Page 14 of Ace's Legacy
"Yes." My voice is firm, leaving no room for doubt.
He nods slowly, processing this information. "And you think she needs to stay here because...?"
"It's not safe out there. Not with Vultures MC clearly watching our movements." I run a hand through my hair, agitated. "She's a civilian, Reap. A first-grade teacher. She doesn't know how to protect herself from people like Charles's men."
Reaper sighs. "You're asking me to let a pregnant civilian who isn't even an old lady stay at the clubhouse during an active war?"
"I'm not asking." I meet his gaze without flinching. "I'm telling you what needs to happen. She stays here, under our protection, or I stay with her at her place."
A tense silence stretches between us. Challenging the club president isn't something done lightly, but this isn't negotiable for me. I will protect Sarah and our child, even if it means going against Reaper.
Finally, he nods once. "She stays. But you're responsible for her. And Ace—" his voice takes on a warning edge, "—if this complicates things for the club in any way, it's on you."
"Understood."
As I turn to leave, Reaper adds, "Congratulations, by the way. On the kid."
Despite everything—the attack, the blood on my hands, the danger still lurking beyond our walls—I feel a small smile tug at my lips. "Thanks, Reaper."
When I return to Sarah, she's sitting on a chair in the hallway, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She looks up when my shadow falls across her.
"You need to stay here tonight," I say without preamble. "Maybe longer."
Her eyes widen. "What? No, I can't. I have work tomorrow, and my apartment, and—"
"Sarah." I crouch down in front of her, bringing us to eye level. "Those men today? They're dangerous. And now that you've been seen here, they could connect you to me, to the club."
She goes very still. "You think they'd come after me?"
"I don't want to find out." I keep my voice steady, trying not to scare her more than necessary. "Just stay tonight. We can figure out the rest tomorrow."
"I can't just disappear from my life," she says, but there's less conviction in her voice now. "I'm a teacher. I have twenty-six first-graders who are counting on me to be there tomorrow."
"Call in sick," I suggest. "Just for a day or two, until things cool down."
"This is really serious, isn't it?"
"Yes." I don't sugarcoat it. She deserves the truth, however ugly. "These men aren't playing games. And neither am I when it comes to your safety."
Her hand moves to her stomach again, a protective gesture that squeezes something in my chest. She's thinking of the baby, weighing its safety against her responsibilities.
"Okay," she says finally. "One night. And then we reassess."
"Thank you."
She stands, smoothing her pink dress with trembling hands. "I'll need some things from my apartment."
"I'll send someone to get them for you. Just make a list."
A flash of irritation crosses her face. "I'm not helpless, Ryan—Ace—whatever I'm supposed to call you."
"Ace. In here, with the club, it's Ace." I straighten up, my height allowing me to look down at her. "And I know you're not helpless. But right now, you need to let us protect you. Please."
Something in my tone must convince her, because she nods reluctantly. "Fine. I'll make a list."
As I lead her back to the main room, now buzzing with activity as the brothers clean up the aftermath of the attack, I'm struck by the surreal nature of our situation. Just hours ago, her biggest concern was telling me about the pregnancy. Now she's in the middle of a war zone, depending on rogue bikers for protection.
And I'm faced with the stark reality that bringing a child into my world means exposing it to dangers most people never have to face. It's a sobering thought, one that makes me question everything I've chosen to be.
