Page 75

Something spooked him though, and I followed his gaze. Liam and Gavin came up behind him. He grabbed Freyja’s arm and yanked her in front of him as he backed toward the exit.

How the people around us made no move to help a woman in obvious distress made no sense. Butmo bandiadidn’t need their help.

Kelley had an arm wrapped around Freyja’s waist as he dragged her back. She grabbed his hand, digging her fingernails into his skin.

That’s it, baby.

The pain from her nails had him stumbling, and Freyja took the opportunity to stomp on his foot. She threw her head back in his face and he finally released her, shoving her toward Liam in an effort to get away.

Liam seamlessly turned her into Gavin’s arms and followed Kelley out into the crowded street. Mac and Oscar followed him. I reached Freyja and Gavin just as she slammed her hand into his throat.

“Freyja, stop!”

I pulled her into my arms and held her tight as she struggled.

“It’s me,mo bandia. I’ve got you,” I whispered into her ear, and she finally calmed.

“What the fuck?” Ronan snapped as he went to his brother, who gasped for breath.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know who you were.”

“Shh, Freyja, it’s not your fault.”

“The fuck it’s not.” Ronan yelled. “She punched him in the throat.”

“Stop,” Gavin rasped. “Not... her fault. Scared... Kelley.”

Gavin tried to catch his breath. Freyja pulled away and went to him. Standing in front of him, she looked into his eyes.

“Look at me,” she said, placing a hand on Gavin’s arm. And when Gavin looked up, she commanded, “Breathe with me. Slowly. Inhale...three, two, one. Exhale... three, two, one. Again.” A moment later, Gavin was breathing consistently, though still slowly.

“I’m so sorry,” she apologized, her hand still on his arm.

“Not your fault,” Gavin rasped and then smiled.

“Gavin, fuck off,” I snapped, pulling Freyja back into my arms.

“Don’t you snap at him. He caught me, saving me from falling when the other oaf passed me off.”

“That other oaf is my brother, and he followed after the man that tried to drag you out of here,” Ronan scoffed, glaring at Freyja. Ronan and Liam both were of the same mind—I can fuck up my family, but no one else can.They were fiercely protective when they weren’t trying to kill each other.

“He wouldn’t have hurt me. He knows better.”

“Who the fuck are you?” Ronan asked.

“Freyja Malpas.”

“You say that like I should know who the fuck you are.”

“Ronan, watch the fuckin’ attitude,” I growled, getting between him and Freyja.

“You may not know who I am, but Nolan Kelley does. He’s in enough shit that he wouldn’t risk adding my brother’s club to it.”

Ronan looked at Sal, who until now hadn’t said a word. “Who the fuck is her brother?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Sal said. “Let’s go.”

Sal stormed off, McCoy following right behind him. Ronan and Gavin stood there waiting for me.