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“For fucks sake! Giver her a day at least to grieve.”
“Why?” Viperlaughs, low and dangerous as he releases me.
“If anyone’s going to claim her, it’s me,” states Rhage. “After all I’m VP so I’m next in line.”
“Think you can protect her?” Viper spits, a snake coiled to strike.
“I know I can.” Rhage’s stance is calm but ready, a silent guardian.
“Fine.” Viper backs off, his eyes never leaving mine. “But this isn’t over, sweetheart.”
Breathing hard, gratitude washes over me, but there’s no time to dwell. Safety is a fleeting illusion. “Thanks.” I smile at Rhage.
“Let’s get you out of here.” Rhage’s hand on my back is steady, guiding me toward the door.
“Where will I go?” I pick up my bag and put on a jacket.
“Somewhere safe. What about Elora? That’s where I thought you were headed.” Rhage’s assurance is a lifeline in the chaos.
“Okay.” I’m grateful to him as he guides me out of the clubhouse and into the night.
***
Rhage drops me out the front of Elora’s apartment building. “When I’m President, I’ll come back for you.”
Nodding, I hurry toward Elora’s door. I’m never going back but I can’t say that to the man who thinks he’s next in line. Without so much as a backward glance I pound on Elora’s door.
Elora opens the door. “Cherry?”
“Is Grim here?”
“No. What happened?” Her gaze fixes on my cheek.
Rolling my eyes, I throw my hands in the air. “The Defiant Men happened.” I move past her and sit on her couch. “Do you know Viper?” She nods. “Well, he’s decided I’m his.” I point to my cheek. “And this was his way of making sure I know it.”
“What can I do?” Elora sits next to me.
“I need safe passage out of Texas. Grim can do it. Once I hit New York, I can disappear.” A tear rolls down my cheek, and I quickly brush it away.
“Why Grim?”
“He’s a good guy for an MC president. He’s always been civil toward me. He will know how to get me out unseen.”
“Can’t you just drive out or take a bus or...”
Shaking my head, I say, “They’re looking for me. They will have eyes everywhere. If the Warriors offer me protection, I have half a chance at a new life.”
Elora stands. “Okay. I’m meeting Grim at an after-party for the Motorcycles, Mafia, and Mayhem author signing. It’s at a bar in his territory. I’ll take you with me.”
Overcome with emotion, I stand and embrace her. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet.” Elora steps out of my arms. “How about you shower, and when you’re done, we’ll try to find something in my wardrobe that might fit you?”
“The jeans could do with a wash but” I slide off my leather jacket, “...Viper ripped my shirt.”
Turning around so she can see my ripped shirt, I hear her whisper, “Jesus.”
Shrugging I turn back around to face her. “It could have been worse. Maybe we could wash and dry my jeans? Do you have a machine?”
