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“I’d say,” Rosa comments, taking a sip of her drink and then continues. “Did it happen all of a sudden, or was he always like that?”
Astra purses her lips as she thinks about her answer. “Looking back now, I realize he was always like that. I just chose to ignore the red flags because I loved him. He was never violent with me until that day, but one time is all it takes.”
The pain in her voice is evident, and the fact she was hurt by someone who was supposed to love her aggravates me to no end.
Maybe that’s why she pushed me away tonight.
Maybe it’s because of what her ex did, and she has a hard time trusting men.
I finish my beer and decide to leave the girls alone to have some privacy.
An hour goes by, and the three of them are chatting away. Lashes even comes up and joins them.
There comes a point where they’re munching on some food, and Astra gets off the barstool and starts hugging everyone.
Oakleigh happily smiles. “Thank you so much for bringing Maleficent. I will cherish her every day.”
“Of course. I’m so glad she bonded with you. Another cat in a happy home.” Astra smiles and waves. “I’ll see you all soon.”
“You better. I like the idea of having you around,” Rosa quips.
Lashes speaks up. “This was fun, so we have to do it again.”
Astra nods and walks over toward me, grabs the cat carrier next to the couch, and our eyes lock for a moment. “I’m heading out for the night.”
“So I’ve heard.” I stand up, feeling the need to make sure she gets home safely. “I’ll escort you home.”
She raises her brows in confusion. “I appreciate that, Manuel, but you don’t have to. I’ve done this a million and ten times.”
No, she hasn’t.
I highly doubt she’s been in a biker club with an active threat looming over their shoulders.
I’m going to follow her home and there’s nothing she can do about it.
I know she’s lived in Chihuahua for longer than I have, but something about a woman going home alone in the dark doesn’t sit well with me.
I keep my voice low and steady, making sure she knows I’m not going to back down. “I’m going to make sure you get home safely, and that’s that.”
She shakes her head. “No, I’ll be fine. I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.”
I chuckle, appreciating the sassiness in her voice. “I know you can, but I’ll feel better if I follow you home and make sure you get there in one piece.”
Astra sucks in a deep breath through her nose, shaking her head. “You’re not going to give in, are you?”
I cross my arms and smirk. “What do you think?”
She groans, “Fine.”
Things have been not only picking up around the clubhouse but around the city.
I don’t know what the fuck is going on, but I’m constantly hearing gunshots, then every morning, when I open my phone, there are reports of stabbings and kidnappings.
It feels like the city is getting more dangerous by the day, which is why I’m not letting Astra go home by herself.
With the cat carrier in hand, Astra walks toward the front door, and I head into the garage.
I slide on my helmet, start my bike, and open the garage door in record time.
