Page 23 of Falling for Her Protector

“Doc, right? Sorry, I mean Brian,” my voice is barely above a whisper.

“You remembered,” he smiles softly, but something flashes in his eyes. “Hey, are you okay? You’re shaking like a leaf. I hope I didn’t scare you.”

“No. It’s not you,” I breathe, moving my eyes in the direction of the door. His eyebrows lift when he realizes my current situation.

I watch as he pulls out his phone, his thumbs moving quickly over the screen as he types a message. It beeps almost immediately in the palm of his hand.

“Vanessa, I need you to hold it together for a few minutes. Do you think you can do that? Xavier is on his way,” he tells me and I nod in response. “Just keep your head down and maybe they won’t even notice you,” he offers, but it’s too late. They’ve already seen me.

“Holy shit, boys. This has to be our lucky fucking night. Look who we have here,” his voice sends ice up my spine as a chill runs through my body. His footsteps echo in my ears as he moves closer. His hand lifts, touching my hair and I watch helplessly as he begins to twirl it around his finger.

“Hey there, sugar pie. Did you miss me?” he questions and my body begins to shake violently as the fear sets in. “I see Xavier let you wander off alone. What do you think we should do about that?” his question twists around me.

Wait. He knew I was with X. and the Sons? How? I feel my eyes go wide and he chuckles, seeming to read my mind.

“You know how this fucking town talks. I knew where you were the same night you ran off," he chuckles. "And X. took care of Daddy’s debt, so you don’t owe me anything, sugar. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn't gladly take another taste of that sweet ripe ass,” his sick grin grows and I start to shake my head. This can’t be happening. Not again.

“Oh, come on now. You know you like it,” he snarls.

“Back the fuck up off her!” X.’s deep voice growls and he’s instantly a wall in front of me, causing Grady to stumble backward.

“There’s the man. No harm done. I was just sayin’ hello to an old friend, right?” Grady’s slippery voice questions, as if I might actually respond to him.

“There’s no need for you to ever speak to her again. Do I make myself clear?” X. questions roughly. “The debt has been paid, so keep your fucking distance or this won’t end well for you,” he adds.

“No need to make threats. Like I said, it was just a friendly hello. I saw that she was all alone, and I thought I’d remind her of what she’s missing,” Grady’s arms lift to feign defeat. X. turns, focusing his attention on Brian.

“Take her up to the cabin. I’ll meet you there in ten,” he directs and I feel Brian’s hand touch my arm as he guides me towards the door. I pull a fresh breath into my lungs and the hot tears fall in a steady stream over my cheeks.

“You’re okay. It’ll all be okay, but we’ve gotta go,” Brian’s voice is in my ear as he leads me towards a waiting car and I climb inside.

16

A Final Warning

X.

Ilook down on Grady, his lips curling into a fucking sneer. When I walked in and saw the state Vanessa was in, I wanted to grab him by the throat and end him right here, but I couldn’t. I knew I had to stay calm and collected for her. If she saw me fly into a rage, it would just freak her out even more. But now that I know Brian has her safely on her way to the cabin, there is nothing stopping me from putting this motherfucker in the ground.

“This is done. You stay the fuck away from her. You so much as look in her direction again and I’ll personally guarantee that it’s the last thing you ever see. And that’s not a fucking threat, it’s a Goddamn promise,” I growl.

“I get it...I get it. She’s yours now. You can fuckin’ have her. No pussy is worth this shit, no matter how fuckin’ sweet it is,” he laughs and my vision goes red. Before I know what’s happening, my hand is on his throat. My fingers start to squeeze and his eyes bulge as he grips my arm, begging for his next breath.

“Do you think I’m fucking joking, asshole?” the question tears from deep in my chest as I squeeze tighter, showing him just how serious I am. He’s going to have to tap out or pass the fuck out, I don’t really care either way. I need to get my point across. Vanessa is not to be messed with without severe consequences. I watch his hand lift before tapping my bicep, clearing understanding that I wasn’t going to give.

“God damn, X.” he pushes out when he finally stops gasping for air.

“Are we understanding each other now?” I question roughly.

“Loud and fucking clear,” he replies and I nod, turning to leave this shit hole. I know I just humiliated him in front of two of his fucking goons, but I don’t anticipate any type of retaliation. Grady knows that the Sons could bury him and his club in a second. He knows better than to press me and my club.

After ending the conversation on my terms, I slip onto my Harley and rev her up. The wind smacks my face as I speed toward the cabin. I need to get to Vanessa and make sure she’s safe.

* * *

Pulling up to the cabin, I find the doc standing outside, leaning back against the side of his car.

“Where is she?” I question, my heart beating hard against my chest.

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