Page 26 of Rampage

"Thank you for… guarding me," I say awkwardly, not quite sure how to acknowledge what they've been doing.

Alex grins, the expression transforming his serious face into something boyish. "No need to thank us. Reid would've had our asses if we didn't show up."

"We would've come anyway," Jacob adds, his voice deeper than his twin's. "Family watches out for family."

The casual inclusion makes my throat tighten unexpectedly. These men don't even know me, yet they've positioned themselves as my protectors based solely on their brother's word.

"Ready to go?" Reid asks, his hand finding the small of my back.

The twins move in perfect synchronization, taking positions that effectively surround me without being suffocating—Alex leading the way, Jacob bringing up the rear, with Reid at my side.

I can do this.

The ride to the clubhouse is quiet, my arms wrapped tightly around Reid's waist as his motorcycle cuts through the evening air. The clubhouse itself is less intimidating than I expected—a large, converted warehouse on the end of town, its exterior well-maintained despite the collection of motorcycles parked outside.

Reid helps me off the bike, his hand lingering on the small of my back. "Remember, these are my family. They might look rough, but they'll respect you."

Inside, the clubhouse is a surprise, clean and organized, with a large bar area, comfortable seating, and a massive wooden table at one end that I assume is for meetings. Several men in Sinners vests are already present, conversations stopping as we enter.

Aiden approaches immediately, his expression grave but kind. "Lily. Glad you came." He turns to Reid. "Everything set?"

Reid nods. "Is everyone here?"

"Almost. Just waiting on a couple of stragglers." Aiden gestures to a woman standing by the bar. "Lily, this is my wife, Grace."

The woman approaches with a warm smile that instantly puts me at ease. She's beautiful in an understated way, with kind eyes that remind me of Reid's. "It's so good to finally meet you, honey," she says, pulling me into a hug before I can prepare myself. "Reid's told us so much about you."

I glance at Reid, who has the grace to look slightly embarrassed. "All good things, I hope."

"The best," Grace assures me, keeping one arm around my shoulders. "Come on, let me introduce you to some of the others before the meeting starts. It might make things less intimidating."

Grace leads me toward a small group sitting on one of the sofas. Among them is a young girl with the same striking blue eyes as Reid, her dark hair pulled into a neat braid. She's nestled between two women, a tablet in her lap, but looks up curiously as we approach.

"And this," Grace says with obvious affection, "is our youngest, Aubree."

The girl immediately stands, setting her tablet aside. Despite being only around twelve, she carries herself with surprising confidence, extending her hand like a miniature adult.

"You're Lily," she says matter-of-factly. "Reid talks about you all the time. He says you make the best cinnamon rolls in three counties."

Heat rushes to my cheeks as I shake her hand. "I don't know about that, but I do enjoy baking."

"Can you teach me sometime?" Aubree asks, her eyes lighting up. "Mom tries, but she burns everything."

"Aubree!" Grace admonishes, though there's no real heat behind it.

"It's true, though," the girl shrugs, completely unapologetic, "last time you made cookies, Dad thought they were hockey pucks."

I can't help but laugh, some of my nervousness dissipating in the face of her forthright manner. She's clearly Reid's sister, not just in looks, but in that direct, no-nonsense attitude.

"I'd be happy to teach you," I tell her, surprised by how easily the offer comes. "Mrs. Winters lets me experiment at the bakery sometimes. Maybe you could join me one afternoon."

Aubree beams. "Really? That would be so cool!" She turns to her mother. "Can I, Mom? Please?"

Grace laughs. "We'll see, sweetheart. For now, why don't you go sit with Leah? The meeting's about to start."

As Aubree reluctantly rejoins the older women, Grace leans closer to me. "She's been pestering Reid for weeks to introduce you. Fair warning—once she decides she likes someone, she's relentless."

"She seems sweet," I say, watching the girl settle between what must be her older sister and another female club member.

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