Page 26 of Throttle

“And another thing. The next time my dick is buried deep inside you, I want you calling out my real name.”

“You mean your parents didn’t actually name you Throttle?” She laughs.

“No, smartass.” I nip at the side of her generous tit, which is now jiggling in front of my face.

“Ow.” She rubs at her skin, but I barely grazed her. “Fine, what is it?”

“Ryan. Ryan Davis.” I smile. “If we’re doing this, you should know the man you’re with.”

Sienna cups my cheek, rising up to kiss my lips. “I already know the man I’m with. The name doesn’t matter.”

We gaze at each other for a few moments, the reality of what we’re committing to sinking in. Then I roll off her and pull her into my arms, her head resting on my chest as we both drift off to sleep.

13

SIENNA

The day I’ve been dreading is finally here and I have no idea what to expect. It’s been four weeks since I received that message, yet nothing could prepare me for facing the same man who’s been haunting my nightmares since that day he sent his thugs to attack me at my condo.

Every muscle in my body is tense and I could throw up at any moment. I’m trying to relax and remain calm, but my blood pressure is through the roof and my heart is beating a mile a minute. I just want to get this over with, so I can stop carrying this dark cloud around with me while constantly looking over my shoulder.

I release a long breath just as Throttle parks his truck near the courthouse. He promised me that his brothers would be on standby if anything were to happen. Several of them are positioned around the building, staying out of plain sight. And a few will be inside with us, just in case Tony’s men show up and try something stupid. It helps to know the Disciples are watching out for me, but it doesn’t erase the fear of coming face-to-face with my client again. Not after knowing he wants me dead and will stop at nothing to get it.

Tony Bertelli doesn’t make idle threats.

My eyes close as I inhale a deep breath. Throttle places his palm over mine and I welcome his touch. “Talk to me,” he asks while giving my hand a squeeze.

“I’m nervous.” I shrug. “I’ve been hiding in my own world for the last few weeks and it seems strange to be out in public like this.”

“It’s not like we’ve been holding you hostage,” he jokes.

“Of course not. But my life has been on hold. I haven’t been to the office or my condo. I haven’t even been to the grocery store.” I pause, thinking about how much has changed for me. “But once I got used to things at the clubhouse and familiar with everyone in the club, I started developing a new normal. So, it’s odd to be back in my regular life, particularly under these circumstances.”

“Hey. Look at me.”

I turn my head to face him, seeing the concern in his eyes.

“No one will touch you. Especially not that motherfucker, Tony. I’ll enjoy killing him and anyone else who even thinks about hurting you. And I promise their death will be painful.”

I hold Throttle’s gaze for a moment, then nod. “I have to meet with him before the hearing.”

“And I’ll be right outside the door when you do. I told you you’re stuck with me. Nothing and no one will take you away from me. Not ever.”

There’s something else in his eyes that I can feel but can’t read. Unspoken words that settle me, despite not knowing what they are or mean. His confidence is reassuring, reducing my anxiety to a simmer. And the overwhelming feeling of drowning lessens with the knowledge that he’ll be here to protect me, and I’m grateful he’s by my side.

After a comforting kiss, we exit the vehicle and walk inside the courthouse. The lobby is swarming with press, their flashing cameras practically blinding me as we rush by. At the security checkpoint, Throttle and I are patted down and my bag is scanned before we’re escorted to the elevator that takes us to our designated floor. When we arrive at the holding room where Tony is waiting for me, Throttle promises to wait right outside if I need him, even though guards will be watching too.

With my hand on the knob, I lock down my emotions, steeling myself for whatever waits for me on the other side of the door. With one last glance at the man who made me forget this life existed, even if only for a while, I push my way inside to meet with a monster.

The room is cold, lacking any character or appeal. Good. It’s a reminder that nothing about this situation is pleasant or even remotely cordial. I’m here to do a job and nothing more. I wish I’d never been assigned this case, but it’s too late now. I need to see it through and put it far behind me.

Tony sits at a dark wooden table with an empty chair across from him, his wrists bound in cuffs. I’m thankful for the restraints even though they’ll be removed once we enter the courtroom. At least then I won’t be alone if he suddenly decides to kill me himself.

He smiles cooly when he sees me walk in. If he’s surprised I’m still alive, his expression doesn’t give anything away.

I take a seat, not returning his fake smile. “Mr. Bertelli. Do you have any questions before the hearing?” My tone is devoid of any sentiment and my mask of professionalism is firmly in place. Fear bubbles in my stomach, threatening to creep up my throat. But I bury it deep, refusing to give this man any ammunition.

“No questions… Little Miss Lawyer. But I guess you could say I wasn’t expecting you to make it in today.” He leans back in his chair, and the sound of his chains scraping against the table echoes around the room. “Seems you weren’t the only one who failed their assignment.”

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