Page 35 of Rox

“Dude…she’s terrifying.”

I laugh out loud at his reasoning. “She’s feisty as hell, but there’s nothing terrifying about her.”

“You only say that because you’re sleeping with her.”

The shrill of chair legs scraping against the floor is the only warning he got. While I would have loved to have retaliated,Dizz did it for me. Burrito’s ass hit the ground after Dizz’s fist connected with his face.

“Regardless if that’s true, do not talk about my daughter that way.”

“Sorry, Prez. It won’t happen again.”

“See that it fuckin’ doesn’t.” He turns to face me, “I text her to have her come in here. Prepare for battle.”

I wish he wasn’t serious, but we all know this isn’t going to go over well. Rox is strong. She’s built differently than most. She doesn’t take shit from anyone, including her family and members of this club. We’ve only just begun what this is between us, and I know it’s going to cause a strain on who we are as a couple. But I can’t sit back and let her be in harm’s way.

The creaking of the door hinges tells us all she’s here. I stand up and face her. She walks right up to me and, without thinking, kisses my lips. For the briefest of moments, I’m terrified of what Dizz is going to do, but as quick as it came, it left. When she pulls away from me, her smile is radiant. She’s beautiful and happy, and I’m about to ruin it.

“Hey…. Mimic,” she winks at me before she looks past me at her dad. “What’s goin’ on?”

“Roxanne, I need you to sit down.”

She lets out a huff, and I hear her under her breath, “Here we fucking go.”

“Roxanne, I know this is a lot to take in. Your house burning down was this person sending a clear message. They want you dead.”

“Yeah, uh-huh. Got it.”

“Now is not the time to be a smart ass, Roxanne. This person tried to fuckingkill you. How the hell can you sit there and act like it isn’t a big deal?” I don’t blame him for snapping at her. She’s been treating this as if it isn’t something to worry about. Like her life isn’t in danger at all.

“I can take care of myself, that’s why. I don’t even need to you to tell me why I’m here. The way you brought up my house told me everything I needed to know. You came up with some asinine plan for my protection.” She uses air quotes as she finishes her thought. “And while I get it, Dad, I do, I don’t need it. I don’t need you to fight my battles for me.”

“I’m your dad. It’s my job to protect you.”

“When I was a child, sure.”

“It doesn’t go away just because you became an adult, Roxanne. It will be my job until the day I die. You and your siblings are everything to me, and I will not let anyone threaten you. Yes, you’re grown, and you can take care of yourself—”

“—Yes, I can. Thank you. Are we done?”

“But this,” he hits the table with his pointer finger, “isn’t something you can fight on your own. Someone went to your house and did everything they could to try and kill you. Even the best of us can’t fight off that kind of evil. You need help with this, and you have a whole room here of people who are willing to give you that help. Why are you fighting me on this?”

“Because I don’t need another person coming into my life, attempting to control it! I’m more than capable of fighting for myself. I deserve to fight for myself. If I need help, I’d ask for it, but I don’t think I’m at that point yet. I’m stronger than any of you seem to think I am.”

She looks at me, and I see the hurt in her eyes. If only she knew and understood that I think she’s the strongest woman I’ve ever met. She’s a warrior who doesn’t allow anyone to stop her or stand in her way. The proof is currently in the room.

“No one thinks you can’t handle yourself, Roxanne. We all just want to make sure that whoever attempted to kill you can’t do it again.”

“And your response is to what? Have someone on my ass at all times?” When no one answers, she starts laughing. “I knew it.Kraken coming to the shop earlier was the start of it, wasn’t it? I told you I’m safe there. There are cameras, and I’m never alone. Stanford and Duncan are always there. Sure, Duncan may be an ass half the time, but I don’t think he’d let someone come in and hurt me.”

“You also can’t guarantee that, either, Rox. No one outside of this room has loyalty to you. Your dad wants you safe. I need you safe. I need you. I can’t be with you all of the time, but these guys are here and willing to help make sure you come home every night. Why are you treating this like it’s a bad thing?” I grab her hands, attempting to plead with her with my eyes. “You’re my everything. Putting yourself at risk,” I shake my head, “I just can’t. I’m sorry. I can’t.”

“It’s not up to you. It’s not up to any of you. It started with you trying to tell me how to live my life. Then, someone comes in and tries to take my life from me. Now, I’m forced to either live here at the club, with my parents, or with Mimic. Everything that was mine is gone. And you want to tell me what I’m going to do next?”

“No, I’m telling you whatwe’re going to do. We are going to protect you.” Dizz tells her. They go back and forth about the difference, or lack thereof, according to her, while I’m stuck on her being pissed because she may have to stay with me. It hurts so much more than it should. We’ve only just started. We’re still brand new. She shouldn’t be living with me. And she wouldn’t be if her house were still standing. This is forcing her hand.

I hate that I understand her so much more now. I get it. She wants this to be her choice. So much being taken from her in such a short period of time is weighing on her. However, I’m still on her dad’s side. I’ll take her anger if it means she lives.

“Roxanne?” Dizz asks softly, “Can you come here, please?”

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