Page 10 of Torrent’s Treasure

Dragon rubbed his beard, staring at her. Cecilia didn’t mind the silence. She’d wait until they asked a question. She could learn a lot about people that way.

“I’m going to need something from you to protect my brother,” Dragon stated flatly.

“Are we really just going to move on without asking her any questions?” Cauldron challenged. His cut said Road Captain, and if his mean look was anything to go by, she guessed it should read Alphahole instead.

“Cauldron, is there a reason you’re speaking up now, but chose not to say anything yesterday?” Dragon countered.

“I thought we were all supposed to think things through, and I did. Getting a blowjob gives me some time to think. I got three last night—so I think she’s a plant. She’s going to get us to do something illegal and then call the Feds in,” Cauldron shot back.

“Did she also make the marks on her neck all by herself?” Bravo asked, rolling his eyes.

Cauldron was sitting down and across from Dragon. Cecilia felt like she was watching a tennis match, her head snapping back and forth, listening to the men clash.

“We’d have to be the type of club that did illegal stuff for her to consider that, and I’m deeply offended that you believe that about your club brothers,” Maverick deadpanned.

Chuckles around the table broke the tension.

“Darlin’, I’m glad your dad had you call Torrent. I wouldn’t want any woman or child to have to endure what you did. That being said, we’ve got some issues to work through,” Dragon said.

Issues? She’d known they’d need something, but she wasn’t sure what the issues were. She would not let Calliope suffer, no matter what she had to do. Nothing was too great an ask.

“You’re a cool one. Good head on your shoulders,” Dragon noted, his tone pragmatic. “You knew your chances went down if he got you where he wanted, and you struck before he could have the upper hand again. Now, that smart, analytical brain is the one I need to talk to. I wish that I could allow you time to process yesterday, but we have a short window to figure this out.”

She wasn’t sure what he was asking but he seemed to be waiting on her.

“I know that your help wasn’t free. I’m prepared to do what you require of me. All I ask is that no matter what, you keep Calliope safe and well,” Cecilia stated, her voice steady despite the room.

“I’m glad to hear that. Torrent will do anything for a kid, and I have to admit it’s admirable, but he’ll also put himself in danger. My loyalty is to the club and my brothers. I need to know that you have a stake in the club and in protecting him,” Dragon said.

“What do you need me to do to keep the club and him safe?” she pressed.

“Well, getting grumpy ass to maybe crack a smile might help when we’re on runs together,” Cauldron muttered.

“Cauldron,” Ashe warned, shaking his head.

“Darlin’, although the state could still ask you to testify against him, they can’t compel you to,” Dragon dropped the bomb, his gaze narrowing. “It would give me peace of mind if you married Torrent. It explains you here at the clubhouse and ties you to us to protect the club.”

Cecilia stared at Dragon. When she’d envisioned what the club might ask of her, she’d never even considered marriage. She’d wondered if they’d want her to be a club girl for the use of all the members, and she’d told herself that if it kept Calliope safe, she’d endure what was needed.

She wasn’t sure what all was required of the marriage, but she also didn’t think it was fair for Torrent to be pushed into it. She turned to him, touching his arm.

“Are you okay with this?” Cecilia asked.

He nodded. “It’ll keep you safe,” he muttered.

Well, if Torrent could give up his freedom all to keep her safe, how could she say no? She had to admit the thought of going back to her parents’ house and trying to sleep, knowing it was where she was attacked, scared her. Staying here would mean she’d have a huge wall and Torrent between her and the Police Chief. She had no doubt that he’d come eventually when he couldn’t find his brother.

She turned back to Dragon. “Yes, I’ll marry Torrent.”

“Woowee, I am so glad you said yes. Grumpy would have had to convince you and, honestly, I’m not sure he has the dating skills to convince anyone of anything,” Maverick chuckled.

“Flappy lips, Mav, flappy lips,” Torrent grumbled, scowling at Mav.

She smiled despite the situation, her cheek and lip pulling a little. In the short amount of time she’d been at the clubhouse, she could already see the comradery of the brotherhood.

“Okay, we’ll get the minister here and have you married this afternoon. We’ll nail down the little details, but we think you need a backstory of meeting in St. Louis. Now, my question is when you called Torrent, besides what you said to him about your dad, did you discuss anything else with Calliope that might contradict meeting in St. Louis?” Dragon asked.

Cecilia thought through the time before and after calling Torrent. “No, I didn’t say anything besides I was calling someone to help us and then what I said to him over the phone.”