Page 14 of Axle
Kane’s mouth twitched. “You heard the man.”
I rolled my eyes and followed Kane farther down the hall, ignoring his low chuckle. We didn’t speak until we were far enough away not to be overheard.
“Jax says that drive’s not candy,” he said as he.
“Feels like a wire keyed to a bomb we can’t see.”
“And you brought it home.”
“She brought it to us,” I growled. “And I didn’t let it hit the fucking ground.”
He made a low sound that could’ve been approval. “Edge told me your take. Your instinct for her.”
“She might be carrying something the cops will want.” I reiterated what I’d already told my brothers. “But she didn’t steal it for the thrill. I’m almost positive that she’s a courier who got cut off at the knees.”
Kane was silent for a few moments, staring at me. The full power of his attention practically burned through my vest. Then he asked, “You’re willing to stake the clubhouse on that read?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Yeah.”
“Then I’ll back your play. But you understand what you’re asking me to stack on top of your shoulders.”
“I do.”
“Good,” he said, as if he’d already known the answer. “Because if heat comes, it comes for everybody. And if someone tries to kick in our door to get to a woman under your protection, I will burn them all down and salt the ashes. I need to know you’ll be the first match.”
“I already am,” I said.
After a beat, his lips quirked up at the corners—which was practically a grin for Kane. “Thought so.”
We moved again, quieter, and turned back toward my hall. When we reached my door, I opened it just enough to look in. She’d rolled onto her side, one hand under her cheek, her soft, thick hair spilled across my pillow, and her breaths slow and even. I slowly closed the door, reluctant to let her out of my sight.
“Try not to fall in love tonight,” Kane murmured, without heat.
“Might be too late for that,” I said, before I could catch the words.
Well, shit.
Kane’s brows flicked, amused and resigned at once. “Shit timing, brother.”
“Useless commentary, Prez,” I returned, and the corner of his eyes creased with a quiet laugh.
He clapped a hand to my shoulder—heavy, steady, the kind of weight that meant you weren’t carrying it alone—and then he left me wondering what the fuck I should do next.
6
ASHLYNN
Iwoke to sunlight slanting through the blinds, warm stripes cutting across the blanket. The faint scent of coffee curled through the air, and I suddenly craved caffeine.
For a second, I let myself think I’d dreamed the whole thing. The crash. The men with guns. The motorcycle and the speedway.
Mason.
Then my ribs twinged when I shifted, and the illusion shattered.
I blinked fully awake and stretched out on the big bed.
A leather couch sat against the far wall, and Mason was on it. Watching me.
