Page 64 of Ruger's Rage

"Just the usual drama." Bloodhound's gaze flicks to the door Bailey exited through. "Nothing worth mentioning."

Understanding passes between them, and I realize Bloodhound is deliberately not bringing up the confrontation.

He’s protecting me in his own way.

"Rookie's waiting to escort Tildie to the bar," Bloodhound continues. "Whenever she's ready."

Ruger counters, brow furrowing. "I told Porter to handle that."

"Porter got called to handle something at the garage. Rookie offered to work on it, but it was a heavier job. Porter was the better choice, and Rookie’s available to escort Tildie over."

Ruger looks displeased but nods. "Fine. Tell him to stay with her until I relieve him after lunch."

"Got it, Prez."

I glance between them, bothered by the fact I’m being discussed like I'm not even here. "I'm sitting right here, you know."

At least Ruger has the grace to look apologetic. "Sorry, darlin'. Force of habit."

"I'm perfectly capable of getting myself to work."

"I know you are." His hand finds mine under the table. "But humor me. We need eyes on you right now."

The concern in his voice stops my irritation.

After everything I learned yesterday—the clubhouse hit, the evidence that Striker and Marco are connected—I can't really argue against the precautions.

"Fine. But I draw the line at having someone watch me pee."

That draws a laugh from both men, breaking the tension.

"Deal," Ruger agrees.

An hour later, I'm in Rookie's truck heading toward Backroads.

He seems nervous, fingers drumming on the steering wheel, eyes constantly checking the mirrors.

After several miles of silence, I finally speak up. "You okay?"

"Yeah, fine." He clears his throat. "Just, you know, first time on protection detail."

"Is that what this is? I thought you were just my chauffeur."

He cracks a small smile. "Prez would have my head if I thought of it that way."

"He's intense."

"You have no idea." Rookie glances at me. "I've seen him break a guy's arm for disrespecting Ellie. You? He'd probably burn down the whole town."

His words should scare me. Instead, warmth shoots through my chest.

It's been so long since someone was willing to fight for me rather than against me.

When we reach Backroads, Ellie's car is already in the lot.

Rookie parks near the back entrance, eyes scanning the area before opening his door.

"Wait here," he instructs, circling the vehicle to check our surroundings.

---