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Thunder’s jaw clenches, and his fists tighten. He’s seething with anger, but I see a flicker of hurt in his eyes as well. He hates that someone would threaten me.
“I won’t let him get away with this,” Thunder says. “I’ll make sure he knows that you’re mine, and no one messes with what’s mine.”
“We need to tread carefully, Thunder. We can’t let our emotions take over. That’s what he wants. We’ll go to the police and let them handle it.”
Thunder nods reluctantly, his gaze never leaving mine. “Okay, we’ll try it your way, but if they won’t handle it, I will.”
ChapterEight
Thunder
We arrive at the coffee shop, and my heart sinks as soon as I see Molly’s tear-streaked face. She’s sitting with her fiancée, Rage, one of my MC brothers. Molly is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. Her distress kicks my protective instincts into high gear.
“What happened, Molly?”
She looks up at me with red, puffy eyes. “Someone broke into Arabella’s apartment,” she says, her voice choking on the words. “It’s a mess, Thunder. They trashed the place.”
My fists clench at the news, and my blood boils. I turn to Arabella, ready to apologize for not being able to protect her, but before I can speak, she beats me to it.
“Molly, I’m so sorry.” Arabella says, her voice trembling. “I didn’t mean for this to happen.”
I grab her chin and turn her face toward mine. “What the actual fuck? I know you’re not apologizing for that dickwad? This shit is not on you. Fuck that.”
Rage steps in, speaking in a colder-than-steel voice. “Thunder, calm down. Don’t raise your voice at either of them.” I’m thinking of Arabella, and he’s thinking of Molly. But we both agree that neither of our women deserves my anger.
I take a deep breath, trying to control my temper. I can’t let my emotions get away from me. I look at Arabella and start over. “It’s not your fault, babe,” I say, my voice gentler. “You have nothing to apologize for.”
Molly tries smoothing things over. “Arabella, there’s no need to apologize. I’m just glad you’re okay, and that you weren’t home when it happened.”
“Glad doesn’t cover it.” I shut my eyes, closing out the haze of anger clouding my vision. “But don’t worry, she’ll be staying with me,” I declare, my tone firm. “At least until we catch the jerk who did this.”
Arabella looks at me with a mix of surprise and gratitude. She opens her mouth to speak, but I cut her off with a determined look. “It’s not up for discussion,” I say, my voice unwavering. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
* * *
Three days after the incident at Arabella’s apartment, and the police still haven’t caught Mac. I’m itching to go after him myself. But I can’t leave Arabella alone, not when I know she’s still shaken up by the break-in. Taking care of her is my top priority, and I don’t mind it one bit.
Having Arabella in my home has been my goal from the moment I laid eyes on her. I instantly knew she was mine. Now that she’s in my space, my arms, my bed, it’s like a dream come true. I can’t imagine my life without her, and I’m determined to keep her with me, no matter what.
My mind flashes back to our date at the planetarium, and a smile tugs at my lips. I had taken her there to distract her from the stress of the break-in. Watching her eyes light up as we gazed at the stars was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen. Her wonder and excitement opened my heart. Cracked it clean open and filled it with affection. I never thought I would feel this way about anyone, but Arabella captured my heart in unimaginable ways.
I remember how she leaned against me during the planetarium show, her warmth seeping into my skin. It was the purest form of intimacy, and it made me crave even more. I want to hold, protect, and cherish her in every way possible. As I glance up at the galaxies with her in my arms, and accept that Arabella is the brightest star in my world. And like any sun, I’m just helplessly spinning around it. Basking.
* * *
It’s day four, and I’m done waiting. Every day I wait gives Mac another chance to strike at Arabella. Unacceptable. A plan forms in my mind. I’ll talk to my MC brothers, gather information, and track down Mac myself. I won’t rest until I know Arabella is safe and that Mac won’t be able to harm her again. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her by my side, to show her that she belongs with me. I’ll make sure she knows that anyone who wants to hurt her will have to go through me.
I meet up with Rage first, and he’s more than willing to help. The apartment that was vandalized belonged to his woman, Molly, and it holds special meaning for him. It’s where they first fell in love, and he’s furious that it’s been trashed. Rage is all in, ready to have my back in whatever I need to do to catch Mac and make him pay.
Next, I meet with Rayne, Hail, Lightning, and Storm, my MC brothers from Ruff Ryders. They’re always ready to have my back, no questions asked. We’ve been through thick and thin together, and I know I can count on them to support me in whatever I decide to do.
As we talk, the adrenaline pumps through my veins. A fire of determination burns in my chest, fueled by my love for Arabella and my need to protect her. But at the same time, a nagging doubt creeps in. Am I willing to risk my life, now that I’ve found everything I’ve ever wanted?
Then I see the fear that was in Arabella’s eyes when she found her apartment vandalized, and the anger rises again. Mac needs to be stopped, not just for my sake, but for hers too. I can’t let him get away with what he’s done, and I can’t leave Arabella vulnerable to his threats.
With a deep breath, I make up my mind. I’ll do whatever it takes to catch Mac and keep Arabella safe, even if it means putting my life on the line. She’s worth every risk, and I won’t let fear hold me back. I owe it to her and to myself to fight for what I want, no matter the cost.
I leave the meeting with my MC brothers, filled with determination and resolve. I’ll take down Mac once and for all. She’s my woman, and I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure our future together.
