Page 27 of Hammer

“You said I need to be an old lady for protection,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt.“Then let me be yours.”

Hammer went utterly still, his expression frozen.For a heartbeat, shock registered in his eyes before his features rearranged themselves into that unreadable mask.But I’d seen it -- that moment of complete surprise.

“You don’t know what you’re asking,” he said finally, his voice rougher than before.

“I do.”I stepped closer, close enough to catch the scent of leather and motor oil that clung to him.“You’ve been watching over me at the diner.The boys told me.You’ve been keeping an eye on us all along.”

“That’s not --”

“It is,” I insisted.“And I’m not asking for love, Hammer.I’m not even asking for anything real.I’m asking for protection for my boys.”My voice cracked slightly.“I’m asking you to help us stop running.”

Hammer’s gaze bored into mine, searching for something I couldn’t name.The silence between us stretched taut as a wire, the only sound the distant hum of traffic and the soft whisper of wind through the trees lining the street.

“You think it’s that simple?”he asked finally.

“Nothing about this is simple,” I answered.“But my boys need safety more than I need pride.”I held his gaze, refusing to look away.“Please, Hammer.Let me be yours.”

His jaw tightened, muscles working beneath his beard as he processed my words.For a moment, something raw and unguarded flashed across his face -- including something that might have been longing -- before he forced himself back into that unyielding mask I’d grown familiar with.

“Pack your things,” he said finally, his voice giving away nothing of what he might be feeling.“Just the essentials.We’re moving you tonight.”

I backed toward my open door, tugging the hem of my cardigan tight around my ribs.The air had cooled, or maybe it was just the chill spreading through me at Hammer’s non-answer.He hadn’t agreed to my proposition, but he hadn’t laughed in my face either.That had to count for something.

“I’ll wait here while you pack,” Hammer said, his voice low enough that only I could hear.“Ten minutes, Amelia.Grab what you need for tonight.We can come back for the rest later.”

I nodded, my throat too tight for words.“The boys --” I started.

“Will be safe,” Hammer finished.“You have my word.”

His word.How many times had Piston given me his word, only to break it with the next bottle of Jack?But something in Hammer’s steady gaze made me believe him, made me trust despite years of learned wariness.

Chase and Levi waited by the window, both springing back as I entered the apartment.Chase’s face was tight with anxiety, Levi’s pale behind his glasses.

“What did he say?”Chase demanded immediately.“Is he going to help us?”

I closed the door but didn’t lock it, knowing Hammer stood just outside.“We’re leaving tonight.Just for a while, until they figure out what to do about the Prospect.”

“But the diner -- school --” Levi began.

“Will still be here when it’s safe,” I said, moving quickly to the boys’ room.“Pack only what you need for a few days.Clothes, toiletries, any medication.Chase, make sure Levi gets his inhaler.”

“Mom.”Chase followed me, his voice dropping.“What aren’t you telling us?”

I paused, my hands stilling on the duffel bag I’d pulled from under my bed.The duffel we’d used to flee Florida, that I’d kept ready in case we needed to run again.“I asked Hammer to make me his old lady,” I said quietly.“For protection.”

Chase’s eyes widened, his jaw tightening in a way that reminded me painfully of his father.“You what?”

“It’s the only way to get full club protection.”I resumed packing, stuffing clothes into the bag without folding them.“The Reapers only go to war for family.”

“But you barely know him,” Chase protested.

I gave my son a weary smile.“I barely knew your father when I got on the back of his bike.At least this time, I’m choosing someone who might actually be decent.”

“You don’t have to do this,” Chase said, his voice softening.“We can find another way.”

I zipped the duffel closed with more force than necessary.“There is no other way.Not with a Devil’s Minions Prospect already in town, not with your father looking for us.”I met my son’s troubled gaze.“I’ve spent your entire life making the wrong choices, Chase.Let me make one right one.”

He held my gaze for a long moment before nodding reluctantly.“I’ll help Levi pack.”

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