Page 40 of Royal Sons MC

“Sorry, no fruit,” he motioned toward the top where a lime or ten would usually be.

“It’s fine. I’m not a huge fan of it in my drinks unless I’m shooting tequila, and only if it’s shit tequila.” She tipped her head back, taking a long pull on the drink.

Traeger had to look away, or he feared he’d get envious of the end of the bottle. He took a swig of his drink, wishing for something more substantial, like straight whiskey or even a real beer. “You want to go outside and relax?”

Why the hell was he acting like this was some vacation, and they were a couple he had zero idea about? He wanted to do just that once the words were out of his mouth.

Kailani took another long pull from her beer before placing the empty bottle on the table. “It’s late. I’d like to call it a night. What’s on the agenda for tomorrow?”

He sat his mostly full drink down and motioned for her to follow him, speaking over his shoulder. “We chill here until King gives me the all-clear. If you need something, I’ll get it, or have one of the brothers get it for us.”

KAILANI HATED THE IDEAof being stuck in a house without a plan, a house she didn’t own, didn’t know who did, with a man who would rather be anywhere but with her. She consoled herself with the knowledge that her brother would be closing their San Diego house since they’d been found by people he didn’t know. Once he found a hole, he’d climb out and try to destroy all those he felt were involved, starting with her. Only she wouldn’t be so easy to find. She’d made sure of that.

Bending, she picked up the bag that held all she needed. It didn’t have millions of dollars, gold, or jewelry like the man in front of her probably thought. No, it held identification and access to her new life. Bank accounts that held enough money, she could go anywhere and become anyone she wanted. All she had to do was get away from the long reach of the Trevino family and, now, whoever Traeger worked for. Like the docile little lamb, they thought her to be, she followed him to a guest room.

He flicked the light on but didn’t enter the space. “This is your room for the next few nights. I’ll be right next door if you need anything.” He lifted his chin, indicating the door to the left of them.

“I’ll be fine. I’ll grab a bottle from the fridge if I need a drink. I’m pretty sure I'll be out like a light as soon as my head hits the pillow.” Kailani walked further into the room, noticing the nice touches the owner had put into it. The big king-sized bed, two chairs, and table spoke volumes of how they thought of their guests unless this was the primary suite. “Is this the main bedroom?”

Traeger chuckled. “Nah, Cosmo ensured every bedroom had big beds and a seating area. That way, his guests could chill without chilling with him. He’s a good host. I’ll see you in the morning.” Traeger lifted his hand and brushed it over her head. “Like I said before, I’ll keep you safe.”

She stepped away from his touch. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” His warmth was too tempting, making her wish she could lean into him and accept the comfort he offered. Only thinking like that was dangerous. She knew better than anyone what depending on a man, especially one who seemed honorable, could do. It could get him dead really quick.

“I don’t make promises I can’t keep, sugar. Sleep tight.” He turned and walked out the door, shutting it behind him.

She wanted to mutter the words back at him. “Yeah, well, you never ran up against monsters like my father and brother before,” she whispered.

Before breaking down, she went into the bathroom and washed her face. On the counter, she found a basket full of everything you’d find at a hotel, including a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and all the things she’d need to shower and feel refreshed. She looked back at the huge bed, then at the shower. Finally, needing to be clean before climbing into the fluffy white bedding, she quickly shed her clothes and entered the vast tile enclosure. The water came on, freezing cold, shocking her like she knew it would. It was something she’d learned to do and live with. Her dad had taken away hot water as a form of punishment years ago, making her earn it back. She’d promised herself she’d learn to live without it before she’d succumbed to his demands again. Of course, he’d then switched to scalding hot water, which took her a little longer to get used to, but she’d done it. She discovered her body could handle just about any abuse they gave.

Once she was finished washing up, she didn’t linger; that was something she’d learned never to do. You never knew who would come in and what they’d demand of you. Drying off quickly, she sighed at the towel's softness, having gotten used to the rough fabric they’d allowed her to have. She may have looked like the princess, but she was treated more like Cinderella, the whore to be loaned out, bartered out, or flat out given to if the price or need was right.

With the towel wrapped around her, she padded back into the room, locked the door, and then placed the chair from under the desk in front of it. Sure, she was aware that if Traeger wanted, he could kick the door in, or he probably had a key, but at least she’d be forewarned. Inside the closet, she found some white T-shirts and men’s sweats. They were way too big for her, but better than being naked and vulnerable, just in case. “One day, I won’t have any just-in-case scenarios,” she promised herself, using the towel to dry her hair a little, then placed it in the laundry hamper marked towels. Whoever lived there was a neat freak and a helper, that was for sure.

Feeling the stress of the night and possibly the effects of the beer catch up to her, she flicked the light off. The room lit by moonlight filtering in gave her enough to see her way to the bed. She didn’t bother taking the half a dozen pillows off before peeling back one corner of the comforter and easing inside. Her head hit the pillows, enveloping her in softness. “Goodness, I could get used to this.” She yawned, feeling herself relax for the first time in a long time.

Kailani felt hands sliding up her legs, stripping away her pants. She fought, screaming for someone to help her, only realizing something was in her mouth, keeping her from making any noise. She thrashed around, finding her arms and legs unable to move. Frantic now, she fought harder, darkness weighing heavy on her like the man on top of her. “Please,” she cried.

The sound of something crashing made her fight harder, whimpering as she knew the pain that would come from her, not just allowing them to do what they wanted.

“Kailani, it’s me, Traeger. Wake up,” he whispered.

The blankets were wrapped around her so tightly, she couldn’t get free one minute, and then the next, she was in Traeger’s arms, his deep voice soothing her as she cried.

“Nobody can hurt you now. I’ve got you.” He kept murmuring over and over; one hand was on her back, and the other ran over her head like she was a child while he held her against his chest.

“I’m ss...sorry. I had a nightmare,” she whispered, anguish in every word. God, she hadn’t had one in such a very long time.

“It’s fine. I have them on occasion, too,” Traeger assured her.

Kailani leaned back, her tears making it hard to see him. “Bullshit,” she hiccupped.

He laughed, his thumb coming up to brush a tear away. “Not bullshit. I haven’t had one in a few years, but I’ve had many. Trust me, they’re not pretty.” He brushed another tear away. “Want to talk about it?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“How about we go outside and listen to the ocean lap at the sand?”

She was shocked at his easy acquiescence to her denial to answer his question. “I got your shirt wet,” she pointed out.

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