Page 59 of Direct Action

“And?”

“You’ll be there.”

“And?”

“You’ll be there,” she repeated. “That means it might be dangerous, but I won’t be in any danger because you’ll be there to make sure we’re safe.”

And fuck me running.

I wasn’t sure if I was pissed as fuck I’d walked right into that trap or if I wanted to howl at the moon, She trusts me to keep her safe.

I didn’t do either.

I stared at her.

She smiled a triumphant grin.

“When’s your next shift?” I asked, and that smile turned toothy.

“Tonight.”

I looked at Poppy and asked, “You?”

“Same. Tonight.”

“Beck, you’re on Poppy.”

“Can’t, brother, I’ve got someplace to be.”

“I’ll cover Poppy,” Gavin offered.

That worked out better.

I looked back at Chloe, returned her smile, and lowered the hammer. “You’ve got a choice. I’m moving in with you, or you’re moving in with me.”

“What? Why?”

“I might not be able to control you, but I sure as fuck can control how this operation is carried out. You want in, you follow my rules. Until we get our memberships sorted, I can’t go into the club, but I’m driving you to and from work. And after our memberships are sorted, I’m still driving you to and from, with the added protection of my ass being at the bar.”

“I don’t think—”

“With this, you don’t think. I do. The team does. And that’s not being King Bossy. That’s me being the one with operational experience. I make the rules, you follow them. You said it yourself; this shit is dangerous. You also said it will be me who makes it safe for you to be involved.”

Chloe glared.

Poppy nudged Chloe’s shoulder.

“It’s King of Bossiness,” she spat and intensified her scowl.

“Careful, baby, you’re going to give yourself a seizure with all that effort you’re using to summon up those daggers.”

“My couch is lumpy, so I pick my place.”

I gave her that play and smiled.

Her eyes narrowed. She knew I had no intention of sleeping on her couch, lumpy or not.

“Um. Yeah. So, I think I’m missing something,” Poppy muttered.