In the next second, Nitro dropped the asshole’s limp body to the floor as I released my finger from the trigger of my gun.
Then I shifted my attention to the man in Edge’s hold. His eyes widened, realization dawning too late as I nodded sharply. The crunch of bone beneath Edge’s fist echoed through the warehouse, followed by the man’s groan of pain.
“Get him up,” I commanded coldly. “He’s coming with us.”
“Guess the fun will start later,” Edge snickered, wiping his blade on his thigh to clean off the smear of blood from the shallow slice he’d left on the man’s throat.
My brothers and I moved swiftly, hauling the sniveling weasel out to the waiting van. He’d talk, no question about that. I’d drain him of every shred of intel before he’d feel the consequences of threatening what was ours.
Less than two hours later,the man had spilled everything before his dead body was hauled off to be disposed of. With his intel and everything from Hadley’s parents, we were ready to hit the headquarters of the organization that had sold Hadley as an infant.
We moved like ghosts, methodical and ruthless, collecting evidence with surgical precision. Names, files, and transaction logs—every twisted secret was documented and preserved, ready to deliver justice that would reverberate through every corner of their corrupt network.
But as we gathered file after file, each one revealing another layer of depravity, we made certain Hadley’s name wasn’t among them. Any record connected directly to her went quietlymissing, kept safely hidden. I wasn’t protecting her parents from exposure. They could burn for all I fucking cared. But Hadley would not be dragged through the mud. She’d already endured enough betrayal. I’d never let their filth touch her again.
Once we had everything, we dismantled their operation, piece by meticulous piece. Documents, servers, and anyone standing in our way.
When we walked back out into the night, Edge grinned, cracking his knuckles as he looked at me. “You feeling better now, Doc? Got all that tension out?”
I snorted, wiping blood from my knuckles on a cloth. “Not quite yet. Still got some unfinished business at home.”
Rev, our club’s captain chuckled, clapping me on the back. “That’s Cage speak for he’s pussy-whipped and wants to hurry home to his woman.”
“Damn right,” I confirmed without hesitation. “Jealous?”
Kane shook his head with a rare smile. “Get out of here, brother. They’ve got this covered.”
I didn’t need to be told twice.
By the time I got back to the clubhouse, adrenaline was still pumping hot through my veins, mixed now with raw, possessive need. Hadley was waiting just inside the lounge, her eyes bright with anticipation, and her face softening the moment she saw me.
The world fully righted itself in that moment. I doubted there would ever be a time when I stopped trying to control everything around me. But for the first time, I didn’t feel utter rage at the thought of things spiraling beyond my reach. Because even if chaos reigned around me, I’d always find peace in Hadley.
18
HADLEY
Waiting for Thayer and the other club brothers who’d gone with him was harder than anything I’d ever done. I paced the length of the common room at the Redline Kings clubhouse, my arms wrapped around my middle like I could hold myself together if I just squeezed tight enough.
I trusted Thayer to keep me safe, but that didn’t stop me from worrying about him.
Every time the door opened, my pulse jumped. Each engine rumble outside had me hoping it was him. Finally, my wish was granted.
The heavy side door swung open, and there he was.
Thayer’s hazel eyes scanned the room until they locked on me. The moment they did, the hard lines of his face softened just a fraction. He crossed the floor in purposeful strides and pulled me straight into his arms without a word.
I melted against his chest, breathing in the familiar scent that had quickly become my home. “Tell me it’s over.”
His arms tightened around me, one big hand cradling the back of my head. “It’s over, baby.”
“Thank goodness,” I whispered in a shaky voice.
He pulled back just enough to look at me, his thumb brushing my cheek. “The hitman they hired is gone. We hit the whole network hard. They won’t be coming after you again. Ever.”
Relief crashed over me so fast my knees went weak. I sagged against him, and he held me up without hesitation, like he’d been expecting it. Tears pricked at my eyes, but I blinked them back, laughing shakily.
“I knew you’d keep me safe. I trusted you the whole time, but I feel like I can finally breathe.”
