Page 40 of Big Red

“Enjoy that bitch while you can! If I can't have her, nobody will!” he screams before racing off to his car.

My heart feels like it’s about to beat out of my chest. That was a threat if I’ve ever heard one. Declan told me for years how he would kill me and anyone who tried to take me from him. I never doubted those words, but somehow they seem more sincere.

Declan is going to try to kill me, even if it means getting himself killed in the process.

Red parksthe truck in front of my house and turns to me. He tried comforting me the entire drive, but I couldn’t escape the fear Declan put in me. It seems like no matter how good things are going for me, he has the power to come in and destroy it.

I hate it.

I hate how much he affects me. I’ve done everything possible to get this monkey off my back, but he just keeps returning. It’s so frustrating!

Red grips my chin, and I jump out of instinct. The hurt flashing in his eyes makes me drop my head in shame. IknowRed would never lay a hand on me, but for years, a hand coming near my face was never good. It’s a hard habit to break.

“Kitten, I want you to go in there and change into some athletic wear. Tennis shoes, tights, a shirt. Whatever you have is fine. I'll be back in ten minutes to get you.”

Huh? That is not what I expected him to say.

“Why do I?—”

Shaking his head, he cuts me off. “Ten minutes, baby. I’ll be back.” He gets out and opens my door for me. I’m so confused, I just go inside and do as instructed. When he returns, he leads me to the clubhouse in silence.

Walking through the common room, a few of the brothers are in here. They’re all smirking and nodding with what looks like approval.

“It’s about time. You should have brought her sooner,” Viper says from the couch.

“I didn’t think she was ready, but she needs this.”

Red continues down the hall with me and a few brothers on his heel. “Bring me where?” I questioned.

We stop in front of a door where I can clearly hear grunts and growls on the other side.

“I never want to see that look of fear on your face again. That shit almost killed me to see how scared you were. As much as you try to move on, Declan is still at the forefront of your mind. Today, you’re going to get the strength back that he took because I don’t want you fearing not one damn soul walking this earth.”

Not bothering to let me respond, he opens the door, and I walk inside. What I see stops me dead in my tracks.

Cindy is in the middle of a blue mat with Capone, trading blows. Capone’s shots are soft compared to Cindy's, who puts all her strength into her punches and kicks.

Cara circles them, barking out orders to Cindy and coaching her on dodging and attacking her opponent.

Some of the brothers walk in to watch the show along with us. They’re watching Cindy with proud smiles. I notice Hannah sitting off on the sidelines, dripping in sweat, cheering Cindy on.

“Cindy and Hannah have been training in self-defense for two years. They’re not nearly as dangerous as Cara and Sara, but one day, they will be.”

I stare up at Red, speechless. I’ve always wanted to take self-defense classes, but I was too afraid of Declan finding out. Somehow, this man always knows what I need.

Suddenly, Capone wraps his arms around Cindy and begins wrestling her around, overpowering her. I can tell she’s getting frustrated as she tries to gain the upper hand.

“Don’t get in your feelings, Cindy! Think! If this was a real attacker, you would be on the floor! Knock him on his ass!” Cara barks.

Whoa.

I feel like that was a little intense, but clearly, it is exactly what she needs to hear. Placing a foot between his legs, shesweeps her foot out while giving Capone a hard push. Capone loses his balance before falling on his ass.

Cindy rushes forward, sits on top of him, and raises a closed fist in the air before freezing. She looks up to Cara, who is now wearing a huge smile.

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Cara high-fives Cindy and helps her up.

She is breathing heavily when she spots me and her father. She and Hannah make a fist pound before she walks over to us.

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