Dreams about a future I never dared to hope for greet me, and I can’t help but feel a little hopeful that I’ve finally found my place in this world after spending my life adrift.
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
ASHER
Dragging my ass out of bed is never harder than when Hannah is wrapped around me.
Her gentle snores fill the room, the only sound in the otherwise quiet house.
Something changed between us last night. The hesitancy that Hannah still held onto slipped away, but mine deepened.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Jeffrey’s parting threat.
What if everything we’ve done was for nothing, and instead of the beautiful life we so desperately want to give her, we’re the reason she ends up in her own personal hell?
Rowan rolling to the edge of the bed pulls me from my thoughts, and neither of us says a word as we dress.
We need to talk. Too much happened between the time we left the restaurant and when we all got home that we haven’t had a chance to debrief on, and even though I would much prefer to spend my morning wrapped around Hannah, it’s not what’s best for any of us right now.
Pulling the door closed behind us, we move silently into Rowan’s office and drop into our usual seats.
The sun is beginning to peak over the horizon, providing us with enough light that we don’t bother flicking one on.
“Tell me what Jeffrey said.”
I sigh, brushing my hand down my face. “He said a whole lot of shit. Said he could ruin Hannah’s reputation. That if we gave her up now, he’ll marry her off to someone who will treat her well, but the longer we prolong it, the worse the suitors will get.”
Rowan’s scowl deepens.
“He had two cops with him. Not sure if it was a power move or if he genuinely thought I’d kill him if I had half the chance.”
“Probably a bit of both.”
I nod. Malone knows I could kill him with one hand if I really wanted to. “Should we consider taking her away from the city?”
“Not yet.”
It’s our last resort, but one I think we should start seriously considering. The last thing we want to do is take Hannah away from her career, from her friends, and the club, but if it’s between that and keeping her safe, we’re going to take the latter option every time.
“He’s escalating,” I argue. He could have had them both killed last night if he wanted. Hell, he could have killed me in front of those cops.
A man like Jeffrey Malone believes he has unlimited power and that there are no consequences for his actions, which makes him far more dangerous than people give a businessman like him credit for.
“We’re locking down for a few days. None of us leaves the property unless absolutely necessary. I want to keep an eye on what he does next before we make a call like fleeing the city.”
I want to argue, to remind him that there’s nothing more important than Hannah’s safety, but I keep my mouth shut. He knows that. He’s been considering her happiness and safety forlonger than I have, and I have to trust him to know what’s best for all three of us.
We made sure it was feasible for us to leave New York if it became necessary and have several fail-safes in place for the fights and our other business interests, but it was always our last resort. If Rowan doesn’t think we’re there yet, then I have to trust him to know when we are.
“What do you want to tell Hannah?”
“Nothing yet. I don’t want to worry her if we don’t have to.”
“Rowan—” I start.
“I know.” He clenches his fist on top of the desk. “I know she already knows something is going on and that we’re in danger, but she was fucking distraught last night when we got home. I never want to see her like that again.”
“Then we should just leave. We have a better chance of keeping her off his radar the further away we get from the city.”
