Page 114 of Ruthless Reign

“Want me to get rid of him?” Kaleb offered, and Gregory balked but had the presence of mind to look a little concerned for his own security as Kaleb cracked his knuckles and Hardin rolled his neck and shoulders.

“No. He’s going to leave like I asked him to.”

Gregory’s jaw tightened. “Unbelievable,” he muttered.

I walked closer to him even though every step felt strained. I didn’t want the others overhearing the rest of what I needed to say but he needed to hear it before he left. “It’s my choice,” I told him. “Mine. Not yours.”

His lips pressed into a thin line that to anyone else might’ve looked derisive, but I could see the emotion he was trying to hide in his stare. He never knew how to let go. He never let me take the reins. I always, always had to take them for myself and usually that was more trouble than it was worth.

Gregory did what he did because he thought it was the right thing, but even things that come from a good place can be bad in the end.

“I need to see this through.”

“You could get hurt.”

“I know.”

I didn’t tell him that I already was. Most of the bruising had faded, but I could see his eyes lingering on the still healing cut on my cheek. It was a pale pink line now, but still unmistakable.

He didn’t ask how I got it, but he lifted his hand to trace it with his thumb, jaw clenching and unclenching. “You don’t belong here.”

“That’s not for you to say.”

I stepped just far enough back that his hand dropped.

“You can’t ask me to leave you here with these people.”

“Then let me ask you for something else.”

His brows drew together. “Their families. Some of them didn’t have anywhere to go. You have real estate out of town.”

And he bought out that security firm last year. He could shelter them and guard them until this was over.

“You’re not seriously suggesting?—”

“Mom would do it if she were here.”

His lips parted and for one earth shattering second, I thought he might hit me from the shock and rage and betrayal in his expression. But then it was gone as fast as it came, and I stood taller.

“You know she would,” I pushed. “Help them, and I’ll do whatever you want.”

He opened his mouth to barter, but I held up my hand to silence him. “Except leave. I already told you, I’m staying.”

“Dinner,” he said after a minute of thought. “The first Friday of every month.”

I frowned and the ugly, stiff thing that’d been growing up my spine softened, and I sagged.

“Done. Damien, can you get word to the remaining families that safe shelter is available to them. My dad will organize transport and security.”

The few Saints in the room stopped what they were doing, looking at Gregory differently than they had when he first arrived.

“Who is this guy?” Mitch asked from behind me.

“He’s the man who raised me,” I replied. “But his properties won’t even be on the Sons’ radar. If we can move your family quickly and quietly, he’ll keep them safe until this is all over.”

“For real?”

Gregory looked between me and Mitch, giving the Saint a terse nod. “I’ll do everything I can to shelter your people for as long as I’m able to.”

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