When I glance back at him, worry is etched on his face.
“Those two,” I say, pointing to Vera and Grace. Fear flashes across Grace’s face. Elena’s eyes dart between Axle and me. “She shouldn’t have to deal with them being nasty to her in a place she calls home.”
Axle’s face drops. The room is silent, the tension heavy.
“Vera and Grace, pack your bags and get out of my clubhouse.”
I jolt from the roar of Reaper’s voice. When I peer over, it’s Reaper, with Bomber standing on his right and Twitch on his left.
“I will have no one who is disrespectful or disloyal living here and especially”—Reaper’s eyes cut to Vera—“someone who betrays the club.”
Vera’s eyes bug out, and Grace cries. I have no sympathy for them because I know I won’t be missing their callous behavior.
“Ava is here for a whole of two minutes. She’s not a sweet butt or an ol’ lady,” Vera says.
“Youbetrayedmyorders. End of discussion,” Reaper snaps at Vera. “Bomber and Demon, help them pack their bags and make them wait out the front for their ride.” His dark glare remains on the women. “I never want to see your faceseveragain.”
Bomber and Demon move to them.
Demon flashes a smile at me. “I thought you were going to punch her.”
His voice is full of amusement, but it has the opposite effect on me. It makes me nauseous. I was angry, but from what I’ve been through, I could never... even if I hate her. An urge to run creeps inside of me. The arguing, the yelling, and the crying are all too much, but I try to breathe through it.
Bomber and Demon escort the women up the stairs.
Axle takes Elena’s hand in his. He looks at her with adoration. “I’m sorry, babe. Can we go upstairs and talk?” She nods, and they are next to go.
I can’t take it anymore, and I bolt toward the back of the house.
As I leave, I hear Reaper yell, “Church in thirty minutes!”
I burst out of the back door. It bangs on the wall as I scan the area for Conan. The banging sounds must have woken him, as he’s on his feet within seconds, his ears upright. His body is still until he sees me, then his tail wags.
I plop myself on the ground next to him and hug him. Tears fall from my eyes. His head nudges into me. My breathing eventually slows, and some of the tension releases.
The backdoor opens, making me stiffen, and then Reaper’s towering over me. He bends over with outstretched hands, and with no hesitation, I place my hands in his. He helps me onto my feet.
He gently cradles my face in one of his hands and softly wipes one tear from my cheek. His tenderness calms me, but his hands soon fall by his sides as he steps back, giving me room. “I looked over the video surveillance with Twitch and Bomber. That’s when I found out it was Vera who emailed.”
“She told me she did it and seemed quite pleased with herself.”
“You’re not going to take off again, are you?” His voice is teasing, but his eyes don’t lie.
I never thought I would feel anything for anyone after what I experienced with Beau. There is no way I can trust again, especially a man in a one-percent MC, but being with him feels right. I shouldn’t judge what he does, because he’s treated me better than any man.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I reassure him.
The warmth in his eyes and his slow, sexy smile melt away my worrying thoughts. Being with him makes the happiness seep back in. I step toward him and wrap my arms around his solid body. His arms slide around my back and squeeze. Something about him eases the tightness in my chest. His body shifts, and he chuckles. I peer up at him and follow his line of sight to Conan, who is nudging Reaper’s leg for pats.
“It looks like you have a new friend.”
One of his hands falls from my back, and he leans down and rubs Conan behind the ear. “Luckily, because it seems you two come as a packaged deal.”
“What’s your real name?” I ask curiously.
“Bain White.”
I give him a small smile. He didn’t even hesitate to tell me. “I like the name Bain.” It’s unique but masculine. It suits him.
