Page 20 of Havoc

I nod, stretching my fingers.

They still ache from how hard I was gripping the handlebars. Racing to get here as fast as I could. Dreading what I might find if I were too late. I should have known better than to doubt Aimee’s survival instincts. Especially after she protected Reagan from the Iron Sinners when they were locked in cages beside each other.

“Are you okay?” Aimee’s gaze skips to my shoulder.

When they return to mine, I’m struck by the fact that she still cares.

“I’ll be fine. Patch will fix me up when we get back to the clubhouse. But we’ve gotta get out of here.”

“I’m not—”

“You’re coming to the fucking clubhouse with me, Aimee. And I don’t want to hear shit about it right now.” I grip her chin with my bloody hand, not thinking.

A crimson trail smears across her beautiful skin, but she doesn’t flinch.

“I’ve been patient with you.The club’sbeen patient with you. But tonight, you being here was a liability for all of us, and I can’t put you or my club at risk like that. So you’re coming with me until this is resolved. It’s the easiest way to protect you from them without stretching ourselves thin. Understood?”

A war rages in Aimee’s eyes as they flick between mine. Thankfully, she doesn’t argue.

My thumb brushes her chin, just below her full lower lip, and I’m suddenly very aware of how close we are. How familiar she feels. Of how she still smells like jasmine and a future I once saw for myself. One that stretched so far out of reach.

Except now, here she is, standing in front of me.

I’m tempted to lean in and finally taste what could have been.

To steal the kiss she never gave me.

To put myself on the line.

Instead, I step back, releasing her chin, leaving blood-smeared fingerprints on her beautiful face.

“Let’s go.” I turn before I do anything stupid.

And even though I don’t hear her immediately follow, I continue down the staircase because no one can get to her now. Twisted Kings surround the house. She’s safe to gather her things.

“What the fuck happened to you?” Steel notices the blood on my shoulder, and his tone draws Chaos and Soul’s attention.

“She thought I was one of them.” I shrug. “At least she found use for the gun I left her.”

Soul bursts out laughing. “Aimee shot you with your own gun? I told you not to get that fancy new haircut when we were in LA. Even your girl doesn’t recognize you.”

“I’m not Levi’s girl.” Aimee stops at my side with a bag thrown over her shoulder.

I didn’t hear her walk up, but when her arm brushes mine, I’m itching to pull her closer.

“As for the haircut…” Aimee’s gaze slides from Soul to me. “It’s fine. But now you know better than to storm into a lady’s house in the middle of the night.”

Something close to a smirk lifts the corner of her mouth as she brushes past Soul and Chaos. It’s fucking stunning, but I’m the only one who notices because Soul and Chaos are too busy laughing to see it.

At least Steel keeps his amusement to himself.

“The Iron Sinners cleared out before we got here.” Steel confirms what I already knew. “Ghost will run through the footage and touch base with us in the morning. I’m guessing Aimee finally agreed to stay at the clubhouse?”

“Reluctantly.” My gaze drifts to the front yard, where she’s standing off to the side to avoid the club. “I’ll get her settled—”

“I could help get her settled if you need Patch to stitch you up really quick.” Soul watches Aimee.

And even if his comment makes me want to cave his face in, I know he’s just fucking with me to get under my skin.