Page 22 of Rampage

"We'll fight it," Reid says with absolute certainty. "The club has lawyers. Good ones."

The chief raises an eyebrow at Reid's mention of the club but doesn't comment on it. "In the meantime, I'll make sure Jenkins stays away from you. And I'll contact the issuing jurisdiction to express my concerns about the validity of the charges."

After the chief leaves, I slump against Reid, exhaustion crashing over me. The adrenaline that kept me upright is fading, leaving me drained and shaky.

"I can't go back there," I whisper. "If they arrest me?—"

"That's not going to happen," Reid interrupts, his voice firm. "I won't let it."

Deb slides into the booth across from us. "He's right, Lily. The Sinners protect their own, and like it or not, you're under their protection now."

I look up at Reid, seeing the fierce determination in his eyes. "Why? Why would you do all this for me?"

His expression softens, and he reaches up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "Because you deserve to be protected. Because what's happening to you is wrong." He pauses, his eyes never leaving mine. "And because I care about you. More than I probably should after such a short time."

The raw honesty in his voice makes my throat tight with emotion. "I'm scared," I admit.

"I know," he says. "But you're not alone anymore."

Deb nods in agreement. "We're all here for you, hon. This town takes care of its own."

I take another sip of water, trying to process everything. "What do we do now?"

Reid's jaw sets in determination. "First, we get those employment records from Deb. Then we contact the club's lawyer. We'll fight this the right way." His eyes darken slightly. "For now."

The implied threat in those last two words should frighten me, but instead, I find it oddly comforting. For the first time since I climbed out that window a year ago, I feel truly protected.

“I guess all of that worrying about the wedding is futile now. I won’t be able to go.”

I sigh, rubbing my face, but in a way I’m relieved about the fact. I don’t want to upset Jeremy but I just can’t do it. I’d be scared the whole time I would be arrested, or worse.

As the afternoon wears on, the diner remains closed while Deb gathers my employment records and Reid makes calls. I sit quietly, it’s almost like I’m numb.

Part of me wants to run, to hide from Frank, but I can’t bear the thought of starting over.

I can't imagine starting over again in a new town with new people. This place has become my home, these people are my family. The thought of leaving Deb, Mrs. Winters, and now Reid makes my chest ache.

Reid's phone rings, and he steps away to answer it. I watch him pace, his shoulders tense as he speaks in low tones. When he returns, his expression is grim.

"That was my father," he says, sliding back into the booth beside me. "The club's lawyer is on her way. And…" He hesitates, glancing at Deb.

"And what?" I prompt, dread pooling in my stomach.

"The club wants to meet you. Tonight." He takes my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. "They're voting to officially extend protection to you."

"What does that mean?" I ask, looking between Reid and Deb.

Deb leans forward. "It means the full weight of the Grim Sinners would be behind you, Lily. Not just Reid, but all of them. No one messes with someone under club protection."

"It's serious," Reid adds. "The club doesn't do this lightly."

I swallow hard. "Why would they do that for me? They don't even know me."

"They know me," Reid says. "And they trust my judgment."

The implications of this aren't lost on me. For Reid to ask his club, his family, to protect me means something significant. It crosses a line from casual interest to something much deeper.

"You don't have to decide right now," he says, reading my hesitation. "But the meeting is at eight if you want to come."

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