Page 87 of Ruger's Rage

"She's my ol’ lady."

He nods, a decision made. "Then we have a temporary alliance. Tonight, we take Striker. After that, we negotiate new terms between our clubs."

We shake on it, both wanting revenge against the man who betrayed us both.

Back at the compound, I find Tildie talking to Kinsey.

They both look up when I enter, an odd solidarity between them that wasn't there when I left.

"How'd it go?" Tildie asks.

"Viper's on board. We move on Striker tonight."

Relief crosses Kinsey's face. "He believed you?"

"The recording helped. So did your connection to him." I settle beside Tildie, noting how she leans subtly into me. "He seemed genuinely concerned about you."

"Viper was more of a father to me over the years than Striker ever was, even after Striker showed back up…" Bitterness tinges her voice. "Guess I know why now."

Tildie's expression shifts, something like understanding passing between the women.

I'm reminded that they share more than just a connection to this situation—both have been used by men who claimed to care for them.

"Have you seen Rookie?" Kinsey asks suddenly.

"Not my concern right now." Her face falls at my dismissal. "We've got bigger problems than your relationship drama."

"Ruger," Tildie says quietly, her hand finding mine. "She's been helping us understand Marco's movements. Apparently, he and Striker have been nearly inseparable."

I raise an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

Kinsey nods. "Marco's obsessed with getting her back." She nods toward Tildie. "Talks about her constantly according to my father. Has some fucked up idea that she belongs to him, that she'll be grateful when he 'rescues' her from the bikers who 'corrupted' her."

The description fits with everything Tildie's told me about her ex. "Where is he now?"

"Still at the Marriott, as far as I know. Sixth floor, corner suite. Paid through the end of the month."

"He's not leaving without me," Tildie says softly.

"No, he's not." I squeeze her hand. "Because we're going to handle him first."

Bloodhound appears at the door. "Prez, everything’s set for tonight. Brothers are getting into position."

"Good. We roll in two hours." I stand, turning to Kinsey. "You're staying here under guard. If everything goes as planned, you'll be reunited with Viper tomorrow."

"And if it doesn't?"

"Then we're all fucked, and family ties won't save you."

Her jaw sets in a stubborn line that reminds me eerily of my own. "I want to see Rookie before you go."

"Not happening."

"Please. Just for a minute." Something vulnerable crosses her face. "I need to tell him I'm sorry. That I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

I'm about to refuse again when Tildie speaks up. "Let her see him. If you have to, let someone watch them."

I glance at her, surprised by the intervention. "Why?"

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