Page 85 of Rio's Release

“I know. I’m sorry, but I wanted you to hear this from me.” Taking out my phone, I pull up a photo and show her. “Carson was arrested tonight.”

She studies the shot, noticing the logo on one of the jackets. “The FBI? They arrested him? On what charges?”

“Eight rapes. Don’t worry, your name is not involved. I made sure of that. I know that because of Bella, you wouldn’t want to come forward or testify.”

“Eight?” Her mouth drops open. “Oh, my God.”

“I know. He’s a sick motherfucker.”

“Wait. You said you made sure my name wasn’t involved. How?”

“It’s not important.”

“It is to me, Rio. How?”

“Let’s just say the sheriff turned all the reports over to me. I removed yours before giving them to the DA. You’ve got nothing to worry about, Shelby.”

She stares at the photo of Carson handcuffed. “You’re sure? He won’t get out on bail?”

“The DA assured me with this many charges, he’s a serial rapist and a danger to society. His bail will be denied.” I take her chin in my hand and turn her face to mine. “It’s done.”

“You didn’t kill him, but you found a way to make me safe.” Shelby bursts into tears, and I take her in my arms.

Stroking her hair, I bring my mouth to her ear. “I will always keep you safe, Shelby. You and Bella. You’ve got my oath on that.”

“I love you, Rio,” she murmurs against my chest.

It’s the first time she’s said the words, and I have to study her face, be sure I didn’t mishear her. “What did you say, baby?”

“I said I love you, Rio.”

“Seems like I’ve waited a lifetime to hear you say that. But it was worth the wait. I’m going to make this town safe for you, Shelby. You’re never going to have to worry again.”

“The day your club robbed the bank, I saw the guns you had, how your club operates. Promise me you won’t use violence anymore, Rio. Promise me that’s done. I can’t bear the thought of it. I can’t bear the thought of worrying about something happening to you.”

“I know you hate us running this town—my MC. But if it’s not us, it’ll be someone else—another club. One that won’t give a damn about this town or any of you.”

“Rio—”

I cup her face. “Shelby, look at me. You’ve got to trust me. I swear to God I’m going to make your life happy. I’m going to take care of you. You’ll never have to worry about anything again. Your life is going to be golden.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Ice Cream Kisses

Shelby—

Peering in the full-length department store mirror, I have to admit… the dress looks good on me.

“Oh, Shelby, that’s definitely the one,” Jenny says, standing behind me.

“Mommy looks pretty.” Bella gives me a hug. “Can I get a new dress, too?”

“Maybe next time, pumpkin,” Jenny replies. “This is for a special date your mom is going on tomorrow.”

“It’s not a date. It’s a wedding,” I clarify.

“Same thing. He asked you, didn’t he?”

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