Page 102 of Baby for the Bikers

Through the smoke, I spot Clay and Kip flanking the north entrance, cutting off the last escape route. The remaining Vipers are being funneled exactly where we want them—trapped between the loading bay doors and our closing forces.

Five years at Cerberus taught us how to plan for contingencies. Four months with Rowan taught us what we’re willing to fight for.

A Viper rushes my position, desperation making him reckless. I sidestep his attack, using his momentum to slam him into the concrete pillar. He crumples without a sound.

“Brick!” Maddox’s voice cuts through the din. “Over here!”

I spot him through the chaos, and my heart stutters. Rowan stands beside him, bloodied but upright, a gun held with familiar confidence in her hands. She moves like someone born to violence, each step precise, each shot deliberate.

She’s magnificent.

“Clear a path to the south exit,” I order through the comms. “We’re bringing her out.”

Three Black Wolves members immediately adjust position, creating a corridor through the fighting. I make my way to Maddox and Rowan, taking down another Viper who tries to intercept me.

“You okay?” I ask when I reach them, eyes scanning Rowan for serious injuries.

“Better than them,” she answers, a fierce grin lighting her face despite the blood streaking her cheek. “Where’s Ryder?”

“Upper floor, mopping up.” I check her bloody forehead, relieved to find only a shallow cut. “Let’s get you out of here.”

“Not yet.” She grabs my arm, stopping me. “My father?—”

“Is no longer your concern,” I tell her firmly. “Teller’s men will handle him.”

Her eyes flash with determination. “I need to finish this.”

“Together,” Maddox says, exchanging a look with me over her head. “We finish this together.”

The radio at my hip squawks. “Brick, we’ve got trouble.” Teller’s voice, tense. “Cypher’s men outside are using the girl as a shield.”

My blood runs cold. “What girl? I thought Rose had Emma.”

“Not Emma. Younger. Maybe sixteen. Says she’s another daughter.”

Rowan freezes. “Penny,” she whispers, horror dawning on her face. “He wouldn’t.”

“Who’s Penny?” Maddox demands.

“Half-sister. Not Dad’s, though. Penny’s his new wife’s daughter. Dad adopted her. We’re not close, so I haven’t been in touch with her since I ran off. They don’t even live in San Francisco. Why would he bring her here?”

I grab her arm as she starts to move toward the exit. “It could be a trap.”

“I don’t care.” The look in her eyes brooks no argument. “She’s innocent. I’m not leaving her with him.”

Another explosion rocks the building, this one closer to the main support beams. Dust and debris rain down from the ceiling.

“This place won’t hold much longer,” Maddox warns.

Decision time. Get Rowan to safety, or trust her to help save her sister. The old me—Cerberus operative, cold strategist—would’ve chosen the sure bet. But loving Rowan has changed me.

“Ryder,” I call into the comms. “North entrance. Cypher’s using another hostage. Rowan’s sister.”

“On it,” comes the immediate response.

I turn to Rowan. “We do this smart. No heroics.”

She nods. “I know how he thinks. Let me talk to him first.”

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