Page 73 of Victorious: Part I

He’s still raw from Livvy, still terrified of losing me too.

I can’t fault him for that.

“Fine,” I concede, reaching for his hand. “We’ll take whoever you want to protect me.”

A slow smile crosses his face. “Thank you.” He inhales sharply, then spins for the door, taking off like a raging bull. My eyes widen as he opens the door, storming out into the clubroom, and I take off after him. Loki follows closely behind as Alpha sends a whistle through the open expanse. “I need my strongest men. We’re going for a ride. So, get ready and mount up. We’re heading out.Now!”

He takes off for the exit as everyone stands around in a state of confusion, wondering what the hell is going on. Rolling my shoulders, I take off after Alpha as Loki makes his way through the club room behind us. “You heard your president. Let’s fucking go!”

The guys jump up from their seats, all following in quick succession as we head out into the parking lot. The rumble of Harleys fills the parking lot as brothers mount their bikes. Alpha is standing by his, cracking his knuckles as I approach.

His eyes meet mine, and a look of apprehension is clear in his expression. “You sure about this?” he asks quietly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled club members.

“Positive,” I reply, stopping in front of him. “Nighthawkwillcooperate. She’s been waiting for me to find her.”

Alpha nods, but the tension in his shoulders doesn’t ease. “And what if it’s a trap? What if Javier sent her to lure you in?”

I shrug my shoulders. “Then you’ll have my back,” I simply say. “That’s why you’re bringing the cavalry, right?”

The corner of his mouth twitches upward. “Damn right.”

I step closer, lowering my voice. “It’s gonna be okay. But Ineedyou to promise me something.”

A low growl reverbs from his chest like he doesn’t like where this is going.“What?”

“When we get there, let me handle hermy way. No barging in, no threats, no intimidation tactics. Birds respond to other birds differently. If you go in all alpha male—”

“Iama fucking alpha male. It’s literally my road name,” he interjects with a smirk.

I roll my eyes. “Yes, baby, you absolutely are. But if you go in that way, she’ll get defensive. And you don’t want to aggravate a lethal assassin,do you?Let me bring her in gently. I need her trust.”

He studies me for a long moment, then nods once. “Fine. But if I see anything,anything,that looks like she might hurt you, I’m not fucking hesitating.”

“Fair enough,” I agree, knowing it’s the only compromise I’ll get.

Alpha swings his leg over his bike, settling into the seat before patting the space behind him. “You ready to ride?”

I climb on behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist. The familiar warmth of his body against mine grounds me, reminding me what we’re fighting for. As the engines around us roar to life, I lean in close to his ear. “You’re my loaded gun and beating heart. And whatever happens, I’ve got this, Alpha.”

He turns his head just enough to catch my eye. “I know you do, baby.”

He leans in, and his lips graze mine. That same volcanic eruption that flows through me every damn time he kisses me melts my insides just enough to keep that fire burning.

To remind me I need to make sure that no matter what, Defiance is kept safe at all costs.

Alpha pulls back, smirking at me, gives me a subtle wink, then spins to the front and takes off, the rest of his men following him in formation. During the entire ride, one hand is on the throttle, and the other rests on my leg, gently caressing my thigh.

What I wouldn’t do for this man.

The ride to the motel is quick, with the club moving as one unit through the streets. I can’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia as we pull into the parking lot of the ratty motel where it all began for Alpha and me. The same peeling paint, flickering neon sign, and pay-by-the-hour vibe.

Alpha cuts the engine, and the rest of the club follows suit. The sudden silence feels heavy with anticipation.

“Loki, which room?” Alpha asks as we dismount.

“Room 118,” Loki replies, scanning the building. “End of the row, ground floor.”

Alpha turns to his brothers gathering around us. “Fan out. Cover every exit. No one approaches unless I give the signal. We’re here to observe Haven meeting with Nighthawk unless something goes fucking sideways.”

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