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“Running a one-percenter club in the heart of Portland,” he ground out.

“It won’t be one-percenter once we’re done with it.” I grabbed shoes and dropped what I hoped were matching pairs into the bag.

Hatch dragged his hands down his face and took several deep breaths. “I don’t like this.”

“Noted,” I said, then faced him. “Don’t make me choose between you and him, Connor. Please. I love you, but this is my life.”

“You don’t know him!”

“I know him enough,” I said. “And I know myself. I’m not an idiot. If he does anything out of line, I’m out. He knows this. Give yourself credit, big brother, you raised me right, but now your job is done.”

“What am I supposed to do if this all goes to shit?”

“You open up your arms and hold me while I cry. Think you can manage that, Con?”

He sighed. “I have no fuckin’ idea.”

I closed the distance between us and laid my hand over one of the patches on his kutte. “I have faith in you, and I know the Dogs have both of our backs. I need you to trust me, okay? If I need you, I promise I’ll tell you. I won’t do anything reckless.”

He frowned. “Why doesn’t that make me feel better?”

“Because it’s hardwired in you to protect,” I explained. “All my brothers are the same way. I was the only girl and the baby of the family. I was at the top of every one of their ‘protect at all costs’ list.”

“So, you understand.”

“Of course I do, but right now, I don’t need you to protect me, okay?”

He studied me for a few seconds before giving me a slight nod.

“Hallelujah. Lock up on your way out, please.”

Before I could escape, he pulled me in for a hug… one of his signature bear hugs that made you feel safe and gooey. “Love you, Cricket.”

I wrapped my arms around his waist and squeezed. “Love you, too, Connor.”

“Text me when you get to wherever you’re going. I want to know you’re safe.”

“I will,” I promised.

Hatch left me to my packing, which I finished in record time. Then I locked up and rushed to meet my man.

Cricket

“Cricket. Wake up, baby. We’re here.”

I forced myself away from the comfort of dreamland and sat up. Apparently, I’d fallen asleep on Jase, and he grinned as I reached my hands above my head and stretched. He waved a finger toward my mouth. “You got a little drool right there.”

“I don’t drool,” I snapped, even as I wiped at my face.

He chuckled, leaning over to kiss me gently. “Don’t worry you’re still cute as a fuckin’ button.”

I wrinkled my nose. “Whatever.”

“Gonna make you wet in a different way when I get you home,” he whispered, and I closed my eyes with a shiver. I couldn’t wait.

Because it was so late, and we hadn’t checked any luggage, we were able to leave the airport relatively quickly, grab a taxi, and head to his condo which was in an old tobacco warehouse. It had been converted into three huge loft/condos, and Jase’s was on the top floor.

“Wow,” I whispered as I took in the space. “This place is amazing.”

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