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"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Okay," he repeats. "We'll handle it. But you're going to tell me everything again. Every detail. Every complication. So, I know what we're walking into."

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet. We haven't dealt with the boyfriend." Phoenix straightens. "Bring her to the clubhouse. Today. I want to meet her properly. Judge will want to coordinate safety protocols. And the old ladies will want to make sure she's okay."

"The old ladies are going to eat him alive," Wraith says with a grin. "Ivy's going to have so many questions. Eden's going to want every detail. And Quinn—" He laughs. "Quinn's going to give you so much shit for this."

"I can handle it," I say.

"Can she?" Phoenix asks seriously. "The clubhouse can be overwhelming. Especially for someone who just escaped an abusive relationship. Is she going to be okay walking into that?"

I think about Paige. About the way she stood up to that customer at the supermarket without flinching.

"She'll be fine," I say. "She's stronger than she thinks she is."

"Good." Phoenix pushes off the sedan. "Then get her ready. We're leaving in twenty minutes. Wraith and I will follow you back."

"What about the door?" I gesture to the motel room where the door is still hanging at an angle.

"I'll handle it." Phoenix pulls out his phone.

"Thank you."

Phoenix just nods. Then he and Wraith head to their bikes parked a few spaces down.

I go back inside.

Paige is sitting on the edge of the bed. Still wearing my clothes. Looking small and terrified.

"What happened?" she asks.

"They want us to come to the clubhouse. Meet everyone officially." I cross to her. Kneel in front of her so we're eye level. "Is that okay? I know it's a lot. But they want to help. Want to make sure you're protected."

"The whole club?"

"The whole club."

"What if they don't like me?" she finally asks, voice trembling.

"They'll love you." I take her hands in mine. "And even if they don’t, which they will, it doesn’t matter. You're mine. That means you're family. End of discussion."

"I'm yours," she repeats. Testing the words.

"Yeah." I squeeze her hands. "You're mine. And I'm yours. If you want me."

"I want you." She says it without hesitation. "I know it's crazy. I know we just met. But I want this. Want you. Want whatever we're building together."

"Then let's go build it." I stand and pull her to her feet. "Let's go meet my family. Let's figure out how to get your stuff from your apartment. Let's make sure Cole never touches you again. And then let's figure out the rest as we go."

"Together?"

"Together," I confirm.

She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. Then nods.