"Where we going?" Banshee asks.
Good question. Somewhere off the grid. Somewhere Copperhead Kings won't think to look. Somewhere?—
My phone rings. Unknown number.
I answer. "Yeah?"
"Shadow." The voice is familiar, rough, carrying a hint of a drawl I haven't heard in years. "Heard you got trouble."
My heart stops. "Shiver?"
"Rogue called me. Told me what's going down. Told me about the bounty on my sister." A pause. "Come here, to Vegas. Even if it’s just for a week."
Grace's head snaps up, eyes wide. "Is that?—"
I nod, hand the phone to her.
"Shiver?" Her voice cracks. "Oh my God."
I can't hear his side of the conversation, but I watch tears stream down Grace's face.
"Yes," she's saying. "Yes, I'm okay. Shadow's here. He's—yes. Yes, I know. I love you too."
She hands the phone back to me, wiping her eyes.
"Shadow," Shiver says. "Keep her safe until you get here. We can come up with a plan once you’re here, but regardless, we'll handle the Copperhead Kings."
CHAPTER EIGHT
Grace
"Why did you tell them we were married?"
The question comes out about an hour into the drive.
I've been sitting here, stewing, trying to process everything that happened.
The meet. Flint's threats. Shadow getting kicked out of the club. My father's fury.
And Shadow telling everyone we got married.
Shadow's hands tighten on the steering wheel, but he doesn't look at me.
Just keeps his eyes on the dark highway stretching ahead.
Banshee's in the backseat with Charlie, suddenly very interested in his phone.
"It was the only thing I could think of," Shadow finally says, his voice quiet, "that would protect you immediately."
I turn in my seat to look at him. "Protect me how?"
"If you're married, you're not part of the deal anymore." His jaw is tight. "Bronco's family bought you as a bride for Bronco. If you're already married to someone else, the transaction is void. You're off the market. Untouchable."
The logic makes sense. Brutal, tactical sense. But?—
"They're going to demand proof, Shadow. A marriage certificate. Documentation."
"I know."
