How did I let it get this far?

I should have killed that bastard when I had the chance.

Sitting at the window in a shitty motel room, with Scarlett finally passed out from exhaustion, I wracked my brain for answers. The evidence was ironclad, so how could her ex-husband have gotten out of the hole we’d dug him into? Nothing was making sense.

Checking my Kimber again, I confirmed she was locked and loaded, ready to defend us again if need be. It would be the second night of me not getting any sleep, but that was a small price to pay to keep Scarlett safe from that fucking lunatic.

My club was on lockdown, protected at our clubhouse under the watchful eye of my VP, Jaxon, and I’d hightailed it north with my old lady. I had to get her as far away from the impending mayhem as possible – it was the only thing I could think of. Even though I knew everyone else were safe, I was still worried but I had to push that to the back of my mind. Scarlett was the one in real danger and I had to do everything in my power to keep the love of my life safe.

Finally, my phone buzzed with the call I had been waiting for.

“Yeah?” I questioned as the blocked number flashed once on a fresh burner.

“It’s Ryder. We’re an hour out,” Ryder responded, his low voice rumbling into the receiver.

“I’ll be waiting outside the room for you.”

Without another word, I hung up and shoved the small black cell back into the inside pocket of my cut.

The Vilas president and his old man were going to save Scarlett and me once again. I hated that I kept dragging them into the muck of this crap, but that’s what brotherhood is about. The skull and bones that graced our backs and inked our skin meant we were family, and we always safeguarded family.

“Hmmmm…what time is it?” Scarlett groaned as she stifled a yawn.

“Three in the mornin’, darlin’. You should try to get some more rest.” I sank down on the foot of the bed, rubbing her leg as she stretched.

“I don’t think I can.” Her frown killed me. I hated that she was so worried and in so much danger. Vulnerability was not in my vocabulary but in that moment, I felt completely helpless.

“Ryder and Holt are almost here. We’ll be safe soon.” I tried my best to comfort my girl.

Sitting up, she pulled the shabby comforter over her shaking body. “How do we know he won’t find us?”

“Your ex is not going to find us. I will keep you safe, baby.” My words weren’t enough but they were all I had. I checked my watch impatiently; the guys would be arriving any minute. “I’m gonna go wait for them in the parking lot. Be back in a minute.”

Leaning over, I kissed her tear-stained cheek.

“I love you,” Scarlett muttered as she reached for my hand.

I forced a smile as I said, “And I love you.” I gripped her hand tightly before making my way to the door.

The bright headlights of Ryder’s truck lit up the dingy lot as they pulled into a spot next to my Ford.

“How was the drive?” I asked, opening the passenger side door for Holt.

“Not bad, brother. How’s Scarlett doin’?” he asked, putting his hand on my shoulder.

Looking down at his weathered face, I couldn’t help but feel comforted. Holt was like a father to most of us younger guys in the club. If anyone would be able to help us, it was him and his son.

“She’s hanging in there, rattled as fuck though,” I answered.

Ryder came around the side of the vehicle, glancing left and right to make sure we were alone.

He gave me a quick hug as he said, “Even though this is a shitty situation, Raine and Crickett are super excited to see Scarlett.”

I led the guys into the room. Scarlett dropped her bag to the floor, practically jumping into Ryder’s arms. “Thank you so much for helping us.” She was sobbing again.

“Don’t mention it, sweetheart. Nothing Bear and Jax wouldn’t do for Raine. We take care of our own.”