Page 42 of Blade

“You won’t,” she says defiantly.

I sigh, lifting her off me, then getting up. “We’ll see.”

Willow was already in the kitchen, making eggs and pancakes. Roscoe was on toast duty and setting the table. I couldn’t ask for a better bunch of friends. Roscoe looks upset and is still blaming himself for leaving Ryan at the house on his own.

“Shake it off, bro. This isn’t on you,” I tell him in a low voice as I get close.

“Right,” he mumbles. He’s not convinced, but time heals. “Emryn, is she doing okay?”

“She’s getting there. Not sure if you can get over a betrayal, especially from family, that quickly, but she seems better this morning.” I leave out the fact that giving her an orgasm first thing may have started the day off on a positive note.

“Wildcard found him,” Roscoe says. His eyes meet mine, his jaw clenched. He wants a piece of Ryan too.

“I made a promise not to put my hands on him.”

“I didn’t,” he says gruffly. I can’t help but grin. He likes Emryn, and it shows.

“I want a message delivered.” A sly smirk crosses his lips. “A verbal message,” I clarify.

Roscoe shakes his head. “He deserves more than that.”

“Agreed. But Emryn knows where I stand, and this is the last time he comes near her if he doesn’t go through me first. He’s going to get that message. Guard says the day will come when Ryan will come to us as a different man. If and when that time comes, I don’t want to make it any harder on Emryn.”

“Guard’s never been wrong yet.” Roscoe sighs.

“Enough of that talk,” Willow cuts in. “Breakfast is ready. Go call Emryn before it gets cold.” She puts the platter on the table and stands next to Roscoe, coming up on her tiptoes to kiss him. “And you, mister, stop with the blame. We have to believe that what happened, happened for a reason. Let this go. Please.”

Willow adores her husband, and Roscoe would lay down his life for Willow. The two of them being together is destiny at its finest. Roscoe kisses her back.

“Yeah, all right, babe. You made your point,” Roscoe murmurs and kisses her again while I leave the room to call Emryn.

Twenty-Three

No Loose Ends

Blade

It’s been two weeks since Ryan took off. With Wildcard’s help, I was able to get the location of where Ryan was staying. I wanted to go to him myself, but I didn’t trust that I could keep my anger in check and, instead, spoke with Guard, heeding his sound advice.

One of the Redemption Riders delivered my message in person to Ryan. The Redemption Riders are a sister club with an excellent relationship with Satan’s Pride. Guard has been mentoring their president, and Hawk is a good man. His club is solid, and the members of the club are loyal to Hawk. Hawk immediately complied with my request, saying, “Whatever the Pride needs, we’re there for you.”

Hawk sent his VP, Drifter, to see Ryan. Drifter didn’t lay a hand on him, but being the scary motherfucker that Drifter is, I’m sure Ryan would have crapped his pants at the sight of him. Drifter reported back after he gave him my message, doing it in person and stopping by the garage on his way back to the Riders.

“He got it,” Drifter said, referring to Ryan. “He knows if he pulls this stunt again, his face isn’t going to remain so pretty.”

“What did you think of him?” I’m not even sure why I asked, but I did.

“He’s a man without a purpose, and when you don’t have a purpose, there’s nothing to keep you grounded. Hope to hell he finds his way,” Drifter answered. Drifter took off soon after, not wanting to be away from his club brothers any more than he needed to be.

I bought all new cameras and equipment for Emryn, and, as expected, she lost her mind. The only way she would accept was to have a contract drawn up with a payment plan. I let her have her way, including having Sofia notarize the paper, then I trashed my copy because I don’t give a shit if she pays me back. The club is doing their part to make sure Emryn is busy at work. I think she’s photographed all the families in the club, and they spread the word, making her the busiest photographer in the area.

As for Jaws, he’s history.

Normally, Guard would have gathered us all around to witness the demise of a man who wronged Satan’s Pride. This time, the only men invited were Ghost, Orion, Owen, and Aaron. Jaws suffered. I know this for a fact because Owen came to me, needing to talk and let it all out. His secret will stay with me, although I know that one day, he’ll have to give up his thoughts and fears. Aaron is getting better and better every day and is back in the gym. He seems to be moving past this.

The club is having a celebration. No real reason, except it’s a good excuse to be together. The party is just getting started, and everyone is sitting around the table. It stretches from one end of the room to the other, and all the brothers and their families are here.

Emryn stands up and tries to get everyone’s attention. Guard stands and tells everyone to pipe down.

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