“Gideon Fox is the head of The Serpent Society, and only those who are aware of it understand what that involves. Corruption, blackmail and illegal acts, all designed to bring the wealthy and powerful to his heels. He sends them down a one-way path and blocks their exit. All the time he gets more powerful, more controlling and more vindictive.”
Delilah nods. “He was all of those things. The one memory I have is when he almost kicked me to death for no reason at all.”
I place my hand on her back as Snake’s eyes shoot venom and he growls. “So, what’s the plan?”
Ryder fixes his gaze on Delilah as he says evenly, “I fucking hate snakes. Always have and always will and the only way to deal with them is to cut their fucking head off.”
CHAPTER 17
DELILAH
I’m exhausted. It’s been one hell of a day, and they can obviously sense that because Ryder picks up his phone. I’m intrigued by the change in the tone of his voice as he says gently, “Ashton, honey, could you spare a minute?”
I stare at him in surprise as he cuts the call, a small smile on his lips, and then he turns back to the business at hand.
“So, there is some intelligence, but not the entire picture—yet anyway. You are welcome to remain here while we figure this out, and if you don’t want to leave, that can also be arranged.”
“I don’t know how to thank you.”
I really mean that because without the Reapers, I doubt I would still be breathing.
“My wife, Ashton’s on her way. She’ll show you to the guest room where you can set up home. If you need anything, she will arrange it, and I mean anything, darlin’. New clothes, possessions, electronics, bedding, you name it. Make that room your own and don’t worry about the check.”
“You are very kind.”
I hesitate because there is only one place I want to be, but it doesn’t seem right asking for it. Blade is home now. He’s backwhere he belongs, and he may want his space. His room – his privacy.
He’s a man with needs, and it appears there are many women here who can help him with that. I’m dragging a shitload of problems behind me, and he doesn’t deserve the burden of that.
Ryder turns to Blade.
“Keep your eye on her. Right now, you’re the only familiar one here, so make yourself available.”
Blade fixes him with a hard glare and says roughly, “She knows.”
Snake is smirking and Blade flashes him a ‘fuck you’ look and despite everything it makes me chuckle to myself. It’s obvious they fight like most families and, to be honest, I love that already about them.
A soft knock on the door causes our heads to turn, and as the door inches open, I stare at the most beautiful woman standing like a ray of sunshine in the open doorway. This must be Ryder’s wife, Ashton, and her soft, welcoming smile and obvious concern settles my heart immediately.
“Delilah.”
Her warm smile reaches out to me like a gentle hug, and she extends her hand.
“Allow me to rescue you. You must be hungry and tired and could probably use some space.”
I nod, swallowing hard as my gaze finds Blade, and I wish like hell he was coming too. It doesn’t seem right to walk away from him, and as if he senses my hesitation, he almost smiles.
“Go with Ashton, darlin’. I’ll drop by in a bit and check on you.”
“Okay. Um, thanks.”
I turn to the other two men and smile nervously.
“Thank you so much for what you are doing for me. For well, saving my life. I will never be able to repay you.”
“You owe us nothing, darlin’.”
Ryder smiles and Snake drops another wink, and as I leave them behind, I wonder if my luck is changing for the better this time.
