Page 91 of Boulder's Weight

"Potentially," I admit. "But unlikely. Craig's never been good at lying. He's direct, blunt. What you see is what you get with him."

Amara studies me with sharp eyes. "And what would you suggest we do, given what you know about them?"

The question catches me off guard.

I've spent so long running from my brothers, I've never considered facing them.

"I..." I hesitate, then square my shoulders. "We need to separate them. Together, they're dangerous. Divided, they're vulnerable. And if Craig is already wavering, we can use that to our advantage."

Boulder's grip on my shoulder tightens slightly, a silent gesture of support.

"How would you suggest we do that?" Amara asks, genuinely interested in my answer.

"Use me," I say simply. "I'm what Benji wants. Let him think he can get to me, but on our terms, in a location we control."

"Absolutely fuckin’ not," Boulder interjects, his voice hard. "We're not using her as bait."

I twist in my chair to look up at him. "It makes the most sense. I know Benji better than anyone. I know how to play this."

His green eyes flash with fury."It's too fuckin; dangerous, Montana. It’s not happening."

"I'm not suggesting we do it tomorrow," I explain, fighting to keep my frustration from my voice. "But eventually, that's what it will take to end this. Otherwise, I'll be looking over my shoulder forever."

Amara watches our exchange closely. "We'll table that idea for now. First, we gather more intel, strengthen our defenses." She turns to the others. "Zorro reach out to my uncle and see if he’s heard any chatter about either Andrés or the Warlows. Razor, I want surveillance on both threats. Python, can you contact thepoliciawho work for my uncle, see what they know?"

The meeting continues as they discuss how they’re going to get all the information, but I zone out for a while.

I still can’t believe any of this is happening.

When the meeting finally ends, Boulder guides me out with a hand at the small of my back.

The touch is possessive in a way that once would have made me jump. Now, it grounds me.

We walk toward the main room. "You good?"

"Fine. Just processing." I glance up at him. "Thanks for not shutting me out of that meeting."

He looks surprised. "Why would I? You know your brothers better than anyone. Your insight is valuable."

"Most men would try to 'protect' me by keeping me in the dark," I point out.

A wry smile crosses his face. "In case you haven't noticed, sweetheart, I'm not most men."

"No," I agree softly. "You're definitely not."

The main room is busier than usual, but I have a feeling that has something to do with the craziness that’s going on because of me.

Oakleigh catches my eye from where she's sitting with Astra, gesturing for me to join them.

"Go ahead," Boulder says, noticing the exchange. "I need to check in with Brick about our shift rotation."

I make my way over to the women.

Even with everything going on, there's something comforting about being welcomed into their circle.

For someone who's spent years avoiding personal connections, it's strange how quickly I've begun to crave them as dear friends.

Oakleigh slides a beer toward me. "So, how was your first official club meeting?"

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