Page 40 of Anarchy

“I do,” he says, and I shake my head.

“Ry, why do you care? You don’t want this life for yourself, but yet you're still fucking here,” I say, and he growls.

“I’m here because I love you, and no matter what the fuck is happening in the underground, it doesn’t fucking mean I’m leaving you,” he states, and I laugh.

“That’s bullshit. You tell me all the time that you don’t want to take over the club. This isn’t the life you chose, but my life with the others is the same one you don’t want,” I snap as we drive down the deserted road in the middle of the day. Jade should be almost to the warehouse by now, and I’m already on edge because of that whole situation. It’s like everything is coming at us at all ends, non-fucking stop.

“You’re right, Reid. I don’t want this life, but if that means losing you because of it, then fuck it. I’m all fucking in. Just please don’t give up on me. I’m still working things out in my head that have nothing to do with how I fucking feel about you,” he says as I turn onto our block.

“I won’t force you to be here because you love me. I want you to be here because you choose to be,” I declare, pulling up to the gates, punching in the code and waiting for them to open.

“Look at me, Ace,” he says as the gates open and I press the gas, taking us up the driveway. Putting the car in park, I look over at him. He cups my face as I look into his eyes and see nothing but love and sadness. It’s like he’s waging a war within himself, and I hate that. “I’m here, baby. I’m not going anywhere. Whatever happens, we will get through it together,” he states as he leans in, pressing his lips to mine. Leaning my forehead against his, I take a deep breath.

“Do I make you happy?” I whisper as he presses his lips softly against mine, then pulls away.

“Yes, Ace. So fucking happy, and most of all, safe. You, Reid Rodriguez, are my safe place. Without you, I’d be dead already,” he admits. “I love you, Ace. Never doubt me or you will force me to fuck it out of you.” He laughs, bringing a smile to my face.

“I love you too, my biker bitch.” I chuckle. He presses his lips against mine once more, gripping my face tightly before pulling away.

“Tonight, after we put the kids to bed, you’re mine. You got that?” He growls, and I grin.

“That’s if we can make it until tonight.” I laugh, shutting off the car and climbing out. “Fuck! How much damage did those motherfuckers do to my baby?” I ask as he climbs out, taking a step back to assess. He places his hand over his face, then looks at me.

“Umm, let's just call Harley and see if he can take care of this,” he says, and I shake my head.

“I don’t want to see, do I?” I groan, and he laughs.

“Nope. So let's just keep it moving.” He laughs as he rounds the car, wrapping his arm around my shoulder as we walk up the cobblestone. “Remind me later to tell you about Teagan,” he says, and my face shoots up and over to him.

“What about Teagan?” I say, stopping in my tracks.

“I said later,” he retorts.

“You know damn well the way my mind works. Spill it now or I won’t stop thinking about it for the rest of the day and I’ll end up bugging you any chance I get, so fucking tell me now,” I say, and he sighs.

“Promise you won’t get mad?” he asks, and I nod.Fuck, this isn’t going to be good.“Words, Ace,” he growls, and I take a deep breath, knowing this is probably going to piss me all the way off.

“Fine. I’ll try,” I say, staring at him as he looks everywhere but in my eyes.Fuck.

“I’ve been meeting up with her,” he confesses, and I raise a brow while folding my arms over my chest.

“Interesting. For what?” I ask as I stare at him, looking for the deceit, which is written all over his features.

“She summoned me weeks ago for a meetup. Every time I said I was dealing with club shit, I wasn’t. I went to meet with her,” he admits as my heart rate begins to rise.

“So you’ve been lying to me and sneaking around with the enemy? Someone we’ve been warned to stay the fuck away from. But there you are, running around with her while lying to me, who literally worries for your safety when you're not with me,” I shout. He takes a step closer, but I push him away.

“Don’t fucking push me, Reid. Let me fucking explain.” He growls, but my rage is boiling over. I don’t like being fucking lied to, especially by someone I fucking love and trust.

“Why? So you can spew more bullshit my way? Is this a fucking game to you? Did she put you up to this?” I sneer as he takes a step towards me.

“No, I’d never fucking do that to you. Never. That’s not who I am,” he growls.

“Yea, well, the person standing in front of me is not who you are. I’ve never given you a reason to lie or be deceitful,” I spit, throwing the keys to my charger at him.

“Take it to Harley's. I need some fucking space.” I grimace, walking towards the door.

“Don’t, Reid. Let me explain!” he shouts, and I spin before reaching the front door.

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