Page 45 of Claymore
“You gonna tell us why the Lions and the Kings are joining forces?”
“Ain’t it obvious? They want to take you fuckers out. World would be a much better place without you Rebels roaming the streets. Ray’s rebuilding his army now, and he’s making Fang pretty damn happy. If I were you or your buddy Tank, I’d get the fuck outta town,” he said, laughing.
Claymore grit his teeth, pressing his lips together with a sigh.
“She knows us all, huh?”
“Let’s just say we’ve been briefed. I told you everything I know, man. You can let me go now.”
I spotted Claymore’s gun on the ground near the pool stairs. My body was trembling, my breath quickening, but I knew what had to be done. I stepped forward, kicking it over to him. We locked eyes for a moment and he nodded, taking it between his fingers.
“Look away, Ella,” Claymore demanded.
“Wait. What the fuck are you—”
I shut my eyes as the sound of the gunshot echoed in the air and the world around me went silent. When I opened them, Claymore got up, trailing his wet clothes across the grass to where I’d been standing. There was blood splattered across his chin and neck. I pulled my sleeves up over my hands, carefully wiping some of it away and he gave a hesitant look at me.
“Ella, you’re shaking. Come on, I need to get you out of here.”
“I-I’m fine.”
He caressed my cheek and the feeling of his fingertips on my skin lulled me. My mind instantly settled. I savored just how safe I felt whenever he was around. He shielded me from such darkness, such chaos that he lived in every single day. I wondered how a man who could be so gentle with me could take the life of another without so much as an ounce of remorse.Will I ever understand it? The feeling that it had to be done?
For a moment, I’d forgotten just how bad things had gotten. Ray had left so much carnage, so much chaos in his wake. It made my blood boil to imagine him kicking it back somewhere, proud of what he’d done.I will find you, Ray. This is far from over.
I tried to look past Claymore over at the biker who now laid dead in a pool of his own blood, but Claymore stopped me.
“There’s nothing to see there, Ella. Let’s get you home, okay?”
“Okay.”
It was like I was moving in slow motion, my feet trampling the stranger’s back garden while Claymore held my hand in his. He pulled me toward his bike, slipping the helmet over my blonde curls, helping me on. As angry as I was, I couldn’t help the fear that rushed through me. It made me want to cower in terror like a small child.
I’d been so lost in thought that I didn’t even realize we were pulling up to Claymore’s driveway. He looked around, his helmeted head turning left and right before he revved his engine, speeding up. I furrowed my brow, wondering why he drove right past his house. When I turned to look, I noticed the soft hue of headlights parked across the street, hidden among the alleyways and in between houses.They’re here.
Claymore didn’t stop, he didn’t slow down again for what felt like ages. We were back on the highway, taking unfamiliar turns, driving down exit lanes to places I’d never been before. He drove to a secluded spot in the desert, hidden away among the trees, at least a few miles from the main road. It wasn’t until I spotted the array of bikes out front and listened to the sound of power tools running in the garage, even at this hour, did I realize where I was.So this is the clubhouse.
Its tall brick walls and old charm made me think that the Rebels just happened upon it one day. There was something about it that made me feel safe. I glanced over at Claymore, watching his jaw tighten as he stared at the front door.
“For now, Ella. This has gotta be home.”
“I thought the club didn’t want me here,” I said, my voice still shaky.
“I don’t care what they want. I need you safe. That is theonlything that matters to me.”
Chapter Eleven
Claymore
The clubhouse was dark when we entered. I flipped the light switch, watching the foyer illuminate, hearing nothing but the soft whir of tools out in the garage.Someone’s up.I slipped my jacket off, wrapping it around Ella’s shoulders and she smiled up at me.
“Are you sure it’s all right that I’m here?” she whispered and I nodded.
“Of course it is. I’m not letting you out of my sight until we deal with this. The guys will just have to understand.”
I caressed her cheek, feeling her shake, her eyes darting around the room like she expected there to be trouble. She glanced down at my hand and I wrapped my fingers around hers, leading her up the stairs to the spare room. The duvet hadn’t been touched in months, the curtains were a bit dusty, but it was the best I could do right now.
“I’m sorry we can’t go back to my place now, Ella.”
