"I don't need a lawyer. I have James for that—though that man is a storm on the horizon I’m not ready to deal with yet. Right now, I need a partner. I need you."
He steps back, walking over to the fireplace and crouching down to stack kindling. He strikes a match, watching the flame catch.
"I’m done hiding you," he says, watching the fire grow. "Tomorrow, we walk into town, and we don't play it up for the cameras. We don't do it for Riley James or the Mayor. We do it because you’re mine."
"Oswald will use it," I warn him.
Chase stands up and turns to me, the firelight casting him in silhouette. "Let him say whatever he wants. If he comes near you again, he won't be dealing with a lawsuit. He’ll be dealing with the entire Broken Halos charter."
He walks back to me, taking my hand and bringing my knuckles to his lips. "I spent my whole life fighting for this mountain, Cassandra. Protecting the club. I never thought I’d find something else worth fighting for." He kisses my palm. "But I was wrong. We’re going to win this. Together."
I look at him—really look at him. I see the unshakeable strength of a man who has decided on his future. And for the first time in my life, I don't feel like I have to fight the battle alone.
"Together," I agree softly.
"But first," Chase’s eyes darken, that dangerous hunger returning as he hauls me off my feet. "I’m going to wash every trace of that corporate prick’s lies off you. By the time I’m done, you’re going to be covered in my scent, marked by my teeth, and so full of my seed that you’ll forget anyone else ever dared to lookat you. You’re mine, Cassandra. I’m going to stretch you wide and remind you exactly who you belong to."
I laugh as he carries me toward the bathroom. The threats are still out there. But up here, I have finally found where I belong.
And God help anyone who tries to take it from us.
10
CHASE
The rumble of twenty Harleys idling on Main Street vibrates in your teeth, a frequency that demands you get out of the way or get run over. Usually, I love that sound. It’s the music of my life, the driving rhythm of the Broken Halos. But today, standing on the steps of the Pine Valley Town Hall with my hand on the small of Cassandra’s back, all I can hear is the frantic, wet thrum of her pulse.
She’s wearing her armor—a sharp navy blazer, a pencil skirt that hugs the curves I spent all night worshipping, and heels that click like gunshots against the pavement. She looks like a weapon. She looks like a lawyer. But her hand trembles where she clutches her briefcase.
"Breathe," I murmur, leaning down so my lips brush the shell of her ear. "You’ve got the biggest, meanest gang in the state behind you. And you’ve got me."
She looks up, eyes wide and dark, filled with that brilliant intelligence that knocks the wind out of me every time. "I’m not representing you, Chase. I recused myself. Remember?"
"I remember," I say, my thumb stroking the fabric of her jacket, tracing the dip of her spine. "You’re not here as my lawyer. You’re here as my partner. And if that snake Oswald tries to rattle you, I’m going to forget we’re in public."
"No violence," she whispers, though a small, wicked smile tugs at her lips. "At least, not until we get the permit."
"Good girl."
The praise snaps her head back like a whip crack. Her pupils dilate, swallowing the iris, and her breath hitches. That reaction is mine. I built it, I nurtured it, and I’m going to exploit it for the rest of our lives.
We walk in. Or we try to.
Two men in cheap suits block the double doors. Private security. Not local. Oswald's money at work.
"Meeting is closed to the public," the larger one grunts, stepping in front of me. His hand drops to the baton on his belt.
I don't break stride.
"Chase," Cassandra warns, her hand tightening on my back.
"Move," I say, my voice low and dead.
"I said closed," the guard sneers. He makes the mistake of reaching for my chest to shove me back.
I catch his wrist before he makes contact. I twist, hard, hearing the satisfying pop of cartilage. He yells, dropping to one knee. The second guard reaches for his taser, but I’m already there. I drive my boot into his knee, sending him crashing into the doorframe.
I shove the double doors open with my shoulder, stepping over the groaning men.
