“You mean the MC members?”
His grin widens, revealing a flash of teeth that somehow makes the air feel cold.“Yeah.And you didn’t run off...most people do.They either run or stay away unless they need something.”Fury tilts his head, his eyes narrowing as if he’s trying to read something in me.“What do you need, Hannah?”
I shrug, looking down at Grace, feeling the weight of her body against mine.“I guess right now, we need a safe place to stay,” I mutter, my voice barely above a whisper.
Fury’s gaze softens, and his eyes flicker with something unreadable.“Hmm, I can see what he sees in you.”
I look up at him, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.“Do you mean Blade?”
He nods slowly, his voice growing quieter.“Yeah.I don’t remember the last time he showed interest in a woman or was so protective of one.”His voice drops, and he turns away, his heavy boots thumping against the wood floor as he walks toward the stairs.“Come on, let’s get you to the guys.They’re all dying to meet you.”
Fury strides ahead of me down the stairs, his boots pounding with each step as I follow behind, the sound echoing in the quiet clubhouse.When I reach the last step and enter the main room, I’m not surprised to find Blade already across the room, his eyes locked on me as if I’m the only thing in the space.He’s by my side in a flash.
“Are you okay?”His voice is low, filled with concern, his brow furrowed as he looks me over.
I nod, trying to push down the flutter of nerves that stir inside me.“Yes.”
Without missing a beat, he takes Grace from my arms, his fingers brushing against mine, sending a jolt through me.“Ranger, you’re up.”
With a sour look on his face, Ranger saunters over to us, his steps lazy, clearly reluctant.He holds out his hands, his mouth twisting into a half-smirk.“Give her to me.”
“What?Why?”I ask, confusion bubbling up as I glance from Ranger to Blade.
“Ranger volunteered to take Grace for a toilet break,” Blade explains, his voice calm, but there’s a slight edge of amusement in his tone.
“I can do it.”I’m not sure why this feels so important.It’s just Grace.But there’s something about the way Blade is acting that makes me want to protest.
Blade looks at me, then hands Grace over to Ranger without hesitation.“No, he wants to do it, don’t you, Ranger?”
Ranger’s face remains unamused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he holds Grace awkwardly in his arms.“Can’t wait.”
“Blade, he clearly doesn’t want to, and she belongs to me.”The words slip out before I can stop them, but I can’t help feeling the need to stake my claim, even over something as small as my cat.
Blade chuckles softly, the sound deep and warm.He leans in just slightly, his lips curving into a smirk.“I think you’ve got that wrong.I thinkyoubelong to her.”
Before I can say anything else, Ranger strides off toward the door, Grace tucked in his arms, and I’m left standing there, staring after them.
“Don’t let her run off!”I shout after Ranger as he walks out with Grace.
Ranger holds up two fingers in a wave, not even bothering to look back as he disappears outside.Laughter erupts from the men scattered around the room.Most are gathered around the table, but a couple of them are over by the kitchen, chatting and drinking as though it’s just another day.
Blade steps closer to me, taking my hand and pulling me farther into the room.His touch is warm and reassuring, grounding me.“Everyone, this is Hannah.Introduce yourselves to her and tell her your position within the club.”
Vex, who’s sitting at the table, holds up a hand with a grin.“Vex.I’m VP of this ragtag group.”
“Hey, Vex, nice to see you again,” I reply, offering a smile as I remember our brief encounter.
Fury, who’s leaning against the wall near the kitchen, raises his hand.“We’ve met.I’m this chapter’s sergeant at arms.”He gives me a quick nod, his expression a bit more serious now.
“We met at the tavern in town,” a deep voice says from across the room.I glance over and see a tall guy with a confident smile.“I’m Hollywood, and I’m the road captain.”
“I remember,” I say, a little relieved to recognize someone in this sea of new faces.
One of the men stands up and walks over to me, his hand outstretched.“I’m Flint, and I’m the secretary.”
I place my hand in his and shake it firmly.“Nice to meet you.”
Flint winks at me as he releases my hand.“Any friend of Blade’s is a friend of mine.”
