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“Copy that,”Goose answered.“You want him still breathing by the end of the night?”

“For now.”

Goose chuckled.“Noted.”

“This is important, Goose. Maybe the most important thing I’ve ever asked you to do.”

“Understood, Prez.” His tone was all business as he told me, “You can count on me.”

“I know. That’s why you’re the one I called.”

“Well, that has me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.”

I didn’t even respond. Hell, there was no way to respond other than to just hang up on the smart-ass, so that’s what I did. Seconds later, my phone chimed with a text message. Knowing it was him, I gritted my teeth as I pulled it out of my pocket.

Goose:

If it was anyone else, that might’ve hurt my feelings.

But don’t worry. I’m good, and I’ve got ya covered.

Without responding,I shoved my phone back in my pocket and started down the steps. My mind was still reeling, caught somewhere between the image of Vasili’s hand on Tabitha’s throat and the sick feeling in my gut that I hadn’t been there to stop it.

I silently cursed myself as I crossed the back lot. I’d always believed a man should lead with his head, not with his heart. But now mine was tied up in a woman I never saw coming, and I’d burn the whole goddamn world to protect her.

As I got closer, I could see Tabitha’s lights were on, and just knowing she was up there, alone, after what he did had my stomach in knots. I gave the guards a nod as I made my way up the steps.

I’d barely made it to the top when Tabitha opened the door, and she sounded relieved when she whispered, “You came.”

“Of course I did.” Her hair was still damp from her shower, and she was in loose-fitting pajamas. She’d done her best to cover it up, but I knew the bruises were there. “No way I was leaving without seeing you first.”

I stepped inside and closed the door before slipping my arm around her waist pulling her close. “You okay?”

“Better now. How about you?”

“I’ve been better.” I leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”

“Hudson, don’t. None of this is your fault.”

“But it is. You’re my girl. It’s my job to protect you and…”

“Your girl?” A smile slipped across her lips. “When did that happen?”

“The minute I saw you in that casino.”

“That soon?”

“Absolutely. Now that we have that covered, you have two choices.”

Her brow furrowed just slightly. I could tell she already knew what I was about to say. “Which are?”

“You can pack a bag and come stay with me at the clubhouse, or you can go up to the main house and stay with your boys. Either way, I’m not leaving you down here alone.”

“I can’t leave the horses.”

“Okay, I get it,” I said. “But you’re not staying down here alone. Not after this.”

“Okay, but…” She swallowed hard and looked away. “I don’t want to gojustyet. I need some time. Just a few hours to breathe and feel safe. A few hours to just be with you.”