Page 27 of Desert Loyalties
“You’re pacing holes in the floor,” he says in that deep, slow voice. “And making more noise than engine with no oil.”
“Yeah, well, maybe I’ll go make some holes in someone’s face instead,” I growl.
Grim just shrugs, unfazed. “Then you will miss the trap. Bad idea. Stay calm. Breathe.”
My jaw ticks. I shoot a glare at Ranger. “How the fuck doesheknow about the trap?”
Ranger just shrugs, cool as ever, like this is all fine and normal.
Grim folds his arms across his massive chest. “Skye is my friend. I know she didn’t do this. I also know she’s your old lady now. So...”
I narrow my eyes. “You think the other brothers know?”
He shakes his head. “Skye was teaching me English. I was teaching her Russian. Pretty sure most of them thought we were fuckin’.”
That hits wrong. My fists clench before I even realize it.
“Iknewshe was teaching you,” I growl.
He rolls his eyes. “Stop giving me glare. She’s my friend. Like the sister I never wanted.”
I believe him, almost. Until he says, “You two need to leave.”
My blood spikes. I take a step forward, fists ready. I’m two seconds from putting him through the fuckin’ drywall when Ranger cuts in. “Stop.Listen to him.”
I huff, biting back the punch itching in my knuckles.
Grim doesn’t flinch. He holds my gaze, dead steady. “Everyone knows you’ve got thing for her. And no one’s stupid enough to make a move while you’re pacing the clubhouse like bull.”
He pauses, tone even. “So, make an excuse. Leave but stay close. I’ll be here.”
Then he looks me dead in the eyes. No bravado. No bullshit. Just solid truth.
“You’re my brother. She’s your old lady. I won’t let anything happen to her.”
Something in my chest unclenches, just a little.
I nod, once. Still don’t like it. Still want to stay close enough to hear her breathe. But I trust Grim. Or Ineedto trust someone, and right now, he’s the best shot I’ve got.
“Fine,” I mutter. “But if anything feels off, anyone—”
Grim cuts in. “I’ll gut them myself.”
I hate this.
Every step away from her feels like betrayal. Like I’m leaving her in the jaws of something I can’t see coming.
But we need the rat to show their teeth. And if I stay close, if I hover like I want to, nobody will make a move. Not with me around. I’ve made that perfectly fuckin’ clear.
Ranger and I walk down the hallway, boots heavy against the wood, pausing at the main table where a few of the brothers are lounging. Caine’s got a beer in his hand, shooting the shit with Bullet and Stitch. They barely glance up until we stop walking.
I clear my throat.
“Ranger and I gotta make a run, some paperwork to deal with,” I say, voice flat.
Ranger backs me up without missing a beat. “Just a few hours, we’ll be back soon.”
Bullet raises an eyebrow. “Today?”
