Page 26 of Property of the Hellfire Riders

I pause, Hawk doesn’t say a word, so I continue.

“He’s not the kind to let go easily, you know…, and well. I figured; you guys might be the safest place.”

"Dead Demons, huh?" Hawk's tone is neutral, but there's a sharpness to his gaze that tells me he's not entirely buying it. "That's quite a story, Izzy. And you've come to us, of all people, for protection. That’s a bold move."

I swallow past the lump in my throat, my heart racing. "Desperate times.”

He leans back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine, assessing, calculating. After a moment that stretches uncomfortably long, he finally speaks, his voice steady and controlled.

“You know we only protect our own right?” he finally asks.

“I can tell you what you want to know about them.” I know some of the intel that the police department has gathered on these guys. They always leave evidence, make too many mistakes. I’ve read the files on their rival gang. I know enough to bull shit through this.

Hawk's eyebrow shoots up in surprise, and he leans forward, interest piqued.

“They’d kill you if they found out,” he says.

I nod.

“I’m aware.”

“Which means you must know what it means to a woman who rides with a club, right?” He raises an eyebrow. “You’re aware of the…expectations?”

I swallow hard. I had a feeling he’d say something along those lines. I have to agree to whatever he throws at me. Youdon’t say no to the club president, especially when asking for something.

“I’m not stupid, Hawk,” I say, unable to catch the words before they fall out of my lips, but I’m sick of his little questions and his games.

My anxiousness is taking control.

Hawk's gaze darkens.

"Then before you make your decision, let me make things clear," he says, each word loaded with menace and power. "You come to us for protection, and you're Hellfire Rider property now."

My stomach flips. Property. The way he says it sends shivers down my spine. “I understand.” I grit out. I can handle anything, as long as it means getting Laina back in one piece.

“So, if I tell you to dance?”

Jesus. This fucking guy. I grit my teeth together.

“I dance.”

“And if I tell you to strip?”

“I strip.”

His smile is cold and calculating. “And if I tell you to come?”

I blush and look away, but I know he saw the way my cheeks warmed. Definitely not cold in here. No. It’s absolutely stifling, and I might as well be standing in the fire.

“I…” I clear my throat. “I’ll... come.”

He chuckles, the sound low and sinister, and oh, so wicked in the dimly lit room. It was like he could see right through me.

“Come where?” he pushes.

I want the ground to swallow me whole.

“Wherever you want me,” I mutter.

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