“Not the way Roth means it,” I continued.“Not the way Jason promised.I won’t trade one cage for another.”
Atilla didn’t interrupt.He let the words land.
“But I also don’t want to wake up every day waiting for another door to splinter,” I said.“I’m tired of being scared.I’m tired of pretending monsters forget you if you stay quiet.”Breath shook in my lungs.I forced it steady.“I can’t undo what Jason did,” I said.“I can’t control what Roth wants.I can decide who I stand beside while I survive what comes next.”
My feet moved before my brain finished the thought.I stepped closer to Kane until my shoulder brushed his arm.Warmth and solidity.“And after everything you’ve already done for me… all the times you were kind when you didn’t have to be…” I lifted my gaze to Kane.“I choose you.”
Kane went still.His pupils widened.He didn’t touch me, but the air between us changed.Something locked into place.
Atilla nodded once, final.“Fine.”
My heart stuttered.
“You stay in the compound,” Atilla said.“You’re under Kane’s protection until we deal with Roth and sort out what you want after.No one touches you unless you want it.Anyone who tries answers to Kane -- and me.”
A low rumble of agreement moved around the table.Not loud.Not performative.Firm.
Atilla’s gaze cut to Kane.“Screw this up, Prospect, and you’re in for a world of pain.Treat her as property, and every brother in this room becomes your problem.Allow your dick to override your brain, and regret follows swiftly.”
Kane’s chin dipped.“Yes, sir.”
General turned to me.“Rules.No trips alone.You need something, you talk to Kane or one of us.The women will help you get settled.”
My throat tightened again, but this time the feeling wasn’t fear alone.
Spade reopened his laptop.“We need that flash drive.”
My spine stiffened.“But I told you, it’s in my apartment.”
Spade’s expression stayed hard.“We’ll retrieve it soon.Not tonight.”
General nodded.“Too hot tonight.Roth will watch for movement.We’ll move smart.”
Atilla stood.Chairs scraped against concrete as the others followed.Their leather cuts creaked in unison.A ritual unfolded before me -- verdict delivered, the men now moved with purpose.
Atilla’s gaze returned to Kane.“Take her to the small house.Get her settled.Bring her by the kitchen tomorrow morning.”
Kane’s answer came immediately.“No.I’m taking her to my place.I don’t think she’d be comfortable alone.”
Atilla stepped around the table and stopped in front of me.My body wanted to step back.I forced myself to stay.
He extended his hand.I stared at it for half a beat, then placed my fingers in his grip.Warm.Strong.Controlled.
“Welcome to the Savage Raptors, Jade.”His voice stayed low.“You’re here now.We take care of our own.”
My throat closed.I nodded because words failed.
Atilla released my hand and walked out.General followed.Spade trailed behind.The rest filed past in a steady stream.Several nodded.Others swept their gazes over me, measuring, calculating, assessing whether pressure would break me.
Ace slowed near us, gaze landing on me again.“You did good in there.”
A shaky breath escaped.“Almost didn’t.”
Ace’s mouth twitched.“Almost doesn’t count.”He gave Kane a look I couldn’t read, then headed out.
Silence fell when the door closed behind the last of them.The room felt different without all those eyes on me.Not safe.Less suffocating.Kane turned toward me.He kept space, enough to breathe.“You okay?”
“No,” I admitted.“But I’m safer than I was.”
