Page 18 of Double the Redemption

“It triggered something. If you feel comfortable enough to share with me, then we can try to avoid it in the future. Or at least until you feel more comfortable with us.”

“Why are you being so nice to me?” The question blurted out of her, and she instantly wanted to take it back.

Great job, Naomi. Insult the man just trying to help you.

Instead of seeming offended, his smile gentled. “Because I, and well, everyone else here, want you to feel safe. We want you to know that we’re here for you while you’re under our charge. Our club has a habit of protecting women and children from some of the worst out there, and we do it willingly and happily. Because, despite what people might think, we’re not terrible people. We live our lives on the fringes of the law, but that means we have ways of handling things that society doesn’t always deem acceptable or agree with.”

“Like how you rescued the twins?”

“Exactly. The same when we went against the cartel to protect Esme and Gabe from her father and ex-husband, both of whom were leaders of one of the cartels on the other side of the border.”

She blinked. “The Ramirez stuff that happened a while ago? That was you guys?”

He nodded.

“I heard about it, but I wasn’t told anything else, and even the men around me who were my guards were mum about it. Someone else stepped in, and it didn’t involve me, so I wasn’t told much.”

“We don’t brag about it, but yes, that was us. They wanted to take Gabe back and kill Esme. We weren’t going to let that happen. Ever. The same way we’ll protect you and Asher. That’s why the Devil’s Predators brought you two here. They know our reputation and have worked with us enough to know what we’re capable of. Eventually, I hope you’ll be able to see that.”

“I’m starting to.” She closed her eyes and rested her head against the building. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that we’re free, and everything around me is so new and scary. I’m trying to put on a brave face for Asher. I want him to have a normal life—which starts with me not freaking out over stuff all the time.”

“Babe, you need to give yourself some credit. You’ve been through a lot, and now you’ve been thrust into a whole different world. Adjustments take time. You’ll get there.”

Opening her eyes, she regarded him carefully. He was telling the truth, but what her head knew versus her heart were two very different things.

“Thank you, Ink.” She gave him a wry smile. “You seem to be helping me out quite a bit over the last couple of days.”

He grinned. “Babe, you’re helping me out with the paperwork, so it’s the least I can do.”

She withdrew her hand, and he let her, but she dug her curled fingers into her palm, wanting to hold onto the warmth of his skin a little longer. He grounded her.

“It wasn’t that bad. Once I got going, it all fell into place pretty easily. I like numbers.”

“Thank God someone does, because I certainly don’t. Let’s go back in, and we can go over things.”

She fought back a groan, knowing she would have to face the stares and questions, but she had no choice if she wanted to check on Asher. God, she hoped he didn’t see her freak out. That would just top it.

When they walked back in, the only ones who looked her way were Ice, Scarlett, Rogue, and Esme. Everyone else was engrossed in their conversations, and the kids were laughing and screeching as they ran to hide. She sought out Asher and smiled when she saw him hiding under one of the tables with a little boy who looked only a few years older than him. Both were giggling, not realizing the point of being quiet so they wouldn’t be found.

Her heart clenched with pleasure. He hadn’t even noticed her being gone. Her gaze moved to Ice, who nodded at her when she gave him a grateful look.

“Come on over here, darlin’,” Ink urged, heading toward the table where she still had a good sightline of Asher playing. She sank into the chair, and he winked, making her flush. “Alright, let’s go over it all, and we’re going to pretend I know what the hell you’re talking about and that my brain isn’t leaking out of my ears.”

She chuckled. She could do that.

8

INK

He ignored the ribbing and jabs aimed at him as they waited for Church to start. He had been hearing all day that he wasn’t smart enough to do basic math, so Naomi had to write it all out for him. Hell, Jax even asked if Naomi had offered to draw pictures for him too, to make sure he understood.

Fuckers. Smirking, he flipped them off.

“The rest of you fuckers all have to do your own, so I wouldn’t be laughing too hard,” he pointed out.

“Esme does the garage’s,” Razor stated.

“For how much longer? She’s due soon, which means she needs to start handing that over.” He gave Razor a pointed look. “And we both know you’re not going to do it. And no fucking way are you sweet-talking Karissa into it.”