Gage’s expression hardens as he listens to every word, holding my gaze hostage. There’s murder in his eyes.
It’s then that I realize I’ve not just come for help. I’m asking a dangerous outlaw motorcycle club to take the law into their own hands and deliver justice.
I blink, knowing a fraction of a second later, I’ve just become someone who owes them a debt.
Someday, they’ll collect.
Chapter 3 Gage
Letty is here. It’s fucking crazy that she shows up just when I’ve had another conversation with Storm about her. I know shit is escalating at the house. I can feel it when I’m there.
So far, all I’ve heard or seen is yelling, objects thrown and broken, and pounding on doors in anger. I can’t force Storm’s hand. This isn’t a club issue. It’s mine.
But that changes when Ava and Letty show up, asking for help. It’s become a club problem now because the girls are involving us. They don’t understand the cost. You can’t come to the Vipers and ask for protection without offering something in return.
Storm will see this as a chance to earn a future favor. Both girls are smart and come from powerful families. Ava may not have wealth, but her father has connections. Storm will find a way for Ava to become useful to us. Same with Letty. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but in the future, she’ll owe the club.
I don’t want her to owe a fucking debt to the Vipers.
Fuck.Letty took this out of my hands. The worst part? It’s not even her fault. I haven’t been there for her. The reason doesn’t matter. She still blames me for leaving her alone. I don’t have to hear the words spoken to know that it’s true. It’s burning in her gaze as she stares at me.
The accusation. The betrayal.
It’s fucking killing me.
My body stiffens as I hear Ava list all the shit my father, Liam, and Theo have done to her. The cruelty. How it’s escalated.
Cynthia’s absence leaves her daughter vulnerable. Why hasn’t she protected Letty? Or taken her out of that house?
I don’t get it.
Only money could make her turn a blind eye. That was fucking unacceptable.
“What do you want from the Vipers?” Storm asks, needing clarification.
“Protection,” Ava states as Letty pulls away from me and goes to her best friend. Ava’s arm surrounds her shoulders, hugging her for support.
It’s clear that Letty is struggling to handle the situation, and she’s overwhelmed.
Storm shakes his head. “I need to hear it from Letty.”
I can’t intervene, stop, or help Letty. This has to come from her.
“I just want to be left alone.”
“If we help you, you’ll owe the club.” Storm looks between them. “We always collect our debts.”
Ava blinks. “Money?”
“No,” Storm growls. “A future favor.”
Ava thinks it over. “Done.”
Letty sighs. “I don’t know what that means or how I can help you, but someday, when you ask, I will.”
“That’s all I need to hear.” He doesn’t look at me as he orders them from the room. “Don’t contact us or return to the clubhouse. Go.” He gestures at the door. “Now.”
And just like that, the Vipers become involved.
