He’d protect her. He was the only one who could.
“You’re thinking way too much. Make love to me, Dog. Make me yours.”
****
Sable wasn’t trying to gloat even though the ring on her finger was fast becoming a distraction. Cleaning, cooking, doing the dishes, she found herself still admiring it.
So perfect.
So pretty.
She was going to belong to Dog. In her heart, she’d always belonged to him. This ring didn’t change that, but it certainly made her feel so many different emotions. Above everyone else, Dog had picked her. Knowing he loved her and didn’t want to use her just for her body, she felt on cloud freaking nine. He loved her and every morning, he was there, smiling down at her, making her believe they were going to be okay.
Standing in the kitchen, making herself a coffee, she’d drifted into her own fantasy world, seeing a little boy and girl, both wearing leather cuts, running around the clubhouse.
Someone cleared their throat, and she turned to see Honey standing in the doorway.
Ever since Forge had warned her mother and sister, both had avoided her like the plague.
“I never got the chance to offer you congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
She poured hot water into her coffee cup.
“I saw the way you were with that cop.”
Sable dropped the kettle pot down and turned to look at her sister, shaking her head. “No, what you got to see was an act. That was all it was. An act. I never wanted him. Why is it so impossible for you to believe that I love this place?”
“You never partied. It’s clear you never took any of the men to your bed.”
“I only ever wanted Dog. He was the only man I ever wanted and even when he didn’t look at me, he’s … I love this club. I would die for this club. They’re my family. I thought you and Mom would see past the act and help. But no, you two just wanted to see what you thought. That I was no good. That there had to be a reason for how I was, because you just couldn’t accept the fact I loved one man.”
Honey held her hands up. “I get it. I’m sorry. We’ve always been different, you and I. I guess, I don’t know what I guess. I … I’m sorry.” Honey dropped her hands, rubbing them down her body. “I wanted to see the bad in you. You’ve always been the good one. No matter what I do, people always seem to light up in your company, and for once, I was the good sister.”
“It’s not a competition. The men love you.”
“And I know that no matter what, not one of them is going to look at me the way Dog looks at you. I’ve seen it. He worships you.”
Sable smiled. “He does?”
“Yeah. I’ve seen the way he looked at you in the past, and it hasn’t changed.” Honey laughed. “You’re going to get married. Be Dog’s old lady. I am a little jealous but I hope in time, you can forgive me.” Honey blew out a breath. “I’m not just saying that because this is my only home. I do mean that. You’re my sister.”
“Even though you offered yourself up to my man?” Sable asked.
Honey groaned. “He told you about that?”
“Dog and I, we don’t keep many secrets.” She smiled, thinking about her life with Dog. “I can’t believe he asked me to marry him. I keep replaying it in my head.”
“Do you think you’re ever going to be able to forgive me?” Honey asked.
“There’s a delivery out front,” someone yelled, interrupting.
Sable rolled her eyes. “Hold that thought. I’ll go and see what it is.”
“I don’t think you should go,” Honey said.
“Don’t worry about it.” She dried her hands on a towel, walking through the club. Outside, a white van had reversed up. It looked like a delivery van. The club was constantly getting packages. If Forge left Beth alone for five minutes with the internet, that woman could spend for hours.
The man held a clipboard and she quickly signed it, not even looking at what Beth could have possible purchased.
“It’s around the side.”
Honey came out of the clubhouse and Sable turned to look at her.
“Sable, run!” Honey screamed.
It was too late.
Sable was pulled inside the van. Even as she tried to get away, someone punched her jaw, sending her crashing to the floor.
This wasn’t a delivery.
Stars danced across her vision and sickness flooded her body.
“You think you could get away from me?” Hank said. “Not a chance. I can wait. I’m a patient guy.”
“And you better be even more fucking patient.” She heard Grass speak from somewhere.
Hank grabbed her hands, pressing them either side of her head. She cried out, fighting against him.
“Please, let me go.” She cried out as he slapped her, hard.