who the woman is—still, she doesn’t move.
Peering into her face, I glance down at her neck. My concern grows to anger when I notice the bruising already forming there. Someone had tried to kill her. Looking back into her face, I realize who she is. I never forget a face, even if it’s from pictures.
This woman is Arwen Petruccelli.
Fuck.
I can’t leave her out here. Not with those goons of Preacher’s having come around. I’m sure, without a doubt, Arwen is hiding from them.
Scooping Arwen into my arms, I carry her light form over to my car and place her in the passenger seat.
Mara-Lee, Finley, and Vex are gonna have a field day with this shit. But with one glimpse at this girl’s face, I know I’ll do anything to protect her.
Closing the door, I round the front of my car and climb in behind the wheel on the driver’s side. If she’s looking to hide, I’ll keep her safe and won’t allow anyone to come near her.
I slide the key in the ignition and start my car. Putting it in drive, I pull out of the alley. I keep an eye out for anyone who could be following me as I speed through the streets heading for the Fort. I contemplate calling Danti Petruccelli to let him know his sister’s safe. Then again, could I trust him? Yeah, he and Finley have an arrangement between them for when he gets his father and uncles taken care of. He and his brothers have other plans for taking over the family business.
The last time Finley met with Danti, Amer, and Benito, the three of them explained they’d be handling everything when it comes to Preacher. It’s just taking them some time to get organized as they weed out the men they can trust. Danti had informed them they had no choice but to get this done before their father and uncles married off their sister. They never told us who she was supposed to marry, though. I wonder if that’s why she ran away.
* * *
Pulling into the garage, I park and twist the key turning the car off. I hop out of my side, stalk around to the passenger side, and lift Arwen into my arms.
Arwen’s head lays on my shoulder, causing a strange protective sensation within my chest. Prowling up to the house, I open the door without a problem. Inside, I use my foot to gently close it behind me. With it being late, Dominic’s asleep, and I don’t wanna wake him up.
On silent feet, I start for my end of the Fort, meaning I’ve got to pass the kitchen and living room. Already hearing the murmurs of the women in the house, I suck in a harsh breath and keep going.
“What the hell?” Finley demands, spotting me first. Vex and Mara-Lee both twist on stools to face me.
“Is that . . .” Mara-Lee starts, her face going pale as she eyes Arwen.
“Who is that?” Vex asks at the same time.
“Yeah, it is,” I answer quietly, looking from Mara-Lee to Finley. “Give me a minute, and I’ll tell you.” I don’t bother waiting for an answer, and I head down the hall sensing all three women following me.
Damn.
Opening my door, I stalk to my bed and gingerly place Arwen down on top of the comforter.
