Page 57 of Trigger's Temptation

Syvannah giggles and leans into his embrace. She tilts her head back to look at him. “You know I’m trying, right?”

Tiny’s expression softens. “Yeah, Doll. I know. And I’m patiently waiting.” He presses a kiss to the top of her head, and damn if my heart doesn’t flutter a little.

“That’s the most romantic thing I’ve heard besides what Trigger says to me,” I tease, smirking.

“Get a fucking room,” Exleigh snaps, pushing up from the table and storming off. Seth, the prospect, watches her go, his eyes clouded with something between frustration and sadness.

I glance at Trigger, silently asking for context. He just shakes his head. “She’s battling her own demons.”

“She’ll come around soon,” Syvannah murmurs. “I hope.”

“We just need to be patient,” Danyella adds.

Capone approaches, gently moving Danyella onto his lap. Blayze does the same with Monica, their presence shifting the atmosphere into something heavier.

Trigger brushes my hair off my neck, his lips grazing my skin. “We’ve come to a decision,” he murmurs. “And I know you’re not going to like it, Kitten, but I need you to listen before you fly off the handle.”

I smirk. He knows me so damn well.

Capone’s voice cuts in, firm and direct. “With the shit going down with Benton, it’s not safe for you ladies and the kids to stay here. We’re sending you to a safe house.”

Danyella rests her head on Capone’s shoulder. “Whatever you need us to do, we’ll do it.”

Like hell I will. I push off Trigger’s lap, standing with my fists clenched at my sides. “You can’t sideline me, Trigger. This is my problem, and I need to be there to deal with it.”

Trigger stands, his presence towering over me. “Aerianna, listen to me.”

“No. You listen to me.” I point to my chest. “Benton is mine. I’m the one he’s been stalking. I’m the one who can draw him out.”

Trigger glances at Capone. Capone nods his head.

“Fine.” Trigger exhales heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You can come. But the second it gets dangerous, you’re out. No arguments.”

“Fine.” I cross my arms. “Thank you.”

A loud slap sounds beside me. Bones shoves money into Tiny’s palm. “Fuck.”

Tiny grins, smug as hell. “Don’t ever bet against a woman. You’ll lose every time.”

I blink, realization dawning. “You assholes were betting on me?”

Tiny shrugs. “He’s learning.”

Capone raps his knuckles on the table, bringing everyone back on track. “New plan. Aerianna comes with us to the casino. Jax and Knight take the girls to the safe house.”

“You got it, Prez.” Dagger pulls out his phone. “I’ll call Torch, Derange, and Jax. Have them get their Ol’ Ladies and kids ready. We roll out as soon as they get here.”

Dagger walks away, and the tension in the room tightens like a noose.

“Why the casino?” I question.

“Because it’s the only place that is populated enough where we can draw Benton out and not put you in danger,” Capone responds.

Trigger tugs my hand, pulling me toward the hallway. “Come on, Kitten.”

“Where are we going?”

He shoots me with a wicked smirk. “You need to get dirty before we get ready.”

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