Page 110 of Property of Bones

“Tank, have Knuckles go down with Riley,” Spike orders. “Patch, you good to stay up here with Sunny?”

“Yeah,” Patch says, already moving. “But I need to get her cleaned up before she’s settled in bed.”

“I’ll do that,” I growl, not wanting anyone to see her naked.

“No time,” Spike says, glancing at his phone. “Muerte’s here.”

My blood runs cold.

“I’ll be respectful, Bones,” Patch says, locking eyes with me. “You have my word.”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

I lower her gently onto Spike’s bed, brushing hair from her face. She doesn’t stir.

Leaning down, I press a kiss to her lips…light, lingering, like it might have to hold her until I can get back.

“I love you, Sunny,” I whisper. “I’m so fucking sorry I brought you into this mess. But I swear I’ll never let harm come to you again. Not ever.”

I rest my forehead against hers, just for a second.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Then I stand, turn, and head for the door.

With murder in my heart.

“I sure as fuck hope Max got that car moved,” Spike mutters.

We step outside and sure enough, it’s gone.

He did his part.

“Max,” Spike calls out. “I need you inside. Don’t want Muerte knowing you’re here. Where’s your bike?”

“In the garage,” Max says, glancing at me.

I meet his eyes. “Thanks for getting her back to me, Max. But now you need to disappear before he gets here.”

Max nods without a word, then jogs toward the clubhouse, disappearing inside.

Two minutes later, that fucking SUV rolls up to the gate.

Four of Muerte’s men step out first, spreading out to surround the vehicle like clockwork…tight formation, hands resting on weapons.

Then Muerte himself steps out, dressed like he’s walking into a boardroom instead of a war zone, all smug grin and snake-oil charm.

“What awonderfulwelcome,” he laughs, arms wide. “If I’d known there’d be a crowd, I’d have brought cake.”

“Where thefuckis my sister?” Spike growls, taking a step forward, hands twitching.

“Oh! IknewI was forgetting something,” Muerte says, all fake realization, then yanks open the SUV door and pulls Abby out like she’s a trophy. “Go on, little mouse. Back to big brother.”

Abby doesn’t hesitate…just bolts. But not to Spike.

She runs straight into Tank’s arms.

Muerte raises an eyebrow, watching the reunion. “Well now…that’sinteresting.”

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