She blinked. “What?”
“You’re not staying here.” His voice was low, gravelly, leaving no room for argument. “You’re coming with me.”
Dawn stiffened. “Gunner, I—”
“Don’t.” He cut her off, stepping closer until she had no choice but to tilt her head to meet his gaze. “I told you, you don’t have to deal with this alone.” His eyes burned into hers. “And I sure as hell ain’t letting you stay here while that bastard keeps playing his little games.”
Dawn swallowed hard. “I can handle—”
“You shouldn’t have to,” he snapped.
She opened her mouth to argue, but he wasn’t done.
“You think I’m just gonna stand by while he leaves threats on your car? While he slashes your tires? What’s next, Dawn? Huh?” His voice was rough with barely restrained rage. “I’ve seen how this shit escalates, and I’m not waiting around for it to get worse.”
Her throat tightened. The truth was, she was scared. Jesse wasn’t just trying to scare her anymore—he was getting bolder. More reckless. And deep down, she knew Gunner was right. Still, old habits were hard to break. She hated feeling like she needed saving. Hated feeling weak.
But when she looked up at Gunner—at the fire in his eyes, the pure, unwavering determination on his face—she knew this wasn’t about weakness. It was about trust and she did trust him.
Finally, she let out a slow breath, nodding. “Okay.”
Gunner’s shoulders relaxed slightly, but his expression stayed firm. “Good. Now go get your things.”
Dawn turned, heading toward her apartment. But just before she disappeared inside, she glanced over her shoulder.
He was still there, watching her with that same fierce protectiveness, and honestly, she was a little relieved. Dawn didn’t waste any time. She grabbed a small backpack and packed some clothes and essentials, before returning to Gunner downstairs.
****
Gunner rode hard, thedeep growl of his bike cutting through the night as he guided Dawn toward the one place he knew she’d be safe. The clubhouse.
She held on tight, her arms wrapped around his waist, her body pressed against his back. He could feel the tension in her grip, the way her fingers dug into his cut, like she was still fighting the instinct to run. But she wasn’t alone anymore. He wouldn’t let Jesse get to her.
When they pulled up to the clubhouse, the parking lot was already packed with bikes. The Iron Sentinels never slept—there was always someone drinking, playing pool, or just killing time between runs. Gunner was used to it, used to walking through those doors and feeling at home. But today, he felt something else.
Because as soon as he killed the engine and stepped off his bike, he could already sense the shift in energy. Conversations slowed. Heads turned. A few of the guys leaned against their bikes, arms crossed, waiting. Yeah. This wasn’t gonna be smooth.
Dawn hesitated as she climbed off behind him, her fingers lingering on his arm. He gave her a look, one he hoped told her he had this under control, before turning toward the clubhouse doors.
The second they stepped inside, the heat and noise of the room hit them. Music blasted from the speakers, beer bottles clinked, and smoke curled in the air. But what really caught Gunner’s attention was the group of guys standing near the bar.
Beast, of course, was at the center, his massive frame leaning against the counter, a bottle of whiskey in his hand. His dark eyes locked onto Gunner the second he walked in, then flicked to Dawn. And just like that, the room got a hell of a lot quieter.
“Gunner,” Beast drawled, setting his drink down with a deliberate thunk. “What the hell is this?”
Gunner kept his expression neutral. “This is Dawn.”
“No shit.” Beast cocked his head. “I meant, what’s she doing here?”
“She’s staying with me,” Gunner said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “It’s not up for discussion.”
A few guys exchanged looks. Someone muttered something under their breath. Gunner didn’t care. Beast, though, wasn’t one to let things slide. He pushed off the bar, stepping forward, his presence alone enough to make most men take a step back. But Gunner held his ground.
“She’s the one you mentioned who caught the eye of a member of the Rat Bastards MC?” Beast asked, voice low.
Gunner’s jaw ticked. “Yeah.”
Other bikers brought women back to the clubhouse all the time, but Gunner knew Beast only had an issue with Dawn because this wasn’t just about a woman—this was about a war waiting to happen. By helping Dawn, Gunner might be causing a bigger rift between the Iron Sentinels and the Rat Bastards.
