Page 45 of Dutch

"After dancing with the Red Scorpions, I need to get hammered."

I headed to the bar with a few of the crew in tow. "How bad was it?" Choppa asked.

I grabbed the bottle next to the glass. "Let's just say the Scorpions won't' be stinging anyone for a while." The whiskey burned going down, reminding me I was holding my breath.

My mind drifted to Makari as my adrenaline faded. God, that woman was stubborn as a mule and twice as dangerous. My chest tightened up at the thought of her out there.

"You good?" Saint asked.

I swiped my face. "Yeah, just thinking."

"Let me guess, a beautiful woman with red locs."

I scoffed. "Unfortunately, I have bigger problems than someone who can't decide if they want to kill or kiss me."

Saint knew my words were bullshit. Makari wasn't just some woman. She was the one thing in this fucked up world that made sense to me.

"I'd rather take on the Red Scorpions with my hands behind my back than lose her."

Saint chuckled. "I bet that'd go over well with Ms. Independent."

I couldn't help but laugh. "True, she'd find a way to prove her point on why she didn't need my help." Still, at the end of the day, what was the point if I couldn't protect the one person who mattered the most?

After a few weeks of radio silence from Makari, I was about to lose my damn mind. I texted, called, and damn near sent a pigeon, but I got nada, nothing, zilch. Today, I was posted outside her building. I know, real dignified for an MC president. However, desperate times called for desperate measures.

I spotted one of Makari's nosy neighbors heading toward the building with her arms full of groceries. Bingo, it was time to put on the charm.

"Let me help you with those heavy bags," I offered, grabbing a couple of bags from her arms.

"Dutch Knight, what are you doing lurking around the building?"

I laughed. "Me? Lurking? Nah, I just thought I'd surprise Makari with a visit and saw you struggling with all these bags."

"Hmph, I suppose you can help me, but no funny business. You hear?"

"Yes, ma'am," I answered, following her into the building. Mrs. Roddy unlocked her door and turned to me.

"That girl has been through enough. You be good to her," she warned.

I nodded, feeling like I was sixteen again, asking for permission to take a girl on a date. Then Makari's door opened, and my breath caught.

"Dutch?" Her eyes widened in surprise, but then she looked angry.

"Hi."

"What are you doing out here?" she finally asked in a low voice.

"You hadn't answered any of my calls, and I needed to make sure you were still breathing."

Guilt crossed her face. "I can take care of myself."

"I know, but that doesn't mean you have to."

Makari's eyes shifted, and then I saw the pain she'd been holding back.

"Dutch, I…" but she stopped and bit her lip.

I wanted to pull her into my arms but knew with Makari, I had to give her an opportunity to come to me. So, I waited, praying like hell that she'd let me in.

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