Page 15

I reached over and squeezed his knee again, surprised by how natural the gesture felt. "We'll figure it out. Right now, we need to keep you safe."
The clubhouse came into view—a large, converted warehouse with the Diamond Kings logo emblazoned across the front, behind a high wired fence. Several motorcycles were parked outside, along with a few trucks and cars. I got waved through by the prospect on the gate, pulled into my usual spot, and cut the engine.
"Stay close to me," I instructed as we got out. "Some of the guys can be... abrasive at first, but they're family. No one will disrespect you."
Matty nodded, moving to stand beside me. I placed a protective hand on his lower back as we approached the entrance. I could feel the tension in his body, the slight tremor that still hadn't subsided from the shock.
The door swung open before we reached it, revealing Cruise's tall frame. His eyes widened slightly at the sight of Matty.
"Wasn't expecting company," he said, his gaze flicking to me with a silent question.
"Someone tried to run him down outside his work," I said bluntly. "Need a secure place until we figure things out."
Cruise's expression hardened immediately. "Shit. Come in."
The main room of the clubhouse was thankfully quiet—just a few brothers playing pool and Tex behind the bar. All eyes turned to us as we entered, conversation dying as they took in Matty's small form beside me.
"This is Matty," I announced. "My husband. He's under club protection."
The words hung in the air for a moment before Tex broke the silence. "Well, damn, Bear. When we heard you got hitched, I thought Cruise was fucking with us." He grinned, stepping forward, then hesitating when he clocked Matty shrinking back into me.
Tex raised his hands in a placating gesture. "No offense intended, little man. We're just surprised to see Bear with—" he caught my warning glare and quickly changed tack, "—with anyone, really. He's not usually the bringing-home-type."
I felt Matty press closer to my side, his body practically vibrating with tension. "Is there somewhere private we can talk?" I asked Cruise, keeping my voice low.
Cruise nodded. "Office is empty. Jono's out till later."
"Thanks," I murmured, then guided Matty through the main room, keeping my body between him and the curious stares ofmy brothers. I could feel their questions burning in the air, but everyone knew better than to push right now.
The club's office was small but comfortable—a desk, a worn leather couch against one wall, and a mini-fridge in the corner. I closed the door behind us, shutting out the low murmur of voices that had resumed once we passed.
"Sit," I said gently, guiding Matty to the couch. "You want water? Something stronger?"
Matty shook his head, then changed his mind. "Water, please."
I grabbed a bottle from the mini-fridge and handed it to him, noticing how his hands still trembled slightly as he unscrewed the cap. I settled beside him, careful not to crowd him but close enough that he could feel my presence.
"You're safe here," I said, watching as he took small sips of water. "No one gets in without us knowing."
"I'm sorry," Matty whispered, staring at the bottle in his hands. "I never thought—I didn't think he'd actually try to—" His voice broke.
"This isn't your fault," I said firmly. "None of it."
Matty looked up at me, his brown eyes swimming with tears. "But it is. I dragged you into this. You're just trying to help me get my trust fund, earn some money, and now someone's trying to kill me. They could have hurt you, too."
I nearly winced at the irony. If he only knew my real reason for marrying him... But seeing him now, so vulnerable and genuinely afraid, I felt a pang of guilt I hadn't expected.
"I'm not that easy to hurt," I assured him. "And neither are you, apparently. Quick reflexes back there."
He gave a broken laugh that was more of a sob. "I didn't move at all. I just froze. If you hadn't been there..." He trailed off, the implications hanging heavy in the air.
I reached out and squeezed his shoulder. "But I was. And I will be."
The door opened, and Cruise stuck his head in. "Jono just called. He's on his way back. Wants to talk to both of you."
I nodded. "Thanks."
Cruise hesitated, his eyes taking in our closeness, but then he grinned and sent me a knowing look.