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I fold my arms across my chest and sit stiffly on his lap, because he won’t allow me to move. “This I have to hear. Go ahead, wow me,” I say sarcastically.
“Watch that sass, Baby, or I will have to spank that ass,” War says with a smirk and twist of his lips. Then his voice gentles as one large gentle hand cups my cheek, as his thumb moves over my lips. “Babe, I have been working with you for a while. Risk and I are aware that elements beyond our control can happen no matter how much we plan. I wanted to make sure that you would be able to get safe if I wasn’t able to get to you. You and my family here are the most important people in my life. I would gladly die for you to ensure your freedom and happiness. Today was to prove to you that you are strong enough to fight back and win. I hated doing this to you. I hated to see the fear in your eyes for even a moment. Today you fought back, and you fought hard. I think you gave Risk a bruise or two.”
I think on his words. He wants me to see my own strength. He wants me to fight back, to remember the plan we put together. I am still hopping mad. I understand his premise, but I don’t like how he went about it.
“He deserves those bruises,” I tell him grimly. I look over at Risk; he rubs his jaw and stares back. His glare is better than mine. “You have a lot of explaining to do when Guard gets here,” I add smugly.
“Kitten don’t get pissed. He’s not coming. He knew what we were doing. If we were in imminent trouble, we have men on parole around the property. You will always be safe.”
“Everyone knew but me?” I’m extremely hurt. Did Ava and Vi know what they had planned? Wouldn’t that be a breach in our girlfriend code?
“Ava and Vi had nothing to do with this.” War says, reading my mind. “Please, Kitten, I know this is upsetting now but understand that this was not only for my peace of mind but for you to see how much you can accomplish.”
I am not letting him off the hook that easy. “You terrified me.” I tell him. “I need to think on this. You need to let me up, so I can do that.”
War releases me and lets me up. I walk to the kitchen and without glancing back, I say, “When breakfast is ready, you and Risk are going to come and eat. Neither of you are going to complain that the bacon is burnt because that’s your fault. Or the toast. Again, your fault.”
“Yeah. Kitten, no complaints.” I hear him say.
As I’m working in the kitchen, I think about everything War has said. It was a crumby thing to do, regardless of the meaning behind the operation. I replay the events in my head over again. I stayed true to plan for the most part. There was room for improvement, but I held my own and was able to get out of a bear-like hold by Risk, who is one massive hulk of a man. I smile at the grunt of pain I evoked from Risk when I snapped my elbow back into him. I call the guys to the table for breakfast.
“Before we start, I want to say that I don’t agree with your method, however, I will admit that today did confirm that our training is working. I know I am getting stronger inside and out. Yes, I panicked and lost sight of that for a moment but I bounced back quickly.”
War reaches over, tugging my hand until our lips meet. “You are stronger, inside and out, Baby. I’m proud of you.”
And that was that, I was back to calm and War had peace of mind.
Twenty
You’ve Got to Trust Me with Your Life and Hers
Orion
Finally, the pieces of the puzzle are beginning to fit together. The information is making sense. Sick, demented sense. Jefferson Hedley is a sick son-of-a -bitch. Each piece of intel delivered from Demon, Ghost, and Cris, together with the internet hacking, disclosed the demented thoughts of a mentally deranged man.
I have reviewed the details over and over. I know that I must gather our Pride brothers and get to him before he has the opportunity to get to Maddie. War is going to lose his fucking mind, which is a critical problem. A hot temper leads to mistakes. Mistakes in this case may lead to a fatality. Jefferson is not afraid of dying and taking Maddie with him. This is a goddamn mess!
I throw my hand down on the desk, the vibration jarring the entire contents covering the surface.
“Hey, babe, is everything okay?” I hear Vi’s voice at the door. She raps lightly against the door, once more. “Orion?”
“Vi, I need you to find something to do,” I say harshly. I know that I am being unfeeling, however, this is not the issue I want her to be involved in. She is too smart for her own good. She gets an inkling that she can help and save her friend, Maddie, she will be all over it. I will lose my shit if she puts herself in danger. Vi jumps into action with no regard for herself.
I have let Vi into my life more than I ever expected. I even let her stay the night, even the weekend. I haven’t allowed a woman to be more than a casual fuck since I lost my wife, Christine.
Vi’s faint voice from the other side of the door seeps through, “I’m going home. Don’t bother coming to see me out.” The click clacks of her heels resonate through the hall.
No fucking way, Vi is leaving this house without protection. I grab all the paperwork I need and rush to head her off at the front door.
“Yo, Vi, don’t move.” I see her hand on the door knob.
“I can see myself home,” she said with looking back.
“I take you home, sweet thing,” I lower my voice, reaching out to stroke her hair. She still doesn’t move. I brush my lips to the top of her head.
“Sure,” she whispered.
I texted Guard to tell him we needed to meet and that I need Priest to watch Vi. We drive in silence. Vi has become quieter lately. It worries me but, in this moment, I need to concentrate on the matter at hand; I will address this after we deal with Maddie’s stalker.
