Page 72 of Knight With Benefits

The words were softer this time, the threat of shifting easing as each breath filled with her soothed my inner beast. Something was wrong, and I’d do whatever it took to fix it, but at least she was safe.

“They came for me, and they don’t approve of the company I’m keeping. I’m more upset over others seeing their vileness than what they did.”

My heart skipped a beat as I glanced back at the café, wondering what I’d missed. The building appeared whole, so they hadn’t torched it the way they had Sebastian’s shop a few months ago, but I knew how much the café meant to Gwyn.

She wouldn’t meet my gaze when I turned back to her, and David must have seen the confusion on my face when I looked up at him.

“It’s only words, and nothing worse than most of us hear daily. A bit of paint will take care of it. Luckily we caught them before they smashed the windows or did anything worse.”

Understanding bloomed and I stood to peer through the darkness. It was hard to see with the red and blue lights reflecting off the wall, but I could make out dark sweeps of paint where it had been fresh beige just the night before.

“What did they write?”

The growl was back, my bear pushing forward again as my anger grew. I had a feeling I could guess what the Purists would have slandered her with if they’d seen her with me, and the thought of Gwyn seeing her dream smeared like that had claws sprouting from my fingertips.

A soft hand landed on my arm, stopping me from stomping over to see past the patrol vehicles.

“Carl, it’s okay. Like David said, they’re just words, and we can paint over them. I’ll take care of it—”

Spinning around, I cut her off by pulling her against my chest, making sure I blocked her view in case the police moved. I knew she’d already seen whatever it was before I arrived, but I wasn’t going to let her be subject to it any longer.

“No. I’ll take care of it tonight. Their hate doesn’t deserve to be seen in the light of day.”

The way she trembled as she sucked in a breath told me how hard she was struggling to hold herself together. This poor woman who wanted nothing more than to give to others and provide a safe place for the community didn’t deserve the crap she’d been through.

“Carl—”

I cut her off again by placing my lips over hers, gently stroking the seam with my tongue until she opened for me. I deepened the kiss, demanding she focus on me and nothing else, until she softened in my hold and let out a quiet moan.

“Go home, pour yourself a drink, draw a hot bath, and soak until I get there. I’ll be as fast as I can.”

The Gwyn I’d met trying to drown her memories would have resisted, but the one in my arms only let out a sigh before nodding and pulling out of my arms.

“Don’t keep me waiting.”

I let a smirk lift my lips as she turned away, but it was just for show. Anger seethed beneath the surface, and it was a good thing the police were climbing into their vehicles and leaving as well, or I might have been tempted to take some of it out on them. I already knew nothing would come of Gwyn’s report, or them being here, because Hell was the blind spot of the city. The Slums were so bad they couldn’t be ignored, and the other areas had enough money to ensure they got attention, but we were nobodies who meant nothing.

I locked eyes with David, giving a subtle nod when he tipped his head towards Gwyn’s retreating form. I didn’t want to scare her by mentioning the ones who’d done the damage might be lingering nearby, but I wasn’t going to let her leave without someone keeping an eye on her until I could be there.

Most of the Knights were still lingering outside, looking at me as if awaiting orders, so I corralled the emotions surging through my chest and settled into my position.

“Patch, can you make sure she gets home safe and no one else comes by until I get there?”

His icy blue eyes seemed to glow as he nodded before melting into the shadows. No matter what happened, I knew Gwyn would be safe with him watching over her.

“Blake, Knox, Frank, we need a patrol. Spiral out from here and make sure they’re gone. Call others for help and check everywhere.”

The three I named turned and headed for their bikes, their strides showing they were just as furious as I. Another attack this deep in our territory looked bad on all of us, and while a bit of paint on a wall might not be much, it was still a blow.

Sighing, I ran a hand through my hair and finally faced what had been done to the café. My stomach churned as I read the words, and a new surge of determination flowed through me.

I didn’t care who was involved, or what it would take, but I was going to be sure the Purists forgot all about Gwyn if it was the last thing I did.

“Jason, Jackson, we’ve got some work to do. Go grab the sprayer.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Gwyn

---