“You gonna kill me, killer?” Naylor coughs as I close the gap between us, kicking the knife that lays beside him on the floor out of his reach.
For the first time in a long time, my body doesn’t react to hearing that nickname, because seeing him as defeated and powerless like this, the weight it once held has lifted.
“Eventually,” I reply. “Gonna have a little fun first.”
I reach down, pressing my thumb into the wound on his shoulder. He lets out a deep guttural groan, like he’s holding himself back from crying out. I press deeper, digging my thumb into the bullet hole, twisting it, making it hurt and enjoying every fucking second of his pain.
He wheezes, each breath long and laboured.
“That’s for putting my girl and my baby at risk you sick piece of shit.” Pulling back my arm, I swing, putting as much force into the hit as I possibly can as the butt of my gun cracks across Naylor’s face. “And that’s for me. It’s not nearly enough, but it’s a start.”
With my boot, I kick his chest and he falls flat on his back.
I pull out my phone, typing out a quick text to the group.
Me: Kaia’s safe. Gonna need a hand taking out the trash.
I pocket my phone and head for Kaia and her father.
“Can’t say I haven’t dreamed of seeing this moment,” I comment, dropping to my knees next to Kaia, placing my gun on the floor beside me.
I glance across to Kaia, her tear-stained face punching meright in the gut. Even with all that he’s done, he’s still her father. “But you’re not dying today, Watson. The guys are on their way. We’ll get you to the hospital.”
I reach for Kaia, brushing her hair from her wet face, nudging her to face me. “You okay, butterfly?”
She leans into my touch as I cup her cheek. “I am now you’re here. God, I was so scared—” her voice cracks as more tears fall. “I was scared he was going to kill me before I could tell you…” she glances down to her belly.
“I know, baby. We’ve got a lot to talk about. But I’m not going anywhere, not ever. You’re stuck with me.” I press a kiss to her mouth, it’s brief but I savour it.
She melts into me and I lift her to straddle my lap as I kneel on the floor. I band my arms around her and hers lock around my neck as she cries into my shoulder, her head nestled into the crook of my neck.
The rumble of bikes grows louder, the vibrations rippling through my chest, the sound is both a familiar and welcome one.
Lawless.
Pressing a kiss to her forehead, I hold Kaia a little tighter, knowing we’re safe. Everything is going to be okay.
I glance down at Watson to find his wide eyes fixed on something behind me.
I follow his eyes. Naylor is on his feet, a gun now in his hand and his murderous eyes locked on me.
I feel around for the gun on the floor next to me but it’s gone. I look down, only to hear the flick of the safety. My gun is in Watson’s hand and he has it aimed directly at Naylor.
Bang!
My arms instinctively tighten around Kaia who screams asthe shot rings out, shielding her.
The gun slips from Naylor’s hand, clattering to the ground, his dead empty eyes wide as he collapses to the floor.
Lifeless.
“Is it over?” Kaia asks, pulling back to meet my eyes.
I smooth her hair from her face, pressing my lips to her forehead. “It’s over, butterfly.”
A stampede of footsteps charge up the stairs, the guys rushing into the room a second later.
Myles surveys the scene, his eyes wide and alert. “Fuck, you guys okay? We heard the gunshot.”
