Page 63 of Piston

“Last time she head butted someone, she nearly knocked herself out.”

The brothers look at me with shock, but I wave my hand at them, and walk over to my woman, who’s holding her head.

Yeah, she hurt herself again.

Katie takes advantage of Nat’s loss of focus and smacks my girl across the face, making the brothers shout in outrage, and just as Nat goes to punch her again, I wrap my arms around her waist, and lift her off the naked bitch.

Fuck’s sake, we’re going to have to burn these jeans, which is a shame because they mold her curvy ass nicely.

“Hey, I’m not done,” Natalie shrieks, and the brothers laugh as I drag her away. Cam gives me a nod and grabs Katie’s arm, taking her to the other side of the building out of view. Katie doesn’t put up a fight; probably thinking he’s helping her.

Jokes on her. Instead, he’ll knock her out and tie her up in the bunker until we’re ready to deal with her.

She’s not getting away with the stunt she fucking pulled; I won’t allow it, and neither will Steal. She was warned.

Natalie huffs and spins in my hold, her eyes connecting with mine before she demands, “What in the hell happened to yourarm, and if you tell me that is a bullet wound, and didn’t call me, I’ll kill you!”

I smirk despite the anger coursing through me at the bruises on her face, not just because of Katie but also her falling off the fucking ladder.

It’s a good thing summer break has just started, because this shit will be hard to explain to eleven-year-olds.

Natalie glares at my smirk, and warns, “Piston….”

I grin and gently cup her cheek, rubbing my thumb over the new red mark, and I whisper with such love, “Elijah,” causing everyone to quiet down. I smile at her and admit, “I’m your Elijah, Diamond.”

Her eyes tear up as she remarks, “Just because you’re being sweet and claiming me in front of everyone doesn’t mean you’re off my shit list. Now explain!”

“Yeah, my baby brother is one lucky fucker,” Acid murmurs, but I don’t break eye contact with my girl.

He is right, though, Iama lucky fucker, and I may feel like I’m not good enough, and I may be scared I’m just like my father, but I won’t let her go, even if that does make me selfish.

“We were ambushed an hour after our phone call yesterday, and I got shot; they were Killers. I didn’t want to worry you,” I admit.

Her mouth parts at my words as Anchor chimes in, “Yeah, the idiot was too busy warning us, noticing them first, instead of ducking for cover.”

The first tear falls, and I quickly catch it, reassuring her, “It’s not your fault, baby. With or without you, they were going to come for us. Since the new leader took over, they’ve wanted our territory.”

She sniffles, gripping my wrists. Gently, I place my lips against her forehead as she whispers, “I love you.”

I smile and whisper, “I love you too, Diamond.”

I pull back and press my lips against hers, caressing them.

“I’ve got club business to attend to. Are you alright with waiting in the common room until I’m done, or do you have Coop today?” I ask, rubbing my nose against hers.

She smiles. “He’s heading to camp today, something about his school dismissing early so he got out of his math test, but you’re not going anywhere until Medic looks at that arm.”

I grin. “Yes, ma’am.”

Natalie shakes her head, and wraps her arms around my waist, placing her head on my chest. I turn us slightly to walk inside, the brothers patting my back as we go.

After ensuring the bitch didn’t tear my stitches, and my girl is sitting with Aunt Holly, I head to the bunker with the brothers behind me.

Aunt Holly uses a wheelchair now, so I know seeing my girl and spending time with her will lift her spirits, which have been low lately.

I descend the wooden steps to the bunker before opening the metal door, and entering the large room.

Katie sits tied to a metal chair over a drain. Tears coat her bruised cheeks, blood dried on her chest, and I smirk at my wife’s handy work.