Page 20 of Rebel
There was a pause. Jace’s frustration was palpable, his worry radiating through the line. “You don’t understand. Up here, it’s safe. You don’t know what could happen if you go back. The Bastards, and anyone connected with them, are all vulnerable.” He was right, but between the Bastards and the Harlots, they had protection that they didn’t have while hiding away up at the cabin.
Bolt kept his eyes on the road, jaw tight. He’d heard it all before, the warnings, the worries, the overprotective fear—but this was different. Rebel had earned the right to choose what she wanted to do, and Bolt had earned the right to back her up, no matter what.
“We’ll take precautions,” he said firmly. “We’ll be smart. No unnecessary risks. And I’ve got her back, Jace. Every step of the way.” The silence that followed felt as thick as fog. He could hear Jace’s heavy breathing, the tension coiling tight in his chest even through the phone.
Finally, Jace muttered, “I don’t like it, but I’ll have to be okay with this. Just promise me you’ll be careful. And Bolt—”
Bolt’s eyes hardened, his voice low and steady. “We know. We won’t fuck this up.” He ended the call, exhaling a long breath. Rebel’s hand was still in his, warm and steady, a reminder that whatever chaos waited in Huntsville, they weren’t facing it alone. He stole a glance at her, chest tightening at the worry in her eyes.
“You ready for this?” he asked quietly, almost more to himself than to her. She nodded, just barely, and he could feel the determination beneath the nervous energy. She was so much like her brother. Bolt tightened his grip on the wheel again, his body taut and alert. Huntsville was waiting, and danger wasn’t done with them yet—but this time, they’d face it together.
The truck rolled down the familiar roads of Huntsville, and Bolt’s knuckles whitened around the steering wheel. Even with Kirk behind bars and the Dead Rabbits’ organization crippled for the time being, every passing mile felt like walking into a hornet’s nest. His gaze flicked to Rebel beside him. She was quieter than usual, chin resting on her hand, eyes distant.
“Talk to me,” he said quietly, though his tone carried an edge of warning. He didn’t like silence when it felt like tension coiled tight in the air.
She met his gaze. “I’ve been thinking,” she said slowly. “About what we can do about keeping Jace and the Bastards safe while we’re here.”
Bolt’s jaw tightened. “And?”
“I’ll join the Harlots,” she said, voice firm. His hands froze on the wheel.
“Excuse me?”
“I’ll be one of them,” she clarified. “It’s not just about me anymore. It’s about being part of the family, part of the protection, part of keeping us all safe. I can’t go back and hide in Minnesota forever, Bolt. If I’m going to be here, I might as well do something that helps.”
He exhaled slowly, trying to keep his head clear. The Harlots were more than a club—they were influence, they were anetwork, they were women who understood survival in a world that had tried to break them. But having Rebel in that mix, well, that was something else entirely. It felt like something dangerous, something he couldn’t fully control.
“You know what that means,” he muttered, voice low. “More exposure. More risk. You’re putting yourself on the line every time you step inside their doors.”
“I know,” she said, resolute. “And I’m ready for it. I’m tired of hiding. If I’m going to be part of this life, I need to own it. And if it helps protect Jace and you, then it’s worth it.”
Bolt’s chest tightened at the conviction in her voice. He wanted to argue, to pull her back, to remind her that danger followed them like a shadow. But he also knew she was right. Hiding hadn’t saved anyone. Not him, not her, not Jace.
“Fine,” he muttered finally, jaw tight. “You do it on one condition.”
“Which is?” she asked.
“You stay close to me. I’m not letting anything happen to you,” Bolt growled.
Her lips curved into that stubborn, fiery little smirk he loved so much. “Deal.”
By the time they pulled into the parking lot at Savage Hell, the tension hadn’t left, but it had shifted. It was no longer just pure fear. It was mixed with purpose. Rebel was stepping fully into the world she’d been skirting around for months, and Bolt was going to be right there with her, every step, every risk.
He caught her glance as they walked toward the club, the streets already humming with life around them. The Harlots waited inside, eyes curious, and looking her over as though they were measuring her, but she walked with her chin high. Bolt knew she was already claiming her place in the club, and as much as he wanted to shield her from everything, he also knew there was no stopping her.
And as they stepped through those doors together, he made a silent promise to them both. No matter what came next—stalkers, rival clubs, or the shadows still lingering, he’d keep her safe. Even if it meant standing in the fire with her—he’d find a way to be by her side every step of the way. He’d finally found the woman he was meant to be with—his Rebel, and he’d never let her go.
The End
What’s coming next from K.L. Ramsey? You won’t want to miss Ho-Ho Hell (Royal Harlots MC book 8-Not Your Typical Feel-Good Christmas Story!) is coming in December 2025!
Jace
Prologue:
Jace leaned against the edge of the bed to grab his shirt, watching Winter, and moved around her with ease as he tried not to wake her. A smirk tugged at his lips when she stirred and mumbled something about french fries. He hated that it had come to this, hated that he had to use every tool at his disposal—every piece of himself—to keep the people he loved safe. But there was no other way. He had come to Huntsville to watch his sister, and his best friend get hitched. Hell, he wouldn’t have missed their wedding for the world. He played as Bolt’s best man and gave Rebel away to one of the best men he’d ever known. The two things he couldn’t avoid were bringing danger along with him as his plus one, and falling into bed with the sexy Royal Harlot, Winter.
He’d spent too long watching threats circle his sister, his friends, the Bastards. And now the Dead Rabbits were sniffing too close. He had to act, had to draw them out. And if that meant playing a dangerous game with Winter, with the lure of temptation, then so be it.
