Page 48 of Warrior

Colt’s hand reaches for mine, holding it in his strong, warm grip. “I found him, Lyric.”

I gasp and my eyes fly to his dark ones that hold determination and worry in them. “Is that where you were the other day?”

He nods his head yes, his fingers flexing around mine. “We had three possible leads and I got lucky on the first one. He isn’t close by, but that's all I can say. I met with the club this morning to discuss how we’re going to handle this.”

“When you say handle?—”

“I mean there is no universe in which that man continues to breathe and terrify you, his ex-wife or his child, or any other woman ever again,” he answers before I even form my thoughts.

My mind swings in a million different directions. About Lukas, about Stella, about the Rebels. Part of me knew they had more nefarious dealings, but I was never privy to what those things were. I was just the doctor, the therapist who was helping save a girl’s life. When I reached out to Daggerz, I didn’t even think much would happen except maybe they’d help secure my home or send bodyguards or offer me to stay until Lukas left again. I never planned on finding Colt or being a willing captive in his home while he slayed my demons for me.

“Colt, I can’t lose you.”

He leans forward and presses a kiss to my forehead. “You won’t lose me, baby. I’ve trained to do this. I have been doing this for a long time.”

“You could get hurt. What if you get caught? What if he knows somehow that you were watching him and he’s waiting for you? He’s fucking crazy, Colt. The man is evil and unhinged,” I argue with him, standing from the table. I need to walk. I need space. I need air.

My legs start to carry me to the door, but Colt is there to stop me, his arm wrapping around my body and holding me against him. I can’t stop shaking, hyperventilating in his arms. My hands pull him closer while my brain is shouting to push him away, to keep him safe. This is all my fault.

“This is not your fault.” He grips me harder and I sob against his chest. “Don’t cry, baby, please. Your tears are killing me.”

He pulls back and his thumbs swipe under my eyes, over my cheeks, brushing the tears away. “I wanted you to know so you can be prepared. I have a plan, the club is behind me, and they will be here for your protection while I’m gone. That's all I can say. Lyric, no one can ever know that we had this conversation, it's dangerous.”

“And you can’t tell me when? Or where? Is he here?”

Colt shakes his head no. “I can’t tell you anything else right now, baby. He’s here in the state, but not here in Braham. I promise. When I do leave, Zane will be here with you. He and Bullet and Dodger will take point on your security until I get back.”

I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him, scared to let him go. It doesn’t bother me that I know what Colt is saying when he says Lukas will no longer be a problem; I’m only worried about his safety. I can’t let Lukas take him away from me.

“I know this is a lot, but I wanted you to know.” Colt steps back, his hands cupping my face, and I’m forced to look in his eyes. “I need you safe. There is no other way. This isn’t your burden to carry anymore, Lyric. You have me and you have my brothers.”

My heart feels full and I manage to nod my head even with tears in my eyes. As scary as it is that we’re at this point, there is an overwhelming amount of relief that comes with it. “I trust you.”

Colt inhales and his eyes light up like I just gave him the biggest gift. His lips press against mine and my knees go weak for this man. “I’m taking you out tonight, Lyric Taylor.”

My brow rises. “Are you serious?”

His teeth sink into his bottom lip and he nods. “Yup. A real date, pretty girl. Dinner, drinks, and if you’re lucky, I’ll take you to a place you can dance.”

“Oh my god, Colt!” I jump up and down in his hold. “I need this. I’m so happy.”

He grins and laughs with me. “I’m glad, baby. I’m going to grab a quick shower and I have some things to do in the office. Do whatever you need to do, and we’ll plan to leave around five. Sound good?”

“Sounds perfect,” I gush, and run back to the table to grab my salad and bring it upstairs. I have three hours to look and feel sexy for my date with Colt.

Chapter 22

Lyric

“You look gorgeous,” Colt purrs, all smiles with a cocky glint in his eyes. He presses his forehead against mine and takes air from my lungs with every inhale into his.

“You already said that,” I remind him again, yet it doesn’t stop the butterflies in my stomach or the way my heart sings for him from his praise. I took extra care for our date tonight, making sure my legs were silky smooth under the blue summer dress I wore, the one that happens to be the same shade as the Forget Me Not flowers he gifted me. I left my hair down in big curls that I know he appreciates. Our height difference allows me to wear my favorite pair of wedge sandals too. I feel good, sexy, and free to hold on to the man I am obsessed with while he parades me around town.

Colt was not pulling punches when he promised me a date. We eat out at a local bistro that is small enough to make the space cozy and romantic at the same time, but large enough that our conversation is still private and we aren’t smashed next to a neighboring table. And after, Colt brings me to a pub that also has bowling, arcade games, bumper cars and rows of pool tableson one side of the establishment, and on the other end there is a dance floor with a DJ. I did not know this place existed until tonight.

I haven’t laughed this hard in years as Colt and I try a little of everything and drink a few pitchers of beer. It seems like Colt is well-known by the locals, and the bartender and he explained that it’s because of the mechanical work he does with the club. He introduces me to everyone as his girl or his girlfriend. At first, I am thrown, not sure how to respond, but the more it happens, the more I have to admit to myself that I don’t mind. I like it even.

Colt takes my hand and spins me in a circle on the dance floor to Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” before pulling my body back to his. We sway on the floor, like we’ve been doing this dance our whole lives, and I wonder again at how well I fit against him. He might say I’m gorgeous tonight, but Colt is the most beautiful man I’ve ever met. His black button-up shirt is tight and fits him perfectly, contrasting with the rich brown of his eyes and hair. This is the first time I’ve seen him wearing dark jeans without holes or grease stains since staying with him and they look like sin on him. A blush creeps up my cheeks when our eyes meet.

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