Page 18 of Dagger

Chapter Four

Elise

Sophie and Kennedy rushed toward me the instant Atlas ushered me inside the clubhouse.

“Jesus,” Sophie exclaimed. “I thought it would turn into a free-for-all. My heart was in my throat the entire time you were out there. Are you okay?”

I opened my mouth to reply but was stopped by Kennedy demanding, “Did you make the formal complaint? I need to know so I can do an immediate follow-up for the restraining order.”

“Down, girls,” Atlas ordered. “Give Elise a minute to breathe. She just had a stand-off with Henderson, his mini army, and the damned sheriff. Calm your tits.” His stare snapped to Kennedy. “And course she made the damned complaint. She’s not simple in the head.”

Kennedy jammed her hands to her hips. “I’m her attorney. I need to know what’s going on.”

“Yeah, and I’m her daughter, so I do, too,” Sophie added fiercely.

A warm feeling swept through my insides, not just at Sophie vehemently declaring she was my daughter but also at Atlas’s defense of me.

“I’m fine,” I assured her, taking her hand. “I’ve dreamed about the things I wanted to say to Robert over the years. It felt good to finally get some of it off my chest.”

“You were on fuckin’ fire out there,” Atlas said proudly. “Henderson didn’t know what had hit him. He was so sure you’d leave with him.”

“Thought his head was gonna explode,” Colt crowed from beside me.

Atlas glanced at him, lips thinning. “We should be so fuckin’ lucky.”

Sophie slid an arm across Atlas’s back. “How bad was it out there? We thought it would turn into a shoot-out. I got worried when everybody started drawing their weapons.”

Atlas dipped his chin to address his wife. “It was tense, but Prez had it under control. Henderson would’ve been the first man down if shots were fired. Dagger knows what he’s doin’.” His gaze cut to me. “You up to sittin’ down and tellin’ us everythin’ you know? Prez is callin’ Church soon, want you in there with us.”

My forehead creased. “You want me inChurch? Where men crush beer cans against heads and beat their chests?”

Atlas snickered. “Ain’t like that... much.”

“It was back in the day,” I insisted. “The second I walk in that room Bandit will climb up from his throne in Hell and throw me out again.”

“Jeez,” Sophie exclaimed. “The more I hear of Bandit, the more I dislike him.”

I turned quickly to say something, and pain stabbed through me. I let out a soft cry as my hand flew to my ribs.

“You’ve had enough, Elise. Please go and lie down,” Sophie implored.

I reached for her hand and squeezed. “I’m okay, honestly. Robert’s retreated for now, but we haven’t got time to relax. He’llbe regrouping as we speak. Honestly, I couldn’t rest now even if I tried.”

Sophie sighed resignedly. “Okay, but your next dose of meds is due. I’ll go set them up.” She pointed toward some plush-looking leather couches at the far end of the bar. “Hole up there with Colt. Work if you must but do it sitting down and with as little movement as possible.”

“It’s okay, Stitch,” Atlas assured her. “I’ll tie her ass down if I need to.” He waited for Sophie to disappear before firmly gripping my elbow and leading me toward the couches.

The doors to the parking lot flew open, and my steps faltered as I watched Stone, his boys, and Abe saunter into the bar.

John’s face was set, his lips thinning as he immediately sought me out. Gold met green, and my throat heated at the concern shining from his eyes as he studied me and mouthed,You okay?

My mind went back to the last time we were in this very room together.

It was Bandit’s wake, and John had mouthed something at me then, too. Remembering the ache in my heart that day almost took my breath away.

I’d given up on John years before, but the day of Bandit’s funeral was when I let him go.

Coming back here felt bittersweet in so many ways. Years ago, I believed it would be my home, something I’d help build, and a place I’d finally feel I belonged, except it never worked out that way. I could’ve cried when I thought of that young girl who was filled with hopes and dreams for the future.

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