Page 3 of Wilder's Promise
"And that's why he dragged me to Pine Haven? Because he pissed off some criminals who are worse than he is?"
"He did the right thing," I say firmly. "And yeah, that's why you're here. Because these people will use anyone they can to get to him."
She falls silent, processing this new information. I can practically hear the gears turning in her head.
"The diner's just up ahead," I say, nodding toward a faded roadside building with a neon OPEN sign flickering in the window.
I pull into the parking lot, choosing a spot that gives me a clear view of both the entrance and the highway, like Blade taught me.
"Let me guess," Emma says, watching me scan the surroundings, "you always sit facing the door too?"
"You know it." I kill the engine. "Keeps you alive longer."
Inside, the diner is nearly empty. Just a trucker at the counter and an elderly couple in a booth by the window. The waitress, a middle-aged woman with bottle-blonde hair and experienced eyes, looks up as we enter.
"Sit anywhere, honey," she calls, then does a double-take when she notices my cut with the Outlaw Order patch. Her smile tightens, but to her credit, she doesn't ask us to leave.
I choose a booth at the back, positioning myself to face the door. Emma slides in across from me, setting her backpack on the seat beside her.
"You weren't kidding about always facing the door," she mutters.
"Some habits keep you breathing." I hand her a laminated menu from behind the napkin dispenser. "Order whatever you want. Club's paying."
"How generous." She studies the menu. "Using all that legitimate construction income, I'm sure."
The waitress approaches, coffee pot in hand. "Coffee for you two?"
"Please," Emma says, her tone softening for the waitress.
"What can I get you, darling?" the waitress asks after filling our mugs.
"Chicken club sandwich and fries," Emma says. "And a slice of whatever pie you recommend."
"Apple's fresh today. Made it myself this morning." The waitress turns to me. "And for you, hon?"
"Burger. Medium. Extra fries." I hand back the menu. "And save me a slice of that apple pie too."
When the waitress leaves, Emma wraps her hands around the coffee mug, staring into it like it might contain answers. "So, what happens when we get to Pine Haven?"
"Your father will explain everything."
"I'm asking you." She looks up, those amber eyes challenging. "What am I walking into?"
I take a sip of my coffee, buying time to consider my answer. "The clubhouse is secure. You'll have your own room. The guys are all on high alert, watching for any sign of trouble."
"And how long am I expected to hide out in my father's... what, biker fortress?"
"Until it's safe."
"And when will that be?"
I meet her gaze. "When the threat is eliminated."
Chapter 2 - Emma
"When the threat is eliminated." He says, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes.
Typical MC talk. Clinical. Detached. As if they're discussing pest control rather than what I assume means killing people. I've heard it all my life from my father, that cold, emotionless tone that makes murder sound like a business transaction.
