his. “Sage and I were together when she had a job in California, and I was here. I’d thought we were serious. She didn’t. In fact, she’d requested a transfer back east, telling me she wanted more opportunity, new experiences. What Sage didn’t want was me. She left, and I’ve had almost no contact with her since. I moved on, Kat, and so did she.”
“But she wants you back.”
Blowing out a breath, he nodded. “She’s transferred back to California. And, yes, she came by to see if I’d give her another chance.” Seeing her bite her bottom lip, he kissed the palm of her hand. “I told her I’d moved on with a woman I care a great deal about.”
When her lips parted in shock, he stood, scooping her into his arms, lowering himself on the bed, positioning her on his lap.
“You’re who I want, Kat. I knew it the first time we met. I don’t know where we’ll end up, but if you think we’ve got no future, I’d appreciate you telling me now.”
Her breath came in short puffs, heart hammering in her chest. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she bent down to brush her mouth over his.
“Does that mean you feel the same?” His warm breath fanned across her lips.
“Yes. I feel the same.”
Staring into her eyes, seeing the truth in them, he covered her mouth with his, ruining any thought she had of leaving.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Gunner rode his bike to the clubhouse after following Katrina. They’d made a late lunch, prolonging their time together. She’d taken the day off. He’d hoped to convince her to stay another night, but she’d declined without explanation. It had been hard to ride off after one of his best days ever.
She’d invited him for dinner that evening at seven, asking him to arrive at six to speak to her mother and brother. The conversation about the Disciples and Mob couldn’t be put off any longer.
Down the street sat two newer members of the Brethren, tasked by Wrath to keep Katrina safe, plus follow Teri home from work and Brady from his after-school job. It was the best he could offer until Grayson and Wrath prepared a plan of action.
Ignoring the dull ache in his wrist, Gunner maneuvered the streets with confidence, glad to be back on his bike. His self-assurance didn’t stop him from slowing at every corner, his gaze watchful for any threatening movement.
As much as he preferred thinking about his last twenty-four hours with Katrina, he had to get his head in the game. The danger to her, Teri, and Brady was much too real.
Approaching the entrance to the clubhouse, his mouth quirked into a grin. The large compound had become as much a home as the one he’d built in the pines. Besides his family, the people he trusted most in his life worked beyond the tall walls topped with razor wire.
Pulling in, he parked in the back next to the other bikes. Several men came up to ask about the crash and welcome him back. It had been less than a week, yet they treated him as if he’d been gone for months.
“Hey, Gunner. Good to see you back.” Rock walked up, grasping him on the shoulder. “You were lucky.”
“Don’t I know it.” He started walking to the clubhouse back door before Rock grabbed his arm, guiding him to a newer building.
It had been built with a particular purpose in mind. If there was ever a need for meeting with an enemy entity on the compound grounds, they’d be shown into one of two conference rooms, both loaded with hidden electronics, micro cameras, and a state of the art sound system. The walls were reinforced, windows made of bulletproof glass.
“What the hell, Rock.”
“Trust me, Gunner. I heard Sage is back in California.”
The change of subject confused him further. “This morning she was in Liberty Lake, at my front door.”
“Shit. You’d think she’d have better sense.”
“Katrina was there.”
Rock stopped, studying his friend. “Are you two official?”
A huge smile brightened his features. “We are. I let Sage know we wouldn’t be working on a second chance.”
“She’s a great helo pilot, but was never right for you, Gunner. You deserved better.”
It had taken Gunner months to realize the same. “Thanks, man. By the number of vehicles, I’m guessing everyone is here.”
Opening the door, Rock motioned him inside. “It’s not quite what it appears.” He looked over his shoulder at the guards, all highly trained SEALs, making quick hand signals. When