Page 105 of Axe-ing for Trouble
“I think so. And isn’t it strange that small-town biker criminals and federal agents are hanging out at a random out-of-the-way farm?”
Without responding, I headed back to the main trail. When we were far enough away that I was certain they wouldn’t hear the motor, I gunned it, speeding out of there like a bat out of hell. I wanted no part in whatever was happening on that farm. The ride home was bumpy, cold, and terrifying. My sole focus was getting Mila back into the safety of my house.
When the ATV was parked and we’d dismounted, I grasped the back of her jacket and shut the door, trapping her inside.
“Ow. Jude, relax.”
“I will not relax,” I growled, backing her against the wall. “This is officially insane. We’ve got the evidence, Mila. You’ve done an amazing job. It’s over now. We call Parker and hand it all over. She’s qualified to go get the bad guys.”
She stomped her foot. “But we now know the feds are in on it!”
“Maybe. Even more reason to get her involved. Or maybe they’re investigating.”
She shot me a glare. “Don’t be naïve. I knew they were dirty.”
Fuck. Annoyance flared to life in my veins. I’d been in over my head since the night she walked into my house bleeding, but this was getting too close for comfort.
“Mila, I need to say something and you’re gonna listen.”
She was holding her helmet to her chest, her face burning with anger, her eyes murderous.
“You are reckless and impetuous and fucking incredible. I can’t do this anymore. I can’t let you put yourself in danger. You may not like it, but I’m in this with you now.”
She nodded, her jaw still clenched tight.
“The thought of you getting hurt or being in danger is so crushing I feel like I can’t breathe. Maybe this is a danger bang to you. Maybe that’s all I am in your eyes.” My heart clenched at the thought, but I had to say it. “But you mean something to me. You are important to me.”
“Jude.”
I held up a hand. “Let me finish. You owe me nothing. But like it or not, you’re mine to protect.”
She gasped, her eyes widening.
“And I will protect you.”
She pulled her arm back and threw her helmet at me. “I don’t belong to anyone. There is one thing I care about, and it’s getting justice for Hugo.”
Her words stung, and I took a step back, reeling from the rejection. I couldn’t be the only one feeling this way. And yet…
Her eyes flared with anger. “I owe you for all you’ve done. And I’m so grateful, but we’ve got to end this.”
“Stop,” I said, holding up a hand. “We need to be strategic.”
She put her hands on her hips, glaring at me. “You need to stop being so bossy.” She was shouting now, and I couldn’t stop myself from shouting back.
“Then stop almost getting yourselfkilled,” I replied as I straightened again. “I need you. Your mom needs you. Hugo needs you. Stop punishing yourself and think about this. What you’ve done is remarkable. Let’s take the next logical step.”
I braced for her to find another object to hurtle at me. To yell or stomp off.
The last thing I expected was for her to burst into tears.
“Okay,” she said, tears streaming down her cheeks.
This was the second time she had cried today, and it was just as painful for me as the first. Like my heart was being ripped apart. All I wanted to do was make this woman smile and laugh, and yet I caused her constant tears.
I pulled her into my body, reveling in the feeling of her being safely tucked in my arms.
“You’re right,” she said. “I’m so scared and so tired.”
