Page 73 of Word to the Wise

“I'm going with you.” Reed's voice comes from the doorway, and I look to see her standing with Lyla at her side.

“You don't need to do that.”

She makes her way over to me and takes my hand. “And you don't need to do any of this, but you are.For me.I’m not letting you go there alone.”

I look to Sage for him to back me up, but he’s watching Reed. And I sense something working in his gaze.

“It's not a bad idea, actually.” Sage wraps his arm around Lyla when she stops beside him. “If Carter was brave enough to show up at the shop, then he wants her to know he’s in town. At least if Reed’s in Vegas, he might not expect it. And the farther away she is, the better.”

“See?” Reed smiles up at me, and even if her cheeks are still stained in tears, her eyes are brightening. “I'm full of good ideas.”

“You sure are, Sticks.” Whether I like them or not.

But Sage isn’t wrong. If Reed is with me in Vegas, then I don’t have to take my eyes off her. I’ll know she’s safe. And I won't be worried about who could be getting to her while I'm out of town.

“All right,” I agree, squeezing her hand. “But you're not leaving my side. And if shit goes bad with my dad, we’re leaving.”

She nods.

“I'll call Steel,” Sage says. “His club has been having issues with Zane Enterprises, so he'll know the latest. Where your dad's at, what he's up to, what his plans are. Plus, if you want, I'm sure you could crash at the compound.”

Reed doesn't look excited about that idea, and I don't blame her. I have nothing against Sage, but in general, I don't trust the Twisted Kings.

“It's fine. I've got a place we can stay.”

“You do?” Reed blinks up at me, and I nod.

“If he wants to meet up, set up a time. But I'd rather crash at my place.”

“You got it.” Sage steps forward. “I’d go with you if I could. But I don't want Lyla traveling, and I'm not leaving her here alone.”

She swats at him. “You think I can't handle myself?”

“The opposite. I know you can handle yourself, butterfly. Which is why someone has to shield the guys at the club from you.”

“You think you’re funny, don’t you?” She glares. “We’ll circle back around to this.”

But something about the way he grins at her threat tells me he likes the challenge.

“Besides, Crew needs Jude’s help with a couple of fights this weekend, so I’m holding down the fort at the shop.”

“Will you be good without me?”

“I’ll survive.” He laughs, and I guess it makes sense since Sage isn’t the kind of guy who generally wants people’s help.

Reed wraps her hands around my arm. “So that’s it then? Trip to Vegas?”

“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, you know,” Lyla taunts.

Sage grabs her chin. “Don’t give those two any ideas.”

Reed’s cheeks fill with color as Sage and Lyla make their way back down the hall, teasing each other. And when she looks up at me, there’s the faintest hint of hesitation.

“You sure you’re up for this?” I brush her silky hair back.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

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