"Not exactly," Blade clarified. "What if we make Jose think we're complying with his demands, but on our terms? Draw him out into the open where we can control the situation better?"
Irish looked thoughtful. "You're talking about setting a trap."
"I'm talking about turning his trap against him," Blade corrected. "But it would require Lily's cooperation.”
"Then it's off the table," Savage said firmly. "We'll find another way." All the men were protective of the women. It was in their blood. Didn’t matter who the little belonged to, they were protected. Blade knew Lily. He knew what she was capable of and although he didn’t want her in danger anymore than anyone else did, he knew they could come up with a way to do it while keeping her safe at the same time.
Blade shook his head. "We might not have another way. Not in the timeframe Jose's given us." He met Savage's eyes. "And it's not your call. Or mine. It's Lily's. She deserves the right to choose."
There was a brief silence as both men considered his words.
"He's right," Irish finally acknowledged. "She's not some helpless little thing we need to coddle. She's proven that already. But, if we are to do it, we need to go over the plan until it’s foolproof."
Savage still looked unconvinced. "Taking on a few goons at the cabin is one thing. Deliberately walking into Jose's operation is another level entirely."
"She wouldn't be alone," Blade insisted. "We'd have her back every step of the way. But it has to be her choice."
Before Savage could respond, the door burst open, and Lucky strode in, his imposing figure filling the doorframe. As club president, he radiated authority despite his casual attire.
"Tell me you've seen the video," he said without preamble.
"Just finished," Irish confirmed.
Lucky's eyes found Blade's. "How mobile are you?"
"I can ride," Blade lied immediately.
"Bullshit," Savage countered. "He lost half his blood volume two days ago. Doc said at least a week before he's back on his feet."
Lucky frowned. "We don't have a week. Jose's deadline is firm, and I believe him when he says he'll start targeting our families if we don't comply."
"We're not giving him Lily," Blade stated, his tone leaving no room for debate.
Lucky's eyes narrowed. "No one said anything about giving up the girl. But we need options, and we need them now."
"I was just outlining a potential strategy," Blade began.
A commotion in the hallway interrupted him, raised voices, hurried footsteps. Then the door flew open again, and there she was.
Lily.
She looked different than when he'd last seen her. Stronger, somehow. More determined. Her hair was pulled back in a practical ponytail, and she'd exchanged her usual soft clothing for jeans, boots, and a fitted t-shirt. Rampage towered behind her, looking both apologetic and amused.
"Sorry," the big man offered. "She can be very persuasive when she wants to be."
"What are you doing here?" Blade demanded, though he couldn't keep the relief from his voice at seeing her safe, whole. "You're supposed to be at the cabin."
"And you're supposed to be resting," she countered, moving immediately to his bedside. Her eyes cataloged his appearance, lingering on the bandages visible beneath his hospital gown, the IV in his arm, the pallor of his skin. "You look terrible."
Despite everything, a chuckle escaped him. "Missed you too, baby girl. But, as soon as I am healthy, you are getting that spanking I promised you. This is twice now you’ve broken the rules." His spanking hand was itching to connect with her bare ass. Every man in the room would take their girl over his knee for doing the same.
Something in her expression softened. She reached out, her hand finding his, squeezing gently. "I know,” she said. “And when you are healthy I might just let you.”
“Let me?” He growled. “There is no letting me. You have it coming.”
All but ignoring his words, she spoke again. “I overheard Rampage on the phone being told about the video,” she said, addressing the room at large, although her eyes never left Blade's face. "About Marcus. About Jose's demands."
The men exchanged looks of surprise.
