Page 8 of Reckless Vengeance

I pushed my bike outside into the crisp morning air, waiting for Marco to do the same so we could lock the garage and get on the bikes, and I wasn’t surprised when Rory ignored my hand to help her climb on.

Her hands grabbed my shoulders as she hauled herself on behind me, and I could tell from the way she held on that she really didn’t want to touch me.

The ride relaxed her a little like it always did for me, and Marco rode alongside us as he kept an eye out.

I wished we could slow down more so I got to have her on my bike a little longer, but the Holloway mansion appeared way too soon as we reached Ashburn Valley, my time with her almost over.

We parked the bikes in the massive driveway, facing the road for a fast escape if needed. Rory swung off and stood beside me as she removed the helmet, handing it over with a sigh.

“Thanks.”

My gaze flicked to the door as it opened and her guys walked out with pissed off looks on their faces, and I turned my attention back to her as I handed over her knife and gun.

“Anytime. Be careful. This shit isn’t going to get better any time soon. If you find yourself in trouble on the road, you can always come to me. I don’t care who’s tailing you.”

Marco scoffed and muttered under his breath, and Rory was suddenly tugged back from me as Caden got between us to protect her.

It was admirable, but he had zero chance against me if I wanted to start a problem.

“What the fuck are you doing with her?” he bit out as I put the kickstand down and climbed off.

“Bringing your girl home. She’s safe, by the way.”

“She was safe at her friends’!”

I looked at Rory and noticed her wince, making me realize she’d lied to them. I could either keep her secret, or rat her out.

If I kept her secret, she’d trust me more. If I ratted, they might keep a better eye on her, but she’d hate me for it.

“I don’t know what to tell you, man. I found her, so I brought her home,” I said vaguely, relief taking over her face at me leaving out the part that she’d been with me all night. “I know everyone’s grieving, so I’m not here to make trouble. She was on foot, which isn’t safe right now, so I brought her back.”

He frowned at me, not seeming to understand why I gave a shit if she was safe or not, but Jensen stepped forward and tried to diffuse Caden’s temper.

“She’s home, that’s all that matters. Thanks.”

“I don’t know what Skeet’s told you, but a lot of shit is about to go down. Crew wars usually fizzle out fast, but when a leader gets taken out, it causes long-term beef. Just because it’s quiet, doesn’t mean it’s safe. Rory’s tied to Skeet, and you guys are tied to Rory. You’re all targets, and you need to assume the Soldiers and Kings know about you,” I warned, swinging my attention back to Rory. “This is unfortunately what it’s like to be part of this life. It’s always war and death, nothing changes. I hate to scare you, but you guys are likely to be the first target when the Soldiers make a move again. They see you as the easy option. I mean it, Hot Shot. If Skeet doesn’t answer when you call, call me.”

“She has us,” Caden snapped, and I put my helmet on, flipping up the visor.

“The Soldiers aren’t like us. They won’t fire some shots at you to scare you. If Rage tells them to tear your limbs from your body with a butter knife, they will. They could shove you all in cages or strap you down and make you watch while they gang rape and beat Rory. They’re not men, they’re monsters. Your money and social status won’t keep you safe. I have guns and manpower.”

“Skeet has our backs,” Lukas said firmly, and I could tell he really believed it.

“I really hope you’re right,” I replied before getting back on my bike and starting it, Rory’s eyes on us as we rode back towards Mount Mercer.

Caden

“So we’re just skimming over the part where you showed up on the back of Hunter's bike in what I assume are his clothes?” I asked dryly after an hour of Rory not mentioning it. She’d gone straight up to her room to shower and get changed when we’d come inside, and she’d been quiet ever since coming back down to the kitchen to eat.

She finished her toast, glancing over at me.

“There’s nothing to say.”

“Were you even at Mule’s?” Lukas asked a little bluntly, and I knew she’d lied to us from the way her face tightened.

I expected her to lie some more, but she pushed her plate away and sighed.

“I needed you guys to leave me alone last night. Yes, I lied and never went to her house. I went to the Heights to sit alone.”