Page 43 of June 7

Every day she got up and worked and put a fucking smile on her face. She proved to everyone that she'd conquered the life she was given.

"I promised you." He held her face, making her look at him. "I don't care if I have to send away everyone that isn't associated with the club. I will make them all go if that means no one will judge you for what you've gone through."

"I can't ask you to alienate yourself for my sake," she said.

"You're not asking. I'm doing it."

"What happens when you have no friends left?"

He leaned down and kissed her lips softly. "That won't happen because when everyone is gone, I'll still have you."

She held him tighter, but it wasn't because she was upset. Maybe she'd needed the reassurance that he was here to protect her. Now, she could enjoy the night knowing no one else would take away her pleasure from getting out of the duplex and away from the pool to enjoy herself.

Jagger walked to the beverage table and lifted his chin to Bane. "Did those fuckers leave anything good behind?"

"I haven't noticed." He pointed toward the back of the table. "Looks like an untapped bottle of whiskey."

"That'll do." Jagger grabbed the bottle and looked at Daisy. "How's your night, Daisy Hill?"

Daisy stiffened. "It's f-fine."

Nothing got past the president of Havlin Motorcycle Club. Bane wasn't surprised Jagger had already done his homework regarding the businesses around the parts shop. Similarly, Daisy was suspicious of everyone—especially some biker she hadn't met who knew her full name.

"Good. Good." Jagger slapped Bane on the shoulder. "Tell Link to make sure the cars are gone from the front of the building by morning. We have a shipment coming."

"Will do."

As soon as Jagger was far enough away not to overhear, Daisy asked, "How did he know my name?"

He backed her to the wall and put his hand above her head. What he had to tell her was for her ears only. He wanted her to understand that the whole motorcycle club came with him.

He might not come with a family, but he had his MC brothers. He had a president that he trusted to take care of him and anyone in his life.

"Jagger knows everything around here, including who his members are hanging out with." He caressed her cheek with the pad of his thumb. "When I told you you're safe here, I meant it. If I'm not around, Jagger would watch out for you. Dio would watch out for you. There's a shit ton of members in Havlin, babe. They'd all watch out for you if I wasn't around."

She stared up at him, not saying a word.

"Eventually, you'll get to know most of the guys here. If you're in town and you see the patch, you are protected."

"Does this mean you're going to keep seeing me?"

He bent his knees and nuzzled her neck. "It means I'm going to see you. Touch you. Fuck you."

"That's a pretty serious pledge, Bane." She arched her neck. "I'd understand if you want to take things slow."

"There is no such thing as slow in my world." He captured her mouth and, against her lips, said, "It's fast, dirty, and hard."

He swallowed her moan. His body tightened, knowing it wouldn't take much, and he'd have her completely oblivious to the hundred or so people in the room.

"Daisy."

She pulled her mouth away from Bane and looked under his arm. "What?"

Liz moved right in, ignoring Bane. "Dio wants to go swimming."

"Where?" She moistened her lips, holding on to Bane.

"The pool."

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