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I only take a second to assess things. Maybe she’s in trouble with the law. Maybe she kidnapped this kid—or worse. But I’m not about to turn her over to them without hearing her out first. I trust the cops less than I trust complete strangers, which is why I’m inclined to help her.

“Get up. Don’t look at anyone. Follow Reaper and me into the kitchen.”

Reaper’s already standing behind me. We move into position to block Julia and Max from view. To the kid’s credit, he follows my directions without complaint. But maybe that’s what he’s used to, being ordered around.

We make it to the kitchen doors without being seen. I glance back to find Talon and Nitro distracting the deputies. Everyone knows the score. We just don’t know why we’re protecting these people yet. But she needs to talk. Now.

I lead Julia and Max out the backdoor, then across the dirt path to the clubhouse. Once we’re safely inside, Reaper stands guard just inside the door. He checks his gun’s magazine before clicking it into place and chambering a bullet. It’s habit. Doesn’t matter if he checked it ten minutes ago. He’s too much of a killing machine. It’s in his nature to keep a loaded gun on him at all times. We’re all packing, but with Reaper, it’s not just a habit. It’s an obsession.

I show Julia and Max into the kitchen. Max only took one bite of his burger before the deputies showed up, so he’s probably still hungry. I open the fridge and pull out a loaf of Nina’s freshly baked bread and a slab of cheddar cheese.

“Do you like grilled cheese sandwiches?” I ask Max.

“Can I have my hamburger?” When he blinks up at me, it kills me to deny him anything.

“I don’t have any here, but if you can eat a grilled cheese now, you can have your burger later for dinner.” I don’t even know if they’re going to be here by dinner time. I hope they’re gone by then, but who the hell knows?

After making a grilled cheese and getting Max settled at the long, farmhouse-style table, I turn to Julia. “Let’s talk in the living room. We can keep an eye on him from there.”

She nods and follows me into the room. I turn on several lamps to brighten the space. The shades are always drawn so people can’t see in. I don’t want anyone knowing our business, especially not the cops.

“Tell me exactly what’s going on. And if you lie to me, I’ll make sure no one ever finds your body.” I’m deadly serious. I can tell she believes me.

“I’m an elementary school nurse …” she begins before telling me about Max’s horrific father and terrible predicament.

I listen without interrupting, getting more and more livid as she reveals the details about his situation. She’s got herself into a hell of a mess, but I agree with her. I wouldn’t have been able to let Max spend the summer with his father either. And once again, the law failed him. I’m not surprised at all, but I am impressed she has the balls to help him. Most people would have looked the other way, but not her.

“So, what’s your next step?” I ask.

“I honestly don’t know what to do.”

“Did you come to the club for help?”

“Club?” She tilts her head slightly.

“Underground Vengeance.” I turn my back to her briefly so she can see the patch on the back of my vest.

“You’re part of a motorcycle club?” She takes a step back, and her hand flutters to her throat.

“Yeah, but we don’t run drugs or guns …” I glance toward Max. “Or kids.”

“What do you do?”

“We help the people who the law can’t, or won’t, help.”

“People like Max?” Hope springs into her eyes. It’s a gut punch, sending blood rushing south. What is it about this woman? She’s scared and vulnerable, but she’s looking right at me. Unafraid. Strong. And damn, her strength is sexy as fuck.

“Yeah, kids like him.” I clear my throat and try to get a handle on my emotions. Even if I want to bend her over the back of the couch, shove that prim little skirt over her ass, and tear her panties off, now isn’t the time. I’ll have to save that shit for later.

“Can you help us? I can’t pay you very much. I don’t make a lot as a school nurse. But I’ll give you everything I have saved up.”

“That’s not how this works.” I’m offended she’s offering me money, then remind myself she doesn’t know anything about me or how the club operates. “We don’t need money.”

It’s an understatement. We’re filthy rich. But we keep that information under wraps. The more we can fly under the radar, the better. Matrix has the money stashed away in various offshore accounts that can’t be traced back to the club, but the five of us have access. Nina’s got access, too. After all, it was her old man’s money.

The front door opens, and Nitro walks in. He nods at Reaper, who’s been so silent I almost forgot he was there. He’s like a ghost.

“The cops are looking for her kid,” Nitro says. “Of course, no one in the bar saw the boy, so they left.”