Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 56395 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 282(@200wpm)___ 226(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56395 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 282(@200wpm)___ 226(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
The sheriff climbed out of his car, took one look at the scene, and sighed. “At least we’ve got more than enough for the warrant now. I shouldn’t have any problem getting the judge to sign off in the morning, and then I can move on Kessler’s yard right away.”
Brogan’s expression didn’t change, but something cold settled behind his eyes. “You’d better find him before I do.”
Bex’s dad dipped his chin in acknowledgment of what Brogan left unsaid. The club’s version of justice was bound to look very different from his, but I knew he’d fight for his daughter the same way Brogan was willing to do for me.
With that settled, Brogan turned to me and lifted a hand, beckoning one of his brothers over. “Reaper. Check her.”
The club medic stepped forward and shone a small light in my eyes before listening to my breathing. Then he gently turned my arms to examine the bruises Trent had left the night before and any new ones from tonight.
“Mild smoke exposure,” Reaper finally announced. “No burns. She’s okay.”
Brogan took a deep breath and looked at me. I could feel the barely leashed fury rolling off him. “I have to finish this.”
I didn’t tell him to be careful or stay within the law. After what happened here tonight, Wade Kessler deserved whatever justice was dished out to him by the Black Crowns.
Resting my palm against his chest, I nodded. “I know.”
His eyes searched mine, and whatever he found there settled something in him. He covered my hand with his, squeezed once, then leaned down and pressed a hard kiss to my forehead. “Thank you for being so damn perfect, baby.”
Standing there with the ruined barn still smoking behind us, I felt the full weight of what I’d just accepted. I hadn’t just fallen for the man who protected me. I was in love with the kind of man who would hunt Wade Kessler down and make sure he never threatened us again.
And I trusted both sides of him completely.
20
STRYKER
Early the following morning, Mara and Dot had Jacqueline settled at the clubhouse kitchen island with a blanket around her shoulders, a mug warming both hands, and enough food in front of her to supply a patrol shift. Smoke still clung faintly to her hair despite the shower she’d taken at the compound, and exhaustion shadowed the delicate skin beneath her eyes. But the minute Mara added another biscuit to her plate, Jacqueline gave the older woman the same sweet smile that had already conquered half the club. I stood behind her stool with my hand wrapped around her nape, listening to Dot explain that surviving an arson attempt qualified a woman for unlimited bacon.
“You’re supposed to eat too,” Jacqueline reminded me, tipping her head back until her braid brushed my wrist. Her gaze traveled over my face as though she could see every violent thought I’d been holding behind it since the barn burned, and the gentle concern there made me want to carry her straight to my room, lock the door, and spend the day proving with my mouth and hands that she was still alive. “Coffee isn’t breakfast, Brogan.”
“Got a meeting, baby.” I bent and pressed my mouth to her forehead, letting the kiss linger while her body softened beneath my hand. “Stay here with Mara and Dot until I’m finished.”
Dot set a bowl of fruit beside the plate already threatening to bury Jacqueline. “She’ll be fine with us.”
I brushed my thumb beneath Jacqueline’s ear and waited until she looked directly at me. “Wraith and Smoke are outside the kitchen, the compound’s locked down, and you don’t leave without me.”
She rolled her eyes playfully. “I remember the part where I’m never out of your reach.”
Her tone was teasing, but I heard the soft note of relief. Knowing she was always near would give us both comfort.
“Good girl.” The praise put warmth into her cheeks despite the old ladies sitting close enough to hear. “I’ll be back.”
Mara said something softly that had Jacqueline’s giggle following me into the hall. It was sweet despite everything Wade had done. It loosened a tight place beneath my ribs without touching the rage sitting below it. I carried both sensations into my office, where Hawkeye, Ghost, Judge, Cipher, Nomad, Zero, Bishop, Skyfall, and Ledger were already waiting around the conference table.
I shut the door, crossed behind my desk, and called Raines before taking my seat.
“We’ve got enough here to keep my evidence team busy for a week,” he reported. “Except the son of bitch responsible. One truck’s missing, along with three machines that arrived within the last month, and nobody left behind remembers where the boss went.”
“Any sign he knew the warrant was coming?” Judge asked, leaning one forearm against the conference table while Cipher worked over the laptop in front of him.