Page 20

Chapter Twenty

Is this our beginning or our end? – Levi

A banging on the door wakes us the first morning after she arrives. “Levi, get your ass up. We’ve got a problem.” Silver’s voice comes loud and clear to the bedroom where I’m still holding Flora in my arms.

I reluctantly pull away from her and pull my jeans on.

I’m gentle as I close the door behind me, still looking back at my girl. The hard knock on the door makes me wince.

“What’s up, Silver? Flora’s trying to sleep, and she’s been through so much. She really needs it.”

Silver rolls his eyes. “As worried as I am about your girlfriend, we’ve got bigger fish to fry. Two guys approached the perimeter this morning. I don’t know why the hell they thought they could do shit with just two of them, but they sure tried. I’m pretty sure they’re here for your girl.”

My heart stills in my chest. “Are you sure?”

“Doesn’t take a rocket science. You guys just got here yesterday and now here they are. Hit’s still out on her for over a million dollars. This is just the beginning.”

A muscle in my jaw ticks. “What’s their status now?”

A hard smile crosses his lips. “One man down, other cornered in the woods. You comin’? If we can take this one in alive, we can find out where he came from.”

I glance back at the still closed door.

“We’ll drop your girl off at my house. She can sit with Lacey. I’ll have some guys posted outside.”

Flora looks up at me with panic in her bleary eyes when I wake her a moment later. “What’s going on? Is there someone here? What do we need to do?” She’s instantly on alert and I hate that she’s so anxious.

“Shh, now,” I stroke her soft, golden hair and place a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Just some club business. I need you to come with me. You’re going to stay with Silver’s sister for a few hours.”

She must still be sleepy because it’s not until she’s fully clothed that she starts to fight me. “What’s this club business? Is it dangerous? Does it involve this stuff with my uncle? If it does, I should be there.”

I rub her upper arms as we step out into the daylight. “Silver’s house is just down the road. I’ll drop you off. It’s nothing you need to worry about.” I know my voice is clipped, but the adrenaline has started to kick in. I need to protect my Flora. I need to make sure these guys are taken care of.

She climbs in the truck and gives me an aggravated look. “You know that’s not me, Levi. I’m not the little lady that you can just pat on the head and tell to “go be pretty and paint my nails”. If this involves me, I should know.”

I grit my teeth. I love my hard-headed girl, but damn I wish she could be just a bit more pliable. But then again…she wouldn’t be my Flora.

“It seems like a couple of men have arrived because of the bounty on your head. I’m going out to find out who they are.”

I feel her stiffen beside me. “They’re here for me?” she asks in a small voice.

I nod as we pull up to Silver’s bigger ranch style house. “Yep, looks like,” I reply before turning to look at here. The fear on her face is evident. I reach out to cup her shoulder. “Listen, Flora, I will never let anyone hurt you. These guys won’t even make it past the front gates. I promise you.”

She shakes her head. “You don’t understand. I know that. I know you’ll stop them. I’m just worried about you.”

“Worried about me?” I question, feeling gutted. No one has worried about me in so long that I forgot what it felt like. “I’ll be fine, Flora. I’m a tough son-of-a-bitch.” I toss her what I hope is a carefree grin and tug her close to me.

She slaps my arm. “I swear if you get yourself killed, I’ll never forgive you.”

I grin and kiss her lips softly. “I wouldn’t dare die for fear of your wrath.”

I can’t help but look back as I drive away. Flora still stands on the porch surrounded by two of our men and Lacey. Knowing she’s here waiting on me to return fills me with warmth. I don’t know what the next few minutes hold, but I know I’ll do anything to come back to the woman I love.