Page 135 of Boulder's Weight

"She's not going anywhere with you," I say, taking another step forward even with the guns trained on me. "She's claimed. She's under club protection now."

Benji laughs again, but this time there's an edge to it. "Claimed? You think some biker tradition means anything against blood? Against family loyalty?" He shakes his head. "You're more naive than I thought."

"Says the man who had to kidnap his sister because she'd rather die than go with him willingly," I counter.

While this exchange continues, I'm tallying our odds.

Four armed men are visible, plus Benji.

Potentially more I can't see.

Kelsey bound but conscious and alert.

My team in position outside.

As subtly as I can, I touch my ear, signaling through the hidden mic that I'm ready for my team.

"Last chance, prospect," Benji says, his voice hardening. "Walk away. Save your club brothers. Or die here with her."

I let a cold smile spread across my face. "You've made one critical mistake, Warlow."

"And what's that?" he asks, arrogant confidence radiating from him.

"You think I came here to negotiate." I lock eyes with Kelsey, hoping she'll read my intent. "I came here to end you."

What happens next is a blur.

I drop to one knee as the windows high above shatter, some of the cartel men rappelling in with weapons already firing.

The leftover men come in through a door, rushing to be part of the action.

I draw my gun, putting two rounds into the nearest guard before rolling behind a stack of crates.

Gunfire erupts throughout the warehouse, the sound deafening in the enclosed space.

Through the chaos, I keep my focus on one goal—reaching Kelsey.

I catch glimpses of the fight unfolding—Sam entering through a side door, taking down a guard, the cartel boys doing what they do best.

Benji has disappeared in the first moments of the assault, dragging Kelsey with him toward the back of the warehouse.

I pursue, ducking gunfire, returning shots when necessary, but always moving forward.

I catch up to them near a rear office, where Benji has backed himself against a wall, using Kelsey as a shield, a knife pressed to her throat.

"Stop right there," he commands, eyes wild now, control slipping. "One more step and she bleeds out."

I halt, my gun trained on him, looking for any opening, any chance to take the shot without risking Kelsey’s life.

"It's over, Benji," I say calmly. "Your men are down. The club has the warehouse surrounded. There's no way out."

"There's always a way out," he hisses. "And she's coming with me."

Kelsey's eyes find mine, fear evident but something else too—vengeance.

As our gazes lock, I see her tense slightly, preparing for something.

"Tell me something, Benji," I say, keeping his focus on me. "What happened to Craig? He didn't show up for our meeting."

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