Chapter Twenty. #2
“Yes, we were made aware of his… affiliation with the Royal Harlots,” she replied, but I didn’t sense any heat from her.
“Thanks. Any news about Romeo and Poker?”
“Are you their next of kin?” the nurse inquired.
“Yes.”
She eyed me and then smiled. “Poker is having a head X-ray, and Romeo has regained consciousness—I didn’t tell you that.”
“Thank you.”
I headed back to the club and informed them.
“Maverick, what the hell happened?” I asked when everyone had subsided.
“We were leaving the supermarket when Poker noticed a couple of guys watching us. There were kids present, so we decided to leave rather than force a confrontation. Poker drove us to an isolated car park where we pulled in. The assholes followed. There were two cars’ worth of them, eight in total.
They all wore gang colours. I got pictures of them while Poker confronted them. ”
“Eight against three. Shit.”
“They told us they were going to send a message. We held out, but kept getting in each other’s way.
Romeo and I were trying to protect Poker, but she kept pushing to the front.
Shit, she’s vicious when riled. They took Romeo down and then Poker, but before they got me or could kick the shit out of us while unconscious, the cops arrived.
Someone had driven by and seen us, I guess.
They were both knocked out. Sapphire, I did what I could to protect them,” Maverick stated firmly.
“Maverick, I’m not doubting you. It’s not your place to defend us, but ours to protect you. I can’t thank you enough for what you did. I’ll have Jinx come and pick you up and take you home,” I said.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to wait for better news,” Maverick stated.
“Not a problem, Maverick. But if it gets too much, let me know, and Jinx can get you,” I replied.
Maverick nodded.
I approached Sparrow, Belladonna, Vengeance, and Blade and informed them what Maverick had told me.
“The cops have four in custody. The guys took them down, and the cops arrested them. Four ran,” Belladonna said. She jerked her head towards the uniforms who were present and approaching Maverick. “They know our people were defending themselves. They’re not here to cause trouble.”
“Orders?” Sparrow asked.
“Get word out on the streets—we’re putting up a reward. I want the names of those who attacked our own. Start kicking in doors, turning over clubs, and find them. Let it be known that there is also a marker attached to this. Whoever brings me their identities will curry favour with us,” I said.
“I’m on it,” Sparrow said and moved away.
“We’ll locate them, Sapphire,” Blade murmured as she clutched my shoulder.
I nodded and stared out of the window. They’d do their job; mine was to wait for news about Romeo and Poker.
Hayden
I entered the clubhouse after hearing what had happened and was shocked to see everyone present. Even the stable was about. I searched for Sapphire and couldn’t spot her or those in a leadership position.
“Sit down, Hayden. Sapphire’s in a meeting,” Belladonna said.
“She okay?” I demanded, my eyes scanning the rec room.
I spotted two guys who were banged up. Worried, I kept searching until my gaze lit on Poker, who lounged on a sofa with cushions piled around her.
Another guy seemed to be waiting on her hand and foot.
Poker looked like she’d gone ten rounds with a boxer.
“How is she?” I asked Belladonna.
“Sapphire or Poker?”
“All of them.”
“Poker, Maverick, and Romeo will be okay. They got off lucky. Sapphire is fit to be tied; she wants blood and doesn’t care how she gets it,” Belladonna replied.
“That’s my girl,” I said.
Belladonna smirked. “For a cop, you’re pretty grey.”
“Belladonna, you’ve seen my mind. Why are you surprised I’m grey?”
“Because you’re the man! The law!”
“I’m still human, Belladonna. I catch you guys dealing drugs or arms, I’ll arrest you. Some scumbags who are hurting innocent people, and they have been, nah, not really a loss to society. But you knew that, so I don’t get why you’re pushing the subject.”
“Because I can’t quite believe you exist. You’re a unicorn,” Belladonna stated.
“Oh, I’ve got a horn!” I retorted with humour.
Belladonna’s mouth dropped open before she roared with laughter and slapped my back. “Nice one, Hayden.”
“Thanks.” As if by magic, my eyes were drawn to a door through which Sapphire exited. She looked tired and pissed off. I could understand that. Her gaze flicked around the room, checking everyone was present and safe, before it landed on me.
She smiled and drifted over to me. I watched as she stopped and talked to her sisters.
A soft hand was placed on Maverick’s shoulder as she murmured something to him.
He grinned, and I realised I should feel some jealousy.
He’d probably slept with her, and yet there was nothing because Sapphire was mine.
Her love for me shone in her eyes even though she’d not said the words. Neither had I.
Romeo was the next guy she spoke to, and there was worry in her expression. Romeo had been knocked out, but he looked better than I expected. I glanced across at Stitch and noted she seemed a little pale. Yup, she’d been using her ability.
Sapphire finally made her way to me and sat on my lap. I wrapped my arms around her as she leaned her head on my chest.
“I love you,” I said, and her eyes snapped to mine, showing shock again.
“What?” she whispered as the entire room fell silent.
“I love you, Sapphire. And I’ll happily be your old man, but I’m going to put a ring on your finger, and we will get married.
We’ll have kids too, and live a great life and grow old together.
And one day, we’ll sit on the porch on a swing or rocking chairs and watch our grandchildren play.
When that day comes, know I’ll love you as much as I do now. ”
Several aws emerged from the peanut gallery. I didn’t pay attention; only Sapphire’s reaction mattered.
“Love you too,” Sapphire finally muttered.
I swooped and claimed her lips and kissed her hard. This woman was it for me. Whatever came our way wouldn’t break us, not even if I had to quit my job. I’d found my reason for living, and she was right in my lap.