Page 20 of Rebel

Rio’s eyes narrowed.“I’m not trying to prove anything to anyone.”

“Aren’t you?”Jordan tilted her head.“Then why are you still here?You could have left town this morning.”

I watched Rio’s jaw clench, a muscle jumping beneath her skin.She didn’t answer.

Josie set down a stack of plates with a clatter.“Club life isn’t easy.There are long nights when you don’t know if they’re coming home.There are rivals who think targeting us is easier than targeting the men.There are law enforcement assholes who think we’re all criminals or whores or both.”

“So why stay?”Rio asked, her eyes fixed on Josie now.

“Because once you earn your place, you’ve got family for life,” Josie said.“Not the kind that shares your blood, but the kind that would spill theirs for you.This club has taken down rapists, murderers, human traffickers, drug dealers, and more.”

“What Josie’s saying is that it’s not just about the men.We look out for each other too.”Jordan pointed at Rio’s hands.“Those scars on your knuckles tell me you’ve been fighting alone for a long time.That gets exhausting.”

Rio’s hands unconsciously curled into fists at her sides.“I manage.”

“Sure you do,” Jordan said.“But there’s a difference between surviving and living.”

I could almost see Rio’s defenses climbing higher, her eyes hardening.Time to step in.

“I brought you here because I was impressed, and I could see you had something in common with women like Jordan,” I said, placing a steady hand on her shoulder, making sure she could see it coming.I locked eyes with her.“Not for any other reason.And despite what you might think about MCs, character matters here.We don’t let just anyone stick around.”

Rio studied my face, most likely looking for lies or manipulation.“So what, this is a recruitment pitch?”

“No.”I shook my head.“This is me introducing you to people who might understand what you’ve been through better than most.People who won’t ask questions you don’t want to answer, but who’ll have your back if you need it.Even if you decide to walk out of here tomorrow, I’m sure Jordan would be willing to swap numbers and listen if you ever needed someone to talk to.”

The distant roar of motorcycles filtered in from outside as a few more brothers returned to the clubhouse.Ice clinked in glasses at the bar as the Prospect poured drinks.Through it all, Rio stood still, absorbing, evaluating.

“How do you know what I’ve been through?Just because I told you about one event…” Her voice was quiet but sharp.

“I don’t,” I admitted.“But I recognize the look.The way you check exits.How you position yourself in a room.The way you flinch when someone moves too fast near you.We’ve all got ghosts, Rio.Some of us just hide them better than others.And I have a feeling you may have more than the one you’ve told me about.”

“You’re not wrong, exactly.But some of it is just my Army training.Always observe your surroundings and be prepared for anything.”

Josie picked up a plate and loaded it with food.“Eat something.You’re too skinny.”

For a moment, I thought Rio would refuse again.Then, surprisingly, she reached out and took the plate.

“Thanks,” she muttered.

Jordan smiled.“There’s beer in the cooler or soda if you prefer.”

“Water’s fine.”Rio’s posture had relaxed just a fraction, her shoulders dropping an almost imperceptible amount.

I grabbed a beer for myself and a bottled water for Rio.As I handed it to her, our fingers brushed briefly.She didn’t pull away immediately, which felt like progress.

“So what happens now?”Rio asked, looking between the three of us.“Is there some kind of club initiation I should know about?”

Jordan laughed, a genuine sound that lightened the mood.“Honey, you already passed the first test by not backing down from us.Most women run for the hills after five minutes with me.I’m with Havoc for a reason.He’s the only one who could handle me.”

“She can be intimidating,” Josie agreed with a small smile.“But it’s necessary.Too many women come around thinking they want the MC lifestyle until they actually see what it entails.Or they’re the type to stick a knife in your back if they think it will profit them in some way.”

Rio took a bite of pulled pork, chewing thoughtfully.“And what does it entail, exactly?”

“Loyalty,” I answered before the others could.“Above all else.To the club, to your brothers and sisters.It means having each other’s backs, no questions asked sometimes.And especially to the man you’ve let claim you.”

Josie snorted.“Let.Better not let some of your brothers hear that word.They think they laid down the law.”

“As if anyone here would take a woman without their consent.I can be the first to admit we’re hard as nails, but we all have a soft spot for women,” I said.

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