Page 17 of Property of Legend

Chapter 9

Sophie

I slam the screen door harder than I should.The rattle echoes across the wide porch like a warning shot.Irritation flares hot in my chest as I take in the scene unfolding on my family’s land.Legend’s crew is everywhere, leather, smoke, and testosterone draped across Paradise Falls like they own the damn deed.Their bikes glint like a row of chrome-plated threats, lined up with all the subtlety of a military occupation.

Inside, Legend’s sprawled on the couch like a man born to rule kingdoms and couches alike.His muddy boots are up on my grandmother’s antique table, an heirloom passed down five generations, and he’s using it like a damn ottoman.

His dark eyes lock on me as I storm in, and I swear he smiles just to piss me off.

“Legend,” I bark, hands on my hips.“This is not what I agreed to.I asked for protection, a security consultation, not a full-on biker invasion.”

He grins, lazy and lethal.“Darlin’, what you got is the Kings of Anarchy.We don’t do shit halfway.”

I cross my arms, doing everything I can not to throw a pillow at his smug face.“You could at least pretend to respect the property.”

He swings his legs off the table, rising with the grace of a predator, all coiled muscle and cocky swagger.“Respect is earned.And last I checked, you called me.”

“I called someone familiar with the terrain.Someone who knew horses.I didn’t ask for the entire damn apocalypse to roll up on my doorstep.”

He moves closer like things are about to get ugly between us.“You sure about that?‘Cause the Sophie I knew never did anything half-assed.”

I roll my eyes, though my traitor heart skips.“Well, the Legend I knew wouldn’t leave me high and dry, either.”

That strikes a chord.His smirk fades, replaced by something darker.“Ain’t nothin’ about this easy, Soph.”

“No,” I murmur, tilting my chin up.“But you’re still here.”

He steps into my space until I can feel the heat radiating off his skin, smell the bourbon, leather, and danger clinging to every inch of him.

“I’ll always come when you call,” he says low, his breath brushing my cheek.

My stomach flips.

“In the morning, the boys will question the staff.Half of Paradise works here.Until then, my boys stay the night.”

“You’re impossible.”

“I’m effective.”

Before I can fire off a comeback, Oaks appears in the doorway, a hint of amusement in his eyes.“Boss.We’re ready.”

Legend straightens slowly, like he’s reluctant to leave.“Stay put, Montgomery.And try not to get in trouble.”

“Trouble?Me?”I smirk.“You must have me confused with someone else.”

He shakes his head with a grin that’s half fond, half wicked.“I never confuse trouble.I just follow it.”

I watch him disappear out the door, most of his crew close behind like loyal shadows.My fingers still tingle from where his heat brushed too close.And no matter how many years have passed, one thing’s clear.

Legend is just as dangerous to my peace of mind as he ever was.

And I might be in even more trouble now than I was back then.

Chapter 10

Legend

The Fire Pit ain’t just a bar.It’s our damn stronghold.We built it separate from the clubhouse, so business stays business, and the blood don't hit the floors we drink on.

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