Page 21 of Rebel

“And if I’m not looking to join some family?”Rio asked, her gaze steady on mine.

“Then you eat good food, enjoy the hospitality, and leave when your three days are up,” I said.“No strings.But my offer stands either way.”

“What offer?”Jordan asked, raising an eyebrow at me.

I kept my eyes on Rio.“Protection.To be mine, but only when she’s ready.Charming gave us three days to sort shit out.Otherwise, she has to leave.And I said I’d go with her until I know she’s safe.”

Josie whistled low.“That’s generous, Rebel.”

Rio’s eyes narrowed slightly.“Why?”

It was a loaded question, and I knew my answer mattered.I took a pull from my beer, buying myself a second to find the right words.

“Because sometimes people deserve a fucking break,” I finally said.“And it looks like you’re due for one.I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to you.Hell, you had my attention the moment you walked into this place.But I will never take a woman against her will.”

Rio’s face remained carefully neutral, but I noticed her posture straighten just a bit.Her gaze scanned the room again, but this time it felt different -- less like she was looking for danger and more like she was truly seeing the place for what it was.

Jordan and Josie exchanged a look that communicated volumes.Jordan had been in Rio’s shoes once, wary and untrusting.And Jackal had fucked up with Josie.I was amazed he’d convinced her to give him a shot.I could see them remembering their own journeys to find peace within these walls.

“Eat,” Josie urged again.“Everything looks clearer on a full stomach.”

This time, Rio didn’t hesitate before taking another bite.The background noise of the clubhouse continued around us -- laughter from over by the pool table, the clink of bottles, the low rumble of conversation -- but in our little circle, something had shifted.Not trust, exactly, but the possibility of it.

And for now, that was enough.

The conversation gradually softened as Rio worked her way through the plate of food.I noticed her shoulders drop another inch, her gaze scanning the room less frequently.That’s when I spotted Cade making his way toward us, practically vibrating with eagerness.The kid had been prospecting for three months and still hadn’t learned when to hang back.I shifted my weight, preparing to intercept him if necessary.With Rio’s history, overeager puppies like Cade could be a trigger.

Jordan noticed my attention shift and followed my gaze.“Shit,” she muttered, setting down her drink.

Cade maneuvered through the room, his Prospect cut still stiff and new-looking compared to our worn leather.His eyes were fixed on Rio, that hungry look men get when they see fresh meat.Not necessarily sexual -- though there was probably some of that too -- but the thrill of someone new to impress, to bring into the fold.

“Hey, is this the chick from the other night?”he called out as he approached, too loud, too familiar.

Josie shot him a warning look.“Cade --”

But he was already pushing his way into our circle, his hand reaching toward Rio’s shoulder.“I’ve been dying to meet you.”

It happened in a blur.Rio’s hand flew up, blocking his before it could make contact.Her body pivoted, stance dropping lower, more stable.Her eyes narrowed to slits, hard and cold as winter ice.

“Don’t touch me,” she said, voice low and lethal.

Cade froze, confusion flashing across his boyish face.“I was just --”

“Cade, back off,” I cut in, stepping between them.“She’s not a toy or your new best friend.”

The silence that followed felt heavy.Everyone in our vicinity had clocked the confrontation, conversations pausing as their gazes turned our way.Rio’s fists were clenched at her sides, knuckles white, body thrumming with fight-or-flight energy.

“I didn’t mean anything by it,” Cade mumbled, face flushing red.

“Doesn’t matter what you meant,” I said, keeping my voice even but firm.“When someone’s body language says ‘keep your distance,’ you respect that.Especially with women you don’t know.”

He stumbled back a step, visibly deflating.“Sorry, I just wanted to --”

“To what?”Rio interjected, her gaze locked onto him with laser focus.“To test if I’m tough?If I’m easy to get into your bed?”Her Georgia drawl thickened with her anger.“I’m not a sideshow attraction or a pet.”

The tips of Cade’s ears turned crimson.A few chuckles sounded from the bar where some brothers were watching with interest.

“I think you’ve got Prospect duties to attend to,” Jordan said pointedly, gesturing toward the bar.

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