Page 33 of Daughters of Chaos

He waits for me to continue. "I know everyone is keeping things from me about the club, and I know something is going on. I get that you don't want to talk about it, but . . . " His arms tense around my waist. "I need you to promise that you'll be careful and that you'll talk to me about it when you're ready."

He looks at me seriously, studying my face. Finally, he nods. "I'll be as careful as I can be. I have more reason to be now that I have someone waiting for me."

I bite my lip. "Sooo, does this mean we're . . . "

Raptor's crooked smile melts my heart as he finishes my question. "Together?"

I nod.

His hands drift up my back as he lifts his mouth to mine, meeting my lips. This kiss is slow and lazy, so unlike before. I'm content letting the question go unanswered if he wants to do this the rest of the night.

Too soon, though, he pulls away. "I'm yours, Phoenix. As long as you want me, I'm yours."

I can't help but glow at the thought. An excited sound escapes my throat as I answer, "And I'm yours."

Our lips reconnect, and I decide to let my worries rest for the night, choosing instead to enjoy this moment.

19

Raven

Idouble-check my list as I head inside the grocery store. For a shabby little biker bar, the place actually stays pretty busy most of the time, and our regulars love the food. I would never have pegged Archie as the chefy type, but the guy has skills on the flat top.

I'm cruising through the produce section when I spot a familiar head of hair belonging to Lace. "Hey, girl," she calls, looking at my cart. "Bar run?"

"You know it."

"Nice. Want some company?" she asks.

"Sure. Why not."

We wind our way through the store, checking off items on each of our lists and making small talk as we go. Usually, that's not my thing—chit-chat, girl talk—but I don't mind so much with Lace. She's cool, very down to Earth, with a stable head on her shoulders. Plus, she took Phoenix under her wing when we first got here, so the chick has my respect.

The conversation turns heavy when I ask about the club's current situation. I still don't have all the details, but Jesse hasn't been trying to hide things from me as much as he used to. The guys are worried about one of their rivals making a power play. What that means exactly, I'm not sure, but J and Viper both said we need to be vigilant.

They said to steer clear of Dom and his guys if I happen to see them around town. Viper didn't say it, but I know since their last meeting, the watch he put on Nix and me has gotten tighter. I don't have to turn my back to know that wherever I go, at least one of the guys is trailing me.

We're standing in the checkout line when Lace drops her voice, answering my question, "I don't know what's up exactly. My uncle hasn't said anything besides, 'Keep your eyes and ears open and make sure all your doors and windows stay locked.' He even suggested I stay with him for a while until things cool down." Her eyes are drawn with worry.

Things must be bad if Bear suggested she stay with him. I'm shocked Viper hasn't insisted Nix and I come back to the clubhouse. I guess having one of his guys living right next door is the only reason he hasn't done so.

My mind starts to drift, wondering what's going on with the club. I'm so deep in thought that I barely register what I'm doing as I check out with Lace right behind me. I'm still zoned out when we step outside.

We're about to part ways in the lot when the side door of a van opens up in front of us. Four men hop out and block our path. My stomach drops when I see who their ring leader is.

Dom.

He shoots me a sinister smile as he gives Lace a once-over. "Damn. Viper sure knows how to pick 'em."

I glare at him, stepping between him and Lace, daring the bastard to try something.

He laughs, raising his eyes as he turns his beady gaze toward me, moving closer. "Mmmm, Wild Thing, we meet again."

Before I can respond, Stitch and Tweak appear out of nowhere. "Fuck off, Dom. They have nothin' to do with this!" Stitch yells, shooting the men a withering look.

Dom turns to his cronies with a smirk, then back to us. "Oh, come on, now. We were just havin' a little fun. Just wanted to take a couple of your sweetbutts for a ride."

His crew lets out a loud chorus of laughter, further pissing me off. Stitch looks deadly as he growls back, "They aren't yours."

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