Page 36 of Royal Sons MC

Digger gave a thumbs up. "See, relax, this isn't our first rodeo," Traeger reassured her.

Kailani wouldn't tell them how her brother had backup plans, that he wouldn't stop looking for her, or what he considered his prize, Tiana. Rico was like a dog with a bone. The man didn't like to lose his chew toys until he was thoroughly done with them, and even then, he would prefer to bury them before relinquishing what he considered his or giving them away for a profit. Rico didn't just give things away for free. He didn't consider an individual as free once they were his. They were a commodity to be sold or brokered, except for himself. They were only half-siblings. She wasn't sure what had happened to his mother, but she was glad they shared a tiny amount of blood. Otherwise, she knew he'd have taken what he wanted from her. She'd seen the heated looks he'd given her and was sure he'd watched as some of the men had taken what they'd bought from him, her body. God, she hated her family.

Chapter Five

Traeger felt her shiver. He was an excellent people watcher. He excelled at his job as the Sergeant at Arms for the Royal Sons and a former military officer. Keeping Kailani safe was one job he planned to excel at for a completely different reason, but he refused to define it.

"You ready?" he asked, steering her toward the SUV.

Kailani jumped at his touch, something he wasn't pleased with. "Yes, we can go now."

Her words had his brows lowering. "King, you good?"

The President of the Royal Sons pocketed his cell phone after Tiana returned it. The younger girl wiped her eyes, a small smile on her face. King tucked her under his arm like a father would do a young child. "Yeah, we're good. Check-in when you get where you're going," he ordered.

Traeger lifted two fingers to his forehead, saluting the other man. King raised his middle finger. "Don't get cocky, fucker. These boys aren't lowlifes without resources. Reach out to some of our other brothers if needed. Otherwise, I'll see you in a couple of days." King didn't make it a request.

He nodded, letting the club president know he understood and would do as instructed. Of course, Traeger planned to do a little side job in those couple days that might land him behind bars, but that was a risk he was willing to take. Since Traeger met the gorgeous woman next to him, an innate sense within him told him to keep her safe. There was no doubt in his mind he'd do anything to ensure she wouldn't have to be looking over her shoulder for the rest of her life, fearing for her safety. Not if he had a say in the matter.

At the side of the SUV, he helped her into the middle seat, waiting until she scooted in, then he moved next to her. When she didn't buckle in immediately, he reached over, grabbed the belt, and snapped it into place. "Safety first," he said, looking into her eyes. Her breathing became faster. At that moment, he wanted to kiss her so fucking badly that his dick hardened faster than a speeding bullet.

"What are you doing?" Her question came out in a breathless whisper.

It took a considerable effort to move back and not cover her plump lips with his own. "We need to make sure you're safe. You never know what kind of fools are on the road." He pulled his seatbelt on, waiting for Coal to start the vehicle.

"Safety first, boys and girls," Coal said, revving the engine. "This bad boy can hit zero to sixty faster than your little vehicle." He looked over his shoulder, his shaggy hair giving him a bad boy, devil may care look, but the tattoos really gave him the appearance that sealed the deal. Coal was a good guy, but he'd been in and out of prison until King got him straightened out, giving him a purpose. That purpose had been to drive the cage cars legally for the MC instead of procuring one off the street for a joyride, selling it to a chop shop for some cash to buy his next fix. Yeah, Coal was doing better, much better. Now, he fixed the rides on four or two wheels for the club and helped the ole’ ladies when needed. If the ole' ladies needed a pickup or drop off, he was there to do it when their men couldn't and ensured their rides went smoothly when they went on a mission.

He was level, of that they were sure, but he also had a lead foot, which he put to good use as they left a good amount of rubber on the asphalt, making Traeger want to reach up and choke the fool. "Coal, you wanna see the next sunrise? I suggest you let up on the gas, brother." Traeger unclenched his teeth long enough to grit out.

Coal's chuckle had Traeger rethinking, allowing the man the ability to see the next sunrise.

"Gotcha, boss," Coal said, winking at Kailani through the rearview.

"Motherfucker, keep your eyes forward," Traeger warned.

His tone must've gotten through to his fellow MC as Coal finally stopped jacking around, his gaze going toward the road. The speed went lower to where Traeger was no longer pressing his back into the seat from the force. Smart man.

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