Page 20 of My Reluctant Valentine

Whatever comes next, there's no morepretending.Not for either ofus.

8

ACE

The weight of the Glock against my ribs feelswrong.Heavy. Like a betrayal of everything my old man taught me about handling problems with your hands, not hiding behind a trigger.But the memory of that brick sailing through my window, and Leslie's wide eyes as she read the threat, makes me push aside those feelings.

I'd sworn after what happened at the ranch that I'd never let violence touch my home again.Never let anyone I love feel that kind of fear.Yet here we are, with some fuck thinking he can threaten what's mine.

The phantom smell of hay and gunpowder fills my nose as memories crash over me.Dad in the barn. The metallic taste of blood in the air.My hands wrapped around a pitchfork instead of a gun.

"All set, boss?" Reaper's voice pulls me back to the present.He stands with Timer and Doc, all three positioned around my house like sentries.

I adjust my tie, fighting the urge to rip the whole monkey suit off."Yeah. Let's get Leslie and head to this shit show."

The drive to Leslie's cottage is tense.Every shadow, every passing car sets my teeth on edge.But the moment she opens her door, everything else fades away.

She's a vision in deep red, the silk dress clinging to curves I spent all night worshiping.Her hair falls in soft waves around her shoulders, and the shy smile she gives me makes my chest tight.

"You look stunning, darlin'." I pull her close, breathing in her sweet scent."Absolutely fucking perfect."

A blush stains her cheeks. "You clean up pretty well yourself, Ranch."

"Pretty well?" I spin her slowly, drinking in every detail."Baby, I'm downright respectable in this penguin suit."

Her laugh is worth every second of discomfort this tux causes.I keep her tucked against my side as we head to the car, my eyes constantly scanning our surroundings.No one's getting near her. Not today.Not ever again.

The church parking lot is already full when we arrive.Reaper takes point while Doc and Timer flank us.To anyone else, it probably looks like typical MC posturing.Let them think that.

"Daddy! Miss Leslie!" Emma comes barreling toward us in a cloud of pink tulle.I scoop her up, pressing a kiss to her forehead as she chatters about being the "bestest mini bride flower girl ever."

"You look like a princess, sweetheart." Leslie smooths Emma's dress, and something in my chest cracks open at the sight.This is what I want. My girls together, happy, safe.

"Places, everyone!" Lucy's mother's shrill voice cuts through the moment."Emma, come here right now, before you ruin your dress!"

Emma hugs Leslie tight before wiggling down."Watch me, Miss Leslie! I practiced real hard!"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, sweet girl." Leslie's voice is soft, full of genuine affection that makes me want to gather them both close and never let go.

Inside, we take our seats near the front.Close enough to make Lucy uncomfortable, far enough that I don't have to watch that prick Jim put his hands all over my ex-wife.Leslie's thumb traces circles on my palm, somehow knowing exactly when I need the contact.

The music starts, and Emma appears, tossing rose petals with careful concentration.She catches sight of us and beams, detouring to wrap her arms around Leslie's neck before continuing down the aisle.

My phone vibrates just as the wedding march begins.Tank's name flashes on the screen.

Found him. River Kings territory.Warehouse off Route 14.

Ice fills my veins. Of fucking course he's with them.Probably been planning this setup for weeks.

I squeeze Leslie's hand before slipping out to take Reaper's call.Her worried eyes follow me, and a moment later I hear her heels clicking behind me.

"Talk to me," I demand the moment I'm outside.

"He's holed up with about ten Kings," Reaper reports."Looking real cozy, like they've been working together a while."

"Fuck." I run a hand through my hair."That explains the brick. They're trying to start a war."

"What do you want to do, boss?"

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