Page 117 of Red Queen (Red Thorns Crew 3)

“Trust me, she’s going to have her hands in this crew more than she realizes.”

“I take it you’ve got particular plans for us?”

I sipped. “Yep. And they all require her influence.”

“Why do I get the feeling that’s not all on your mind, though?”

I sighed as I looked over at him. “What the fuck is a woman like her doing with a man li

ke me, Rupert?”

He laughed. “If you’re looking to me for an answer, I ain’t got one for ya. Because I’ve been trying to figure that shit out myself since I first met her.”

I shoved him. “Fuck off.”

He barked with laughter. “Hey, you asked. I simply answered with the honesty you say you always respect from your crew.”

“Yeah, yeah. Go take a hike.”

“Love you, too, bud.”

He raised his beer to me and I shook my head. But I couldn't help the grin that crossed my face. I watched Rupert go over and save Dani from the crowd of men still poking her for stories and details of the plot that unraveled. But I also watched her try to swat Rupert away. He refilled her wine glass and got her another slice of pizza. He couldn't pull her away from the guys, though.

And while I knew I’d have to do something about that later, for tonight, it was perfect.

Watching her interact as if she had always been with us was nothing short of perfect.

Rupert came back to my side. “In all seriousness, though, you two are a perfect match.”

I nodded slowly. “You think?”

“I don’t think, dude. I know. That girl is head over heels in love with you. I mean, a flat-out goner, know what I’m saying? She wouldn’t have risked everything she did if that wasn’t true.”

“You have a good point.”

“I have an even better one, too. Because I know you love her just as much.”

I nodded. “Yeah. I really do.”

“So you want my advice? Don’t overthink it. Because sometimes you just have to let life take the reins for a little bit so you can hold on and enjoy the ride.”

“She’s the only woman we’ve ever inducted, you know.”

“And she’s the perfect model of how dedicated any woman should be to her man if she’s going to be part of this family. She breaks and resets the mold, man.”

“That she does.”

Dani’s laughter rose above even the guys before she flopped down onto the couch. They all stood around her, and I saw a few of them keeping one eye out the window. Still watching. Still waiting. Still anticipating evil and mayhem to come rolling up to the porch. I liked the fact that they’d always watch her back. That my men would always have her safety at the forefront of their minds.

But my goal for our future was to create a new life for us all.

One that didn’t include constantly looking out windows.

“So you going to come join us, or what?”

John’s voice piped up at my other side and I turned to look at him.

“I will in a minute,” I said.

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