“That’s a load of bullshit,” he clipped.
I took a step back, surprised and taken aback by the sudden frustration in his tone.
“Darlin’, serious as shit—after everything you’ve been through with us? That’s fucked,” he growled angrily.
His large frame towering over me as he glared down at me had me flinching back, my eyes squeezed shut, ready for what I’d become accustomed to coming next.
I heard his deep indrawn breath. “Babe.” His tone was notably softer as I opened my eyes, forcing myself to straighten my shoulders. “What was that?” His expression was laced with anger of a different tenor. “Christ, Jill. Did you think I was going tohityou?”
His incredulous tone sent an embarrassed blush over my cheeks. “I need to get Mason,” I murmured, angry at the wobble I felt in my chin.
His large hands grabbed my upper arms in a gentle hold as he stooped to look me in the eye. “We can talk later about why you’d ever think that. Until then I need you to know, I’d never hurt you. Never, Jill.” The vehemence in his voice had my gaze drifting up to meet his. “I’ve never raised my hand to a woman. I never will. I’ve enjoyed putting any fucker in his place who has.”
I nodded, eager for space. His frustrated growl told me that we weren’t done, far from it, but he allowed me to step away from him and to get Mason.
“Prez,” Sal greeted with a chin lift as we entered the club. “Brothers are in the back, ready to meet.” His tone was serious as his eyes held Cal’s.
You only had to spend a few moments around the Knights for it to become clear how much they respected and revered Cal. He was a man who commanded respect but he’d also earned it many times over.
“Jill, you’re here!” Kat grinned as she stood beside her husband, Sal. She cradled their baby girl, Wren, in her arms. “Finally, some estrogen—it was getting a little alpha crazy in here today.” She winked as Sal slung an arm around her, bringing both his girls close. “But then again, I don’t know when it’s not like that,” she added with a laugh as Sal mock growled at her.
“I can imagine.” I smiled.
“The girls are out back, why don’t you come join us?” she offered, cocking her head toward the back of the club where a large outdoor area lay with the desert as its backdrop.
“Jill, your phone, babe.” Cal held his open palm toward me.
I gave it to him without argument. I was just as eager to see if Sal could track the source of the text. As the security specialist for the club, Sal could work all kinds of magic.
“Go on with the girls, baby. I’ll come get you when we’re done. Do you have everything you need?”
I blushed crimson as every eye in the room watched us with avid curiosity.
“I’m good.” I nodded, turning to follow Kat, Mason cradled in my arms.
We found the girls lounging out back with Gracie running around while Maddox tried to keep up.
“Hey, girl!” Ettie greeted, her curls bouncing as she rose from her chair to give me a hug.
“Hi.” I smiled, putting a wriggling Mason on the ground. He was eager to play with his buddies and toddled over to Mad.
I took a seat next to Sophie, feeling overwhelmed by the events of the day.
“What happened?” Sophie asked with concern.
I laughed tiredly. “How can you tell?”
“You have that look.” She shrugged.
“What look? I didn’t know I have a look,” I replied.
“You totally have a look,” Ettie agreed. “You bite your lip and you scrunch your nose up like you’re trying to work something out in your head. I’d say poker is out for you, babe.” She smiled, though concern clouded her expression.
I was floored at how intimately these women knew me, maybe in some instances better than I knew myself.
“I got a threatening text from Tim, or at least I assume it had to be Tim,” I shared with a sigh.
A collective gasp sounded around the table.
