Page 89 of Boulder's Weight

Her eyes soften slightly. "So, Sam is still trying to help. Deescalate."

"You've been in contact with him?" I ask.

She nods. "In the past, yes. Burner phones. Very occasional texts. He's the one who warned me that Benji found me in Billings."

I take her hand, needing her to understand what's coming. "Kelsey, there's something else. Benji's been asking questions about the club all over town. About our territory, our business."

Her face pales. "No, no, no. He's drawing you into this."

"It's already done," I say gently. "Amara's declared it a club problem now. It's not just us anymore."

"This is exactly what I was afraid of," she whispers, pulling her hand from mine and standing up to pace again. "People getting hurt because of me."

"This isn't on you," I insist, rising to intercept her. "This is on your brother for bringing the fight to our door."

She shakes her head. "You don't understand. Benji won't stop. He'll?—"

"Neither will we," I interrupt, taking her shoulders in my hands. "The club protects its own, Kelsey. And like it or not, that includes you now."

"Because you claimed me," she says, eyes searching mine. "A decision you made in the heat of the moment."

"It doesn't matter why I did it," I say firmly. "What matters is that I did. And I'd do it again."

The certainty in my voice surprises even me.

But it's true.

In that moment, I knew without a doubt that I'd claim her all over again, knowing everything I know now.

"I need to go back and talk to them," I tell her, stroking her cheek. "We're planning our next moves."

She catches my hand, holding it against her face. "Boulder, be careful. Please. Benji is... he's capable of things you can't imagine."

After what Craig told me about their family, I have a better idea than she thinks. "I will. You stay here, okay? The ol’ ladies are in the main room if you need anything."

As I turn to leave, she calls after me. "Boulder, wait."

I look back to find her standing straighter, a determined set to her jaw. "I want to help."

"What?"

"I know Benji better than anyone," she says. "His patterns, his weaknesses. I can help you plan how to deal with him."

I hesitate, torn between wanting to keep her safe, away from all of this, and recognizing the fact that her knowledge could actually help us.

"Let me talk to Amara," I say finally. "It's her call."

Kelsey nods, accepting this. "Thank you."

Despite everything that's happened, despite my confusion about my own feelings, I know one thing for certain: she's not just someone I'm protecting anymore.

She's becoming essential to me in a way I never thought possible.

I return to church to find the planning already in full swing.

To my surprise, when I suggest bringing Kelsey in for her insight on Benji, Amara agrees immediately.

"Smart," she says. "We need every advantage we can get."

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