Page 88 of Ruger's Rage

"Because regret is a heavy thing to carry," she says simply. "And we all deserve a chance to apologize for our mistakes."

The wisdom in her words strikes something in me.

I nod to Bloodhound. "Five minutes. Supervised."

After they leave, I turn to Tildie. "Since when are you shipping Rookie and Kinsey’s romance?"

"I'm not." She stands, wrapping her arms around my waist. "But I see something in her I recognize. The realization that the man you trusted has been manipulating you all along. It breaks something inside you."

I pull her closer, hating the pain in her voice. "Marco will never touch you again. I promise you that."

"I know." She looks up, determination hardening her features. "Because I want to be there when you confront him."

"Absolutely fuckin’ not."

"I need to face him, Ruger. Need to show him he doesn't control me anymore. That I'm not afraid." Her hands tighten on my cut. "Please. I've spent seven months running from that man. I'm done running."

Every instinct screams to keep her as far from Marco as possible.

But the strength in her eyes, the strength in her voice—this isn't the woman who came to me terrified after finding a note on her car.

This is my ol’ lady, standing tall even though I know she’s terrified deep down.

"We'll discuss it after we deal with Striker," I give in. "But you stay at the club tonight while we’re out handlin’ shit. Non-negotiable."

She nods, accepting the compromise. "Be careful out there. Striker's desperate, and desperate men are dangerous."

"I know." I cup her face in my hands. "But so am I when someone threatens what's mine."

I kiss her deep and slow, like I'm memorizing the taste of her, my hands tangling in her hair.

I’m going to see her again, and that much is certain.

I leave her to get ready with my brothers, making sure we have enough weapons and ammunition for the fight tonight.

We even go over some final plans, and suddenly it’s been two hours and I'm leading a group of brothers toward the warehouse.

Viper will approach from the east with his men, while we come in from the west.

Striker will ultimately be caught in the crossfire and will have nowhere to run.

As we ride through the gathering dusk, I think of Tildie waiting safely at the compound, of Aunt Ellie who will finally be free from Striker's shadow, of the club I've rebuilt from the ashes of my uncle's leadership.

Whatever happens tonight, I'll protect what's mine.

I've lost too much already to lose anything—anyone—else.

The warehouse is ahead, dark and seemingly abandoned. Perfect for an ambush. Perfect for putting an end to this once and for all.

I signal my brothers to take their positions, my heart hammering in my chest. This all ends tonight.

CHAPTERTWELVE

Tildie

The club feels too quiet after Ruger and his brothers leave.

I pace the length of our apartment, counting each step, trying to focus on anything but the knot of dread tightening in my stomach.

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