Page 18 of Preacher's Property

“Appreciate you having my back, baby.” Preacher gives me one of those crooked smiles. “But I don’t want you anywhere near his dick again.”

Dusty yanks him even harder and Preacher’s smooth voice sends a shiver down my back.

“You put your hands on me again and I’ll be the one cutting off your dick.”

“That’s another threat,” Dusty grits back. “The only dick you’ll get a chance at is the one of the inmate you’ll be sharing a cell with.”

All I hope is that King can get Preacher out of this mess, because Dusty’s need for revenge right now will send Preacher tojail for years. He’ll probably make up bogus charges just to keep him away from me.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” barks an older man as soon as we enter the building. “Who authorized you to march onto the Savage Knights’ private property and cuff one of their men?”

Dusty looks taken aback by the man’s anger. This must be the sheriff—his boss.

“He vandalized my vehicle. Got surveillance footage to prove it.”

Dusty wasn’t even at the clubhouse because Meg called him. I thought he showed up worried about Dakota, but he came for his car. I don’t understand who this person is. He hated Kollette, and now he’s fucking her. He used to be so protective of Dakota, and now he cares more about his stupid muscle car. This person is not the boy I fell in love with.

“I don’t fucking care if he smashed your car to pieces. Whatever instigated the attack meant that it was probably warranted because the Savage Knights are our number one allies. They help us keep these goddamn streets safe. They take the drug-pushing fuckers off our hands and make them serve the justice they deserve. They don’t go around picking fights with cops for the fuck of it. Now, I suggest you turn the fuck around and get to groveling because it’s that man right there who gets to decide your fate here. If he tells me to take your badge, I’m fucking taking it and filing harassment charges on their behalf.”

I think my jaw just hit the floor. That was the craziest thing I’ve ever witnessed.

Dusty looks shocked by the entire thing too. I think he expected to walk in here and have his moment as he booked Preacher. Now, he has to beg for forgiveness. I so wish Kollette was here to witness this moment. I wonder what she would think of him chomping on a mouthful of humble pie.

The most ironic part is the fact that he never once offered me an apology, and now he’s being forced to utter the words. That is… if he wants to keep his badge.

“I apologize for interrupting your evening.” It looks like those words hurt to say. Each word is grinding through that clenched jaw. I think he should do better than that.

“And?” the sheriff crosses his arms.

“And for slapping the cuffs on your wrists.”

“And?” I say.

Dusty’s eyes shoot to mine and his jaw clenches tighter. I cross my arms mimicking the sheriff, waiting for him to finish. I don’t think he’s done enough groveling yet. Preacher lets out a low chuckle. It seems as though every time I open my mouth to speak, he and his brothers find me funny.

“And for threatening you the other day. I apologize for the things I said. I won’t cause any problems in the future.”

“And you’ll leave my girl alone?” Preacher adds. “Don’t want you showing up on her doorstep again. She’s done with your ass. It’s time for you to accept that.”

Dusty looks to me and I cock my brow waiting for him to agree. I don’t want to have anything to do with him again.

“You have my word.” He turns back toward Preacher.

“Apology accepted.” Preacher nods. “As long as he knows his place, Sheriff, we’re all good.”

He holds out his wrists for Dust to uncuff him. The moment he’s free, I rush to him.

“I’m so sorry.” I bury my face into his chest, hugging him close. “I didn’t mean to drag you into my mess. The last thing you wanted to deal with was a jealous ex.”

“I’m not fucking jealous. I’ve got Kollette waiting in my bed.”

I almost want to laugh. Dusty’s attempt at hurting me only makes me happier with my decision.

“Careful, fucker,” Preacher warns. “Might be wise of you to keep your mouth shut. You hurt my girl, I will hurt you.”

I shake my head. “It doesn’t hurt. The bitch is perfect for him.”

Another round of chuckles from the men and I’m struggling to understand how I’ve turned into a comedian.