Page 55 of Rage
“You’re always doing that,” I say.
He tilts his head. “What’s that?”
“Monitoring your environment. I’ve noticed you do it every time we go out.”
“I don’t trust people outside of the club,” he replies, his voice grave. “You’re important to me, so I take extra care. All the men in the club are super vigilant. We hope there isn’t trouble around but are prepared for it.”
He glances at my feet. “Keep your feet shoulder width apart with your knees slightly bent. It gives you stability.”
I do as he suggests.
“Let’s start with something simple. For a palm strike, aim for the attacker’s nose or chin. Fingers up, and strike with the base of your palm—like this.” He demonstrates, and I copy his move.
“For an escape, if they grab you from behind, stomp on their foot, throw your head back into their face, and elbow them in the ribs.” He stands behind me, and we do the motions slowly so that I get the idea.
Once we’re finished, I say, “Thanks for showing me. Self-defense wasn’t something I gave much thought to before, but I’m more comfortable now and understand I have the ability to defend myself. It’s something I should have done after my first boyfriend hit me.”
He wraps an arm around me and kisses my temple. “We can practice every day, and I can keep showing you different moves.”
“Sounds good.”
Rage has a way of empowering me, making me feel safe. From his cheeky grin to his alpha-male attitude. I’m one lucky woman.
I hearMilly’s and Sophie’s loud voices as I sit at the kitchen counter having my breakfast smoothie with Rage. We stop talking and watch them come in and stand by the coffee machine.
“Let me take you to the bridal shop in town.” Sophie’s tone is more authoritative than suggestive.
“It’s okay,” Milly replies. She exhales. “I have my dress. I bought it online.”
Sophie snorts, unimpressed. “It’s your big day—you want something special.”
Milly shakes her head. “We’re having it here at the clubhouse. It’s only family and friends. Twitch will be wearingthe same clothes he always wears, so I’m not going to look out of place.”
Sophie crosses her arms, undeterred. “Just try a few dresses on, and if you don’t like anything, I’ll let it be.”
Now it’s Rage who snorts. All eyes are on him. I chuckle under my breath as Sophie playfully narrows her eyes at him.
“Fine,” Milly relents with a sigh. “Let me have my coffee first.”
Sophie grins triumphantly, flashing her straight white teeth. “Fabulous.” She looks at me. “Did you want to come? I’ll ask the other ol’ ladies too.”
My heart flutters. Am I an ol’ lady? Am I who Rage wants to spend the rest of his life with?
I smile. “I’m in.”
“Okay, let’s meet by the front door in thirty minutes,” says Sophie.
After they grab their coffees and go, I say to Rage, “I’m thankful they’re including me. It feels good to be able to spend time with friends again.”
“I don’t know how much fun you’ll have, judging by the look on Milly’s face,” he says, smirking. “But it means a lot that you get along with them.”
They’re an easy bunch of people to get along with. The only small drama I had was with Sophie, but she was just looking out for Rage. She has pure intentions.
I go get changed and meet Sophie, Milly, Ivy, and Ava out the front. We pile into Milly’s silver convertible and she turns the music up loud. It’s a rap song by a male artist, with a catchy beat.
As we drive past the clubhouse, we see all our partners watching from the porch.
“Who wants to bet Rage follows us?” Sophie says loudly over the music.
