Now wasn’t the time to dwell on my doubts, though. This moment was too important to Ronan for me not to be completely present.
A couple of men were in front of the clubhouse when we pulled up. Their greetings were respectful as he parked.
“Rebel.”
“Morning, brother.”
They were guys I hadn’t met, so he did some quick introductions before leading me inside.
We walked through the heavy doors into the large common room. King stood at the bar, a mug of coffee in hand, nodding when he saw us. The giant dog sprawled at his feet, lifted his head and let out a small huff before laying his big head on his paws again. Cerberus had scared me the first time I saw him, but then I’d witnessed how gentle he was with Cadell and realized he was actually a big softie under the intimidating exterior.
“Morning, Rebel. Clara.”
“Good morning,” I returned his greeting.
He tilted his head toward the door that led to the kitchen. “There are still some pancakes if you’re hungry. Fresh pot of coffee, too.”
“I love pancakes.” I made big eyes at Ronan. “Please?”
“Sure, baby.” He brushed his lips against mine. “Go ahead, I’ll be right in.”
Stella and Cadell were in the kitchen, and the toddler flashed me a syrupy smile.
“Good breakfast?” I asked.
Cadell nodded. “Uh-huh.”
“His favorite,” Stella confirmed with a soft laugh. “But there’s still some left. On the counter, the plate with tin foil over it to keep them warm.”
“Thanks.” I made myself a plate, and as I poured a mug of coffee, I asked, “Need a top off?”
“I wish.” She shook her head with a sigh. “But that’d be too much caffeine for me.”
“Sorry.”
When the guys joined us, Ronan made himself a plate of pancakes. Cadell started to get antsy before we were done eating, so King and Stella took him to their home, which was built on the back of the clubhouse.
When it was just the two of us, Ronan set his fork down and reached for my hand. “The prez said I could share some shit with you.”
That sounded serious. I swallowed. “Are you sure? I’m not?—”
“You are.” He cupped my face, his thumb brushing my cheek. “Might not be official yet, but you’re mine, Clara. In every way that matters.”
I loved how sure he sounded. It gave me hope that we’d figure out how to mesh our different worlds together.
Lacing my fingers with his, I prodded. “What did you want to tell me?”
“Club runs mostly legitimate businesses. The ones everyone in Riverstone knows about.”
“Yeah, the garage, diner, bar, tattoo parlor,” I rattled off with a nod. There were more, but I didn’t need to go on as though he wasn’t aware of everything the club owned around here.
“The real money comes from making people disappear into new lives.” His grip on my hand tightened. “With my background in security, I’m heavily involved in that side of the club. People who find themselves in situations with no way out come to us for help. We’re the ones they call when they need a new identity with their past buried so deep no one can ever find it.”
My brows drew together as I considered his explanation. “Like a form of WITSEC but not for the government?”
“That’s one way to think of it, in layman’s terms, yeah.”
I searched his face. “And you’re okay with that?”
