Page 36 of August 20

The president of Havlin Motorcycle Club approached him. "Are you sure about this, brother?"

He nodded. There weren't any options left, and the way he had felt living with Brooke lately, maybe this was his smartest plan.

It certainly wasn't something he'd set out to do from the beginning. But now that he'd had time to grow accustomed to the idea, he knew he wanted this next step.

"There's a three-day wait once you have the permit."

He cleared his throat and nodded.

"Same plan?" Jagger gazed down at Skye. "Half an hour?"

He clasped Jagger's hand, agreeing.

He guided Skye a few feet away and squatted in front of her. His daughter looked at him expectantly as if she knew something was happening. Something exciting was going to happen.

"Go with Dio." His throat spasmed. "He's going to take you to see the cats and bring you home."

Her eyes rounded. "I get to hold the kitties again?"

He nodded.

"When?"

"Now."

She jumped in excitement. He tagged her hands and held her in front of him, trying to keep the enthusiasm in check in case Brooke was alerted too soon to his plan.

"I want to tell Aunt Brooke I get to hold the kitties today." She pulled on her hands.

"She knows." He stood and led her toward the truck, motioning for Dio to get ready.

He coughed hard enough he bent at the waist. The force tightened his stomach as he tried to gain control of the muscle spasms in his throat.

Not stopping, he rounded the truck, opened the door, and swept Skye onto the seat. Pulling the belt, he strung it in front of Skye and passed it to Dio to click into place.

He knocked on the door and backed away. As Dio drove down the driveway, Skye looked forward, away from the house, unaware that hell was going to break out any second.

"No," screamed Brooke.

That second had arrived. He turned and headed straight toward her, catching her before she hit the driveway. "Stop him. He's got Skye."

Small fists hit his shoulders as she fought to get through him to save Skye. He lifted her off her feet and carried her toward the house, ignoring the small damage made by her fists.

"Bring her back." Brooke pushed against him. "Damn you. You can't take her. She's mine."

He locked his arms, not budging. Skye was his daughter, and if he wanted to let her go somewhere for a half hour with someone he trusted with his life, he'd damn well send her with Dio.

He carried her into the house, set her on her feet, and kicked the door shut. Brooke lunged for him, shoving her hands against his chest. He never budged.

"Call him and have him bring her back." Brooke frantically gazed from him to the window. "She's going to be scared. She doesn't know any of them."

He shook his head. "I'll bring her back when you do what I say."

Her brows lifted, and she screamed, "What are you talking about?"

He never answered. She'd heard him. Now, she needed to accept the position she was in. There was no way out for her. She had to realize that.

She covered her mouth and walked over to the window, looking outside. Skye was gone. Dio had her. She was safe.

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