"There's another problem," Savage pointed out. "Blade's in no condition to ride. Doc said at least a week before he's even walking without assistance. Jose specifically demanded that Blade bring you."
"So we work with that," Lily suggested. "We tell Jose that Blade was injured in the last attack. That I'm insisting on coming alone, to spare any more bloodshed. It plays into Jose's ego, the idea that I'm surrendering myself to save others. He'll love that."
"And when you show up without Blade?" Lucky asked skeptically.
"You think Jose will turn down the opportunity to have me in his grasp, just because Blade isn't there to witness it?" Lily countered. "His primary goal is me. Blade's presence is secondary, just his way of ensuring it's personal, of twisting the knife."
Blade hated to admit it, but her assessment was probably accurate. Jose wanted Lily above all else. The rest was window dressing.
"I don't like it," he said finally. "But I can't offer a better alternative. Not one that saves Marcus and keeps you safe."
Lily squeezed his hand. "I don't expect to be completely safe. I just expect to survive. With your help, all of your help," she added, looking around at the assembled men.
A silent communication seemed to pass between the club members. Finally, Lucky nodded. "Alright. We'll take this tochurch, work out the details. If we're doing this, we're doing it right. Full resources, full commitment."
"I want in on the planning," Blade insisted. "Even if I can't physically participate in the execution."
"Of course," Lucky agreed. "We'll need your tactical expertise. And your knowledge of Jose's psychology."
"And I need to be there too," Lily added firmly. "No planning my part in this without me present."
Lucky raised an eyebrow at her assertiveness but nodded. "Fair enough. Church meeting in one hour. That gives you two some time to... catch up." His knowing look as it passed between Blade and Lily made her blush slightly. "Rampage, Irish, Savage with me. Let's start working through the logistics."
The men filed out, leaving Blade and Lily alone for the first time since the attack at the cabin. For a moment, neither spoke, the weight of everything that had happened, and everything still to come, hanging between them.
Then Lily moved closer, perching carefully on the edge of the bed to avoid disturbing his injuries. "You really do look terrible," she said softly, her free hand coming up to brush his hair back from his forehead.
"You look beautiful," he replied honestly. "Fierce. Ready for war."
A small smile curved her lips. "Is that a compliment?"
"The highest I know how to give," he confirmed. Then, more seriously: "I've missed you."
"It's only been two days," she reminded him, though her expression told him she'd felt the separation just as keenly.
"Longest two days of my life," he admitted.
Her smile widened briefly, then faded as her gaze dropped to his bandaged chest. "How bad is it, really? No bullshit."
"Bad enough," he acknowledged. "Through-and-through, missed anything vital, but I lost a lot of blood. Doc says I'll recover fully, but it'll take time."
"Time we don't have," she murmured.
"Yeah." He reached up, ignoring the pain the movement caused, to cup her cheek. "Lily, are you sure about this? About walking into Jose's trap, even with backup? Even with a plan? It's a hell of a risk."
She leaned into his touch, her eyes closing briefly. "I'm terrified," she admitted. "But sometimes being brave means doing what's necessary even when you're scared out of your mind."
"Your dad again?" he guessed.
She nodded. "He never ran from a fight. Never left anyone behind. I can't do any less."
Pride and fear warred within him. Pride at her courage, fear for what it might cost her. "You're something else, you know that?"
"So I've been told," she replied with a small smile. Then, more seriously: "We're going to get through this, Blade. Together. And when it's over, when Jose is no longer a threat..." She hesitated, a vulnerability entering her expression that hadn't been there when she'd been discussing plans to face down a sociopath. "When it's over, maybe we can figure out... this. Us. Whatever this is between us."
His heart stuttered at the naked hope in her eyes. "I'd like that," he said softly. "Very much."
She bit her lip, seeming to gather her courage. "Before all hell breaks loose again, before we're out of time, I need to tell you something."
