Page 115 of The Fire We Crave

She sighs. “When does all this end, Smoke? It feels like an endless loop.”

I’ve been asking myself the same question. “We’ll figure it out.”

My phone rings, and it’s Butcher. “We’re riding out tonight. Make your own call on lockdown of your woman and her shit. Meet at the clubhouse in thirty.”

He hangs up before I can confirm. But I understand the urgency. We’re riding out. Tonight. I take her hand, and there’s something incredible about the intimacy of that simple act. Leading her safely across the road to her bakery door.

“You should think twice about opening today,” I say quietly to Quinn. “Butcher is calling a voluntary lockdown, because we’re taking all the manpower with us where we’re going.”

“You’re going to get them, aren’t you?” The worry is etched on her features, and I kiss the tip of her nose.

“We’re going to put an end to it or at least try to. They can’t come here and terrorize you or the town. I don’t know that this is a battle we’ll win today, but we have to act.”

Combined with what happened the night of the fire at the bakery, Quinn is coming face-to-face with the reality of what I do. And I’m dreading seeing any sign that she judges me for it. But there isn’t.

“If they’re looking out for you, they’re going to be too busy to come looking for me. I’m not going to let them ruin another day of business for me. But I promise I’ll be careful, and if you aren’t back, I’ll make my way to the clubhouse or to the other girls.”

I reach inside my cut and grab my weapon. “It’s my favorite because it’s the easiest one to fire and the hardest to miss with.” It’s not, it’s a tricksy bastard I’ve grown attached to, but I hope the small lie will make it easier for her to take hold of the cold metal.

“You’re going to need it.”

I shake my head. “I’m going home, first, to gather some supplies. We’re meeting at the clubhouse to make some plans. Likely won’t ride out until later this afternoon or early evening. I’ll text you. But I need to know you’re armed. You know what to do this time, sugar.” I remind her with a quick demonstration. “You got it?”

She takes the gun from me. “Point straight at the body. Don’t worry about taking someone’s life, just prevent them from taking yours.”

I nod. “Good girl. I don’t know what time I’ll be home. Might have to get people back to the clubhouse. But whatever time I make my way to you, I’ll pick up food on the way.”

She shakes her head, then smiles ruefully. “Is this your definition of normal?”

“Would you want me any other way?”

“Not in the slightest.” She puts the gun down on the small table in the yard and throws her arms around my neck. “Be safe, because I can’t bear to think about the alternative. I need you tocome back to me, because you can’t become the next person who doesn’t.”

I hold her close and kiss her.

It’s going to be a tough ride with my injuries. Might even be a tougher fight because of them.

But I’ll keep this moment in mind and find a way home to her, whatever it takes.

35

QUINN

Ember’s face at the window of the bakery is a happy sight at the end of the day.

“If you’re here for food, we don’t have any of your favorites left,” I say as she steps inside. “But I can do you a coffee and a scone.”

“Coffee would be great. While I could easily devour six of your scones, I’m not sure my nervous stomach could handle food right now. I’m here to see how you’re doing.”

I know exactly what she means. We’re the ones left behind. The ones who know our men well enough to know that what they’re about to go out and face is dangerous. That men in this world sometimes go missing, and we’ll never know what happened to them for everyone else’s sake.

“If I said my emotions are complicated, would you know what I mean?”

Ember smiles sadly. “I knowexactlywhat you mean. You want them to be who they are. You’re proud of who they are. You don’t want them to be anything less than they are. But it’s hard to love them when it seems as though death is part of business as usual.”

I lean forward and grip the cool marble. “Yeah. All that.”

Ember steps around the counter. “We can wait it out together, if you like.”

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