Wrapped in Chains - Nicola Jane Page 0,65

I say in his defence.

“Blade took him to a secure unit to be assessed,” adds Anna. “And his mum is back in the care home. Chains is footing the bill for that.”

I smile weakly. “Chains is still around. Is that a good sign?” I ask.

The girls glance at each other and I brace myself for the bad news. “Riggs is taking his patch,” says Anna.

“No!” I snap. “The club’s all he’s got.”

“I’ve tried talking to him. He doesn’t want to hear it,” says Anna. “We’re still sorting things out ourselves, so I can’t push him as much as I’d like to on the subject.”

I squeeze her hand gently. I’m pleased she’s here and that my niece is safe. Maybe now she and Riggs will sort things out for good. After all, they have a living, breathing connection now.

I stomp down to Riggs’ office, where I find him and Cree laughing about something and drinking bourbon. “Just cos you’ve had a rough few days doesn’t mean you can come here without knocking,” says Riggs with a grin.

“You’re taking his patch?” I snap.

Riggs’ face hardens. “I can’t trust him, Leia.”

I feel Chains approach me from behind. Riggs’ face confirms it. I feel his arms wrap around my waist and he buries his face into my neck. Riggs stands. “Are you kidding me?” he growls.

“Baby, I missed you,” Chains mutters into my hair. I close my eyes, enjoying the feel of being safe in his strong arms. “I’ll never leave your side again.”

“Right in front of my face?” yells Riggs.

“Do you want me to hide it again? Make your mind up,” mutters Chains.

“You’re pushing your luck,” growls Riggs.

“I’m claiming what's mine!” says Chains. He gently pulls me to stand behind him. “I took your beatings. Fuck, I don’t know if I’ll ever walk straight again, but it’s done now. The only way you’ll ever get me away from her is to kill me.”

Riggs marches forward and pushes his gun to my head. “We’ve been here before. This time there’s no Vinn to stop me,” he growls.

I whimper and Chains squeezes my hand in reassurance. He pushes his head onto the muzzle of the gun. “Then why are we still talking about it?” he hisses.

“Please,” I whisper, tears falling down my face. “Riggs, I love him.”

“I wanted what was best for you, Leia. Years protecting you from assholes like him,” Riggs spits out.

“And look what happened. I met a psychopath who wanted to cut my baby out early to replace one he lost. You know Chains. You know he’s good. He’ll take care of me.”

“I’ve seen him treat women like shit,” snaps Riggs. “Remember, brother?” He glares at Chains and pushes the gun harder into his forehead. “The sex parties, the fuckin’ any skank that came near you. You tell me you love her but where the fuck have you been these last few months? Claiming other women as your own while leaving her here, alone!”

“We all have a past,” I argue. I make a mental note to bring up the sex parties with Chains another time.

“Some more than others,” snaps Riggs.

“It’s in my past. Just like yours,” says Chains. “When we were in the Forces, we all did that shit, not just me. And as for the last few months, I was trying to do the right thing and move on. I didn’t know about the baby.”

“She’s my sister,” says Riggs, and it comes out sounding pained. “My little sister.”

“I know,” mutters Chains. “And I’ll love her and protect her forever. I promise.”

Blade steps into the office. “I’m bringing it to church,” he says and Riggs glares at him. “Taking his patch is wrong and the brothers should have a say on it.” Then he leaves and we hear him calling the brothers to church.

“Motherfucker,” snarls Riggs, putting the gun back in his waistband. “He’s lost his god damn mind.”

Chains

“Calling church like he’s the fuckin’ president. What the hell is this bullshit about?” mutters Riggs, heading for church. I follow on with Cree.

The guys fill the room, but I remain by the door. “Thanks for coming,” begins Blade, and Riggs sniggers.

“Thanks for coming,” Riggs mocks. “That’s how you’re kicking this off?”

Blades coughs nervously. “I might be outta line,” he begins and Riggs laughs louder. “But I wanna do what's right.” He glances around the room and his eyes land on me. “Chains fucked up.”

“Oh, hell no,” growls Riggs. “We ain’t discussing this.”

“We are,” says Blade. “And you can either stay and take your