“Of course.”Casey flashed a grin.“We handle this place.They handle bullets and deals.We handle everything else.”
Marci counted off on her fingers.“Rule one: If you’re scared, you say so.No pretending.No waiting until you’re shaking alone in a bathroom.”
My chest tightened.“I’m still trying to remember what safe feels like.”
“We’ll remind you.”Casey’s promise was firm.
“Rule two.”Marci’s tone stayed calm, but her eyes cut sharp.“If any brother gives you weird vibes, you tell us -- and Kane.Sometimes it’s easier with a woman first.We’ll handle it.”
I saw Roth’s men at the diner flash in my mind -- leaning on the counter, grinning like they owned the world.No one stepping in.No one caring.
“Rule three.”Solena smiled.“If you need space from Kane, you say so.”
I jerked upright.“Why would I need space from him?”
“Because trauma makes people cling.”She didn’t soften it.“Sometimes your brain glues itself to the one who kept you alive and forgets you still get to be yourself.We don’t want you dissolving into him out of fear.”
My neck burned, but I knew she was right.“Fair enough.”
“Rule four.”Casey raised her mug.“Eat.Sleep.Shower.Basic stuff.Trauma steals the basics first.We steal them back.”
My eyes stung.“Why are you all being so damn kind to me?”
Marci didn’t hesitate.“Because someone was kind to us.Because now you’re one of us, whether you feel it yet or not.”
My throat tightened.I blinked rapidly, nodding.
Solena hopped off the stool.“Tour time.Knowing where everything is helps your brain stop feeling trapped if you lose sight of Kane.”
They showed me the kitchen: the industrial fridge humming, shelves neatly labeled with snacks and supplies, the huge table everyone used whenever they bothered to sit.They pointed out the bathrooms, the laundry room, the common rooms, and the corners where kids abandoned toys like evidence the world still held softness.
A photo wall halted me.Faces.Smiles.Scars.Arms around shoulders.Some frames were old and frayed, others crisp and new.
“We lose people sometimes,” Casey said softly, her fingertips brushing one frame.“Price of this life.We remember them.”
My chest squeezed.I didn’t know their stories, but I recognized those eyes -- fierce, loyal, alive.
Outside, they showed me the shop and the small playground.In daylight the compound felt bigger, less like a cage and more like a guarded little town.That comforted and terrified me in equal measure.
Solena led me to a smaller outbuilding.“Office.Where Spade hides when he does number wizardry.Although, there’s also one in the clubhouse.”
“What does he do?”
“Everything that keeps us out of prison and in the black.”Her grin was wicked.“He’s been begging for help for months.Maybe you’ll have the skills to lend a hand.”
Panic flickered.“I didn’t come here for a job.”
“No pressure.”Marci rested her hand on my arm.“But having something to do helps.Sitting alone with your thoughts will eat you alive.”
She hit home.
By the time we wove back inside, the hallway to Church felt less terrifying.Not safe, exactly.Survivable.
Kane stood outside the door, leaning against the wall.He straightened when he saw me, his eyes scanning my face.“You okay?”
“Overwhelmed.”The word tumbled out.“But in a good way.”
“It makes sense.”He brushed my elbow.“Want me in there with you?”
