Page 71 of Ruger's Rage

Brothers and their women fill every table, a few trusted allies from friendly clubs mixed in.

Maddox and Coin man the front door, checking IDs, making sure no one gets in that we don’t want to.

Bloodhound does periodic security sweeps, his watchful eyes missing nothing.

Even though we’re celebrating, everyone’s armed and alert.

The threat is still real, but tonight we refuse to be ruled by it.

"Quite a turnout," Ellie says, appearing at my side with a beer. "Best night we've had in months."

"Place looks good," I agree, taking the offered drink. "How's Tildie holding up?"

Ellie's smile turns knowing. "Look for yourself."

I follow her gaze to where Tildie's laughing at something Porter's ol’ lady, Sarah, just said.

She's glowing tonight, confidence oozing off her, nothing like the terrified woman I first met.

Behind the bar, Bailey watches with barely concealed envy, forced to sling drinks while Tildie moves freely among the guests.

"She's fitting in," Ellie observes. "Club's accepting her."

"Hard not to." I can't tear my eyes away from her. "She's pretty fuckin’ amazing."

"That she is. But then, so are you." Ellie pats my arm. "Your father would be proud of the man you've become. The President, you are."

The compliment hits deep.

My father died when I was fourteen, but his legacy shaped everything I've done since. "Hope so."

"I know so." She squeezes my hand. "Now go dance with your woman before someone else does."

The suggestion surprises me. "I don't dance."

"Tonight you do." She gives me a gentle push. "Some things are worth looking a little foolish for."

The song changes to something slower as I approach Tildie—a sign Satyr's paying attention.

He shoots me a thumbs-up from the makeshift DJ booth. Idiot.

"Dance with me?" I ask, reaching for her hand.

Surprise flickers across her face. "You dance?"

"For you, I'll try." I lead her to the small space cleared near the speakers. "Fair warning, I might step on your toes."

Her laugh sends warmth through my chest as I pull her close, one hand at her waist, the other holding hers. "I'll risk it."

We sway together, her body fitting against mine like she was made for me.

Around us, the crowd fades to background noise as I lose myself in her amber eyes, the soft curve of her lips.

"Everyone's watching," she murmurs, a blush creeping up her neck.

"Let them." I pull her closer. "Might as well give them something to talk about."

I capture her lips with mine, the kiss gentle but unmistakably possessive.

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