"Rookie got some glass in his face, and Chaos has a graze wound on his arm," I reply in an equally hushed tone. "Nothing serious, Luna's patching them up."
Amelia nods, relief evident in her expression.
"So," she says, a hint of teasing entering her voice despite our circumstances, "you were out with Beast when this happened? Tank seemed... concerned when he realized you two were together."
Heat creeps up my neck. "It's not what you think."
"No?" Her eyebrows arch. "Because I've seen the way he watches you when you're not looking. And the way you watch him back."
"It's... complicated," I admit, not ready to confess the whole fake relationship scheme. "We were at his mother's house for dinner."
Amelia's eyes widen. "You met his mother? That's definitely not nothing, Jenny."
Before I can formulate a response, the door to the safe room opens, and Beast himself fills the doorway. My breath catches at the sight of him—tall, broad, dangerous in his leather cut with visible weapons now strapped to his body. His dark eyes find mine immediately, something flickering in their depths before he addresses all of us.
"Everything's secure," he says, his deep voice steady and reassuring. "King and the others are preparing to head out to handle the situation. I'm staying here to oversee security. You're all safe."
"Thank you, Beast," Amelia says, her arm tightening around Anna.
The little girl stares up at Beast with wide eyes, then asks with childish directness, "Are you going to hurt the bad men who made the loud noises?"
Beast's expression softens as he looks at Anna, and something in my chest tightens at the gentleness that comes over his normally hard features.
"The bad men won't come back here," he says simply. "I promise."
Anna seems satisfied with this answer, nodding gravely before turning her attention back to Hoppy.
"You can come out of the safe room if you want," Beast continues, addressing all of us. "The clubhouse is secure, and Luna could use some help with Rookie and Chaos. They're being typical men about their injuries."
This draws a small smile from Amelia. "I'll come help. I worked as a CNA before Anna was born." She turns to her daughter. "Want to come with Mommy to help make the hurt men feel better?"
Anna nods, sliding off the cot and taking her mother's hand. They follow Beast out of the room, but as I move to join them, Beast puts a hand on my arm, stopping me.
"Can we talk for a minute?" he asks, his voice low enough that only I can hear.
My pulse quickens at his touch, remembering how his hand felt on my thigh during dinner, how my pussy throbbed each time his fingers moved higher. I nod, stepping back into the safe room.
Beast follows, closing the door partway. Not for complete privacy, but enough that our conversation won't be overheard by casual passersby.
"Are you okay?" he asks, his gaze sweeping over me as if checking for injuries.
"I'm fine," I assure him. "Just worried about everyone."
He nods, seeming relieved. "I'm staying. You'll be safe."
"I'm not worried about myself," I say, then hesitate before adding, "Your mother… Will she be okay? Do the Eagles know about her?"
"No, they don't know about her. I've kept her separate from club business. But I've arranged for Shadow to drive by her place tonight, just to be sure."
I nod, relieved. In the short time I've known Elaine Murphy, I've grown fond of her warmth and straightforward kindness.
"About Sunday dinner," Beast says, running a hand through his hair. "Given what's happening, maybe we should—"
"Cancel?" I finish for him, ignoring the little stab of disappointment I feel.
"Postpone," he corrects. "Just until this situation with the Eagles is resolved. For safety."
"Of course," I agree, though part of me was looking forward to another evening pretending to be his girlfriend, feeling his hand on my thigh, his eyes on my body. "Your mother will understand."
