“I’ll handle this problem on my own,” Gunner reassured him.
Beast studied him for a long moment, his sharp, assessing gaze pinning Gunner in place. Then, finally, he let out a slow exhale. “You sure about this?”
“I wouldn’t have brought her here if I wasn’t.”
More silence.
Then, finally, Beast gave a small nod. “Fine.” His eyes flicked to Dawn. “But if she causes more problems, it’s on you.”
Gunner didn’t even hesitate. “She won’t.”
Another beat passed before Beast jerked his chin toward the hallway. “Take her to your room. Keep your head on straight.”
Gunner didn’t need to be told twice. He put a hand on Dawn’s lower back, guiding her through the clubhouse, past the lingering stares and hushed conversations.
He knew this wasn’t over, but Gunner didn’t give a damn what Beast or his other MC brothers thought. Dawn was his to protect, and anyone who had a problem with that could take it up with him.
As they reached his room, he pushed the door open, motioning for her to step inside before shutting it behind them. Dawn hesitated, arms wrapping around herself as she took in the space. It wasn’t much—just a bed, a dresser, and a bathroom attached—but it was his.
“Are you sure about this?” she asked, turning to face him. “I mean ... maybe this isn’t a good idea. I don’t want to cause problems for you with your club.”
Gunner closed the distance between them in two strides, and rested his hands on her hips. He could feel the tension in her body, the uncertainty, the worry.
“This is the safest place in town,” he murmured. “No one—no one—can get to you here. And I don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks. You’re here because you need to be, and I’ll make damn sure nothing happens to you.”
Dawn swallowed, her eyes searching his like she wanted to believe him, but fear still lingered in their depths. Gunner couldn’t stand it.
He cupped her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek. “This is just temporary, Dawn.” His voice was low, rough with emotion. “I’m not letting Jesse—or anyone—touch you.”
Something in her cracked then. He saw it in the way her lips parted, the way her breath caught, the way she melted just a little against him. Then she surged forward, her mouth crashing against his.
Gunner groaned, arms wrapping around her as he pulled her flush against him. Dawn gripped his cut. She seemed desperate, needy, and he gave her everything she asked for. Their kiss was deep, hungry, filled with everything they’d been holding back. Dawn wasn’t just kissing him—she was claiming him, just as much as he was claiming her.
He slid his hands downward, gripping her waist, lifting her onto her toes as he deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping against hers. She tasted like fire and sweetness, like something he knew he’d never get enough of.
When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathing hard, their foreheads pressed together.
“Stay with me,” Gunner murmured, his voice husky. “Here. Tonight. As long as you need.”
Dawn exhaled shakily, but she nodded. “Okay.”
Gunner’s grip tightened on her, as if making sure she was real, making sure she wasn’t going to disappear on him.