Page 31

Yeah, angel, I’m here.

“Wouldn’t miss it, sweetheart.”

Her gaze cut to the couple watching us. “Sabrina. Trent. This is Rain, my—”

“—boyfriend,” I cut in. “Nice to meet you both. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Trent gestured to my clothes. “You ride a motorcycle?”

“Yes. I’m part of a motorcycle club. We ride for leisure.” And a way of life.

He didn’t judge me but seemed curious. I could live with that.

“Make sure she always uses a helmet.”

“I do,” I assured him. “I won’t risk her safety.”

Sabrina smiled, but I could tell the idea of Katrina riding on the back of my bike scared her. “Oh, my. Is it safe?”

I didn’t have to answer that question.

“With Rain it is,” Katrina promised.

Sabrina remained doubtful.

“Harleys are deadly,” a male voice intervened.

I smirked. “So are those pants.”

Trent coughed to hide a laugh.

Ha. He had a sense of humor.

I wish I had worn one of my costumes. I bet they all would have gotten really uncomfortable.

Katrina must have thought the same thing because she glanced my way, biting her lip to keep from giggling.

I grinned before I reached for her hand, gently tugging her closer. This was a statement. I wasn’t going anywhere.

Trent seemed to get it. I caught the thoughtful expression on his face. He knew I was staking a claim.

Sabrina seemed anxious. Maybe she was just high-strung. “Let’s, uh, go eat. Everything is ready.”

I followed Trent and Sabrina, grinning at choir boy in his khakis as he fumed.

What claim did he think he had on my woman? The fucker was lucky to be living.

“Who’s the stiff?” I asked Katrina in a low voice.

She snickered. “Carmichael. Sabrina set us up.”

Ah. “Well, I think he knows it’s not happening now.”

Carmichael stomped around us, intentionally bumping into me, only as he did, he shoved into her, and it sent Katrina forward. She stumbled and nearly fell as I held her up. Picking her up, I brought her into the formal dining room and placed her bottom on the closest seat.

Two things happened fast afterward. The first? I kissed her. The second? I took care of this douchebag.

Snarling, I rushed forward and grabbed him by the collar, shoving his back into the nearest wall. “You ever touch Katrina again, I will end you. Don’t ever make the mistake of hurting a female because if it’s not me around, some other guy is going to be thrilled to kick your ass.”