Page 39 of Rampage

"Well, you do now," Meadow says firmly. "Whether you realize it or not, the moment the club voted to protect you, you became part of something bigger."

The idea is both terrifying and exhilarating. Belonging somewhere, to people who would fight for me. It's something I've never experienced, something I've been afraid to even want.

"And what about…" I hesitate, glancing at Reid. "What about when this is over? When the threat from Frank is gone?"

Elle's expression softens. "That's between you and Reid. But the club doesn't withdraw protection once it's given. Once you're in, you're in."

Reid's jaw tightens at my question, and something shifts in his posture. His shoulders square, his spine straightens, and his eyes, those intense blue eyes that have been watching the room, suddenly lock on to mine with laser focus.

"Let me be clear about something," he says, his voice dropping to a tone so low it sends shivers down my spine. The conversation at our table halts abruptly, Elle and Meadow exchanging wide-eyed glances.

Reid's hand releases mine only to slide possessively around my waist, pulling me closer to him on the bench seat. "This thing between us isn't temporary. It's not conditional on Frank or the situation with your hometown."

My breath catches in my throat as he continues, his gaze never wavering from mine.

"You're mine, Lily. Whether we resolve this in a week or a year, whether Frank backs off or needs to be dealt with, none of that changes what's happening here." His fingers tighten slightly on my waist. "I wanted you before I knew about any of this. I'll want you after it's over."

The restaurant around us seems to fade away, the background noise dimming until all I can hear is the thunder of my own heartbeat and Reid's steady breathing beside me. His declaration hangs in the air between us, absolute and unapologetic.

"Reid," I whisper, unsure what else to say, my cheeks burning under the intensity of his gaze.

"You don't have to say anything right now," he says, his voice slightly changes, though the conviction remains. "But I needed you to know where I stand. This isn't just about protection. It's about you and me."

Elle clears her throat delicately, reminding us we're not alone. "And on that note, I think Meadow and I should powder our noses." She stands, pulling a wide-eyed Meadow with her toward the restrooms.

When they're gone, Reid's expression softens, though the determination in his eyes remains. "I'm sorry if that was too much. But I couldn't let you think this was just about Frank."

I swallow hard, trying to process the enormity of what he's saying. "You barely know me."

"I know enough, I know you're brave. I know you survived things that would break most people. I know you work hard and care about people." His thumb traces my cheekbone, featherlight. "And I know that from the first moment I saw you, something inside me recognized you."

The raw honesty in his voice makes my chest ache. No one has ever wanted me like this—completely, absolutely, without conditions or expectations. It's terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

"What if I'm not what you think?" I whisper, fear creeping in. "What if, when all this is over, you realize I'm not special or worth?—"

He cuts me off with a kiss, his lips claiming mine with a sudden fierceness. His hand cups the back of my neck, holding me to him as his mouth moves against mine. Unlike our first kiss, this one is deliberate, almost reverent. When he pulls back, his eyes are darker, pupils dilated.

"Don't," he says firmly. "Don't diminish yourself. Not with me."

I'm saved from having to respond by Elle and Meadow's return. They slide back into their seats with knowing smiles, pretending not to notice my flushed cheeks or Reid's possessive arm still around my waist.

"So," Elle says brightly, "we were thinking maybe a girls' shopping trip later this week. With proper security, of course." She shoots Reid an amused look.

Reid nods, his expression relaxing slightly. "That could work. I'll arrange it with Mason and Christopher."

The rest of lunch passes in a blur of conversation and laughter. Elle and Meadow share stories about the club, about their own journeys into this world. Despite Reid's constant vigilance, the atmosphere is lighter than it's been since the confrontation with Officer Jenkins.

When we finally leave, Reid insists on checking the parking lot before allowing us to exit the restaurant. His hand finds the small of my back as he guides me to his truck, opening my door and helping me inside with old-fashioned courtesy that makes Elle roll her eyes good-naturedly.

"He's gone full caveman," she whispers to Meadow, loud enough for me to hear. "It's actually kind of adorable."

Back at the clubhouse, several more members have arrived. Reid tenses as we enter, his body automatically positioned between me and the room until he's assessed every face.

"Lily!" a warm, familiar voice calls. Grace approaches us with a smile, pulling me into a hug. "How was lunch?"

"It was nice," I say honestly. "Elle and Meadow have been very welcoming."

"Good. That's important." Grace loops her arm through mine, guiding me away from Reid. "Now, I hope you don't mind, but I've taken the liberty of gathering some things for you. Clothes, toiletries, necessities." She gestures to several shopping bags sitting on a nearby table.

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