Page 123 of Ruger's Rage

"Stop." She holds me at arm's length. "You've faced down far worse than a family dinner. Now go, or you'll be late."

We say our goodbyes, promising Sadie Jo we'll be back later to celebrate a little more.

As Ruger leads me toward the door, I notice Kinsey sitting alone, watching Rookie laugh with a couple of brothers across the room.

"She'll be okay," Ruger murmurs, following my gaze. "Kid's tougher than she looks."

"I know. I just..." I sigh. "I want everyone to be as happy as we are."

His arm tightens around me. "That's why I love you, darlin'. You’re always thinkin’ of others."

The words still give me a little thrill, even though he says them daily now. I love you. So simple, so powerful.

We step outside into the crisp autumn air, heading toward his truck.

I've convinced him to drive tonight instead of taking the Harley, given that we're meeting my family at a decent restaurant, and I don’t exactly want to throw the fact my boyfriend’s the President of an MC right in their faces—his cut does that enough.

"Nervous?" he asks as we climb in.

"Terrified," I admit. "I haven't seen them since I left Pittsburgh. What if they're still angry? What if they blame me for choosing Marco over them?"

He starts the engine. "Then we'll deal with it."

The drive to Morgantown takes about twenty minutes, the scenery stunning with fall colors.

I fidget the entire way, checking my makeup in the visor mirror, smoothing my hair, adjusting my blouse.

"You look beautiful," Ruger tells me, reaching over to squeeze my hand. "Relax."

"Easy for you to say. You're not the one who abandoned your family for an abusive psychopath."

"No, I'm the one who exiled my uncle and later witnessed his death at his daughter's hands." His dry tone makes me laugh even though I’m anxious as all hell. "We've all got family drama, darlin'."

The restaurant is in downtown Morgantown, upscale enough for a special occasion without being stuffy.

Ruger parks across the street, and we sit for a moment in silence. "Ready?"

I take a deep breath. "As I'll ever be."

We cross the street hand in hand.

Even before we reach the entrance, I spot them waiting outside—my mother, her blonde hair now streaked with gray; my father, still imposing as ever, and my two younger brothers, Bryan and Brent, both taller than I remember.

My steps falter. Ruger's hand tightens on mine, steadying me.

"They came," I whisper, throat tight with sudden emotion.

"Of course they did," he says. "They're your family."

My mother sees me first, her hand flying to her mouth.

For one horrible moment, I think she might turn away, but then she's rushing toward me, arms outstretched.

"Elizabeth," she sobs, wrapping me in a fierce embrace that smells of the same perfume she's worn my entire life. "My baby girl."

I collapse into her arms, tears flowing freely. "Mom, I'm so sorry."

"Shh," she soothes, stroking my hair like I'm a child again. "You're here now. That's all that matters."

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