Page 39 of Rise In Arms

“No, man, not claimin’ her. She’s been through enough, last thing she needs is another man right now. Nah,” I say again, shaking my head. “Not claimin’ her.”

Gunner keeps his eyes on me when he says, “I’m in. I’ll help.”

One by one the rest agree, and I sigh in relief. “Thanks, boys.”

“We need to come up with a plan, boys,” Prez says, looking around the table. “I know it’s late, and Trigger wants to get the girls to my house, so let’s get them settled there. Tracker’s out meeting with The Sinners to get us some ammo, just in case we need it.”

“But wasn’t Tate here tonight?” I ask.

“Yeah, I called him for a meeting, told him we need some new guns. He said he’s got connections. Now that we’re out of the business, Tate came to mind. He’s hooked us up.”

I nod at Quill. “Thanks, man. Thanks all of you for having my back,” I say, meaning every single word.

The boys smile and nod, and Bear slaps my shoulder. “Always, brother.”

Quill slams the gavel down. “Church is out. Let’s go, Jasmine’s expecting them. We’ve made up the spare rooms and she’s already texted me a million times asking when we’re comin’. Hawke, help the ladies with their bags, and Trigger, you ride with Hazel. I’d offer to take Charity, but I don’t want my ol’ lady cutting my balls off for having another woman on my bike. I’m assuming the same goes with you, Hawke?”

“Damn straight, brother. I like my balls exactly where they are, man.”

Quill nods, and I say, “Bear will take Hazel, and I’ll take Charity, Prez.”

He tilts his head to the side, lost in a thought, then says, “Right, let’s do this, then.”

We leave church one by one and I make my way to my room. When I open the door, I find Hazel sitting on my bed on her phone, with Charity nowhere in sight.

“Where the fuck is she?” I growl, slamming the door behind me.

Hazel peeps over her phone at me. “Relax, brother, she’s just taking a shower. Geez.”

I inhale deeply, my heart beating rapidly in my chest, and look over at the closed bathroom door.

“Pack your shit, we gotta leave in five. You’re going to my president’s house, and you and Charity are staying with his wife and kids.”

“President?” Hazel asks, jumping off the bed and walking toward me. “But why can’t we just stay with you, Kane. I’d feel safer with you.”

I grasp her shoulders in my hands. “Hazel, I’ve already told you, I don’t want you two stayin’ here. It’s no place for ladies. Besides, you’ll feel more comfortable staying at Quill’s house with his wife and kids. Jasmine is a good woman.”

“Okay, I get it,” she concedes. “Will you be staying with us? I’d feel better if you were.”

“Can’t, babe. Got shit to do here.”

She sighs and leans in, hugging me. “Just be careful, Kane. You’re the only family I have.”

I lift her face up by her chin. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m always careful. Now pack your things so we can leave.”

“Where are we going?” Charity asks as she exits the bathroom, dressed in tight black jeans that are ripped at her knees. She has on a tight-fitting sleeveless white top, and her hair is down and still wet from her shower. I take her in for a minute; she’s breathtaking. Just as I’m about to explain what the plan is, there’s a knock on the door. “That should be Hawke coming to get your bags.” I turn to open the door, and when I do, I’m surprised because it’s not Hawke—it’s Honey. Fuck me.

She squeals and jumps on me, wrapping her legs around my waist as she kisses me. “Baby, you came back. Fuck, I’ve missed you!” She continues to kiss me, then her lips move to my cheek then to my neck, where she bites and sucks at the skin there. I don’t respond to her kisses, I don’t even touch her. All I can think is Charity’s in the room, and she’s gonna think I’ve lied to her all this time.

Honey pulls back when she finally notices my lack of response. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

Someone clears their throat behind me, and when Honey looks over my shoulder, her face straightens and she slides down my body, stepping behind me. “And who are you?” she asks in an accusing tone.

Hazel stares Honey up and down then gives her the sweetest smile. Only I know that smile isn’t sincere. “I’m his sister, Hazel. And who are you?”

I want to look over at Charity but I’m too scared to see what her reaction is to what just went down.

“I’m his woman—Honey—that’s who,” Honey says, hands on her hips.

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