Before I could even think of a reply, Hawke came walking back over, shoving his phone in his pocket. “Prez said to bring him to the safe house. He’s givin’ Miles, Rez, and Nash a heads-up we’re comin’. I’ll grab the van.” He walked away without another word.
“I’ll be right back.” I tucked the gun into the back of my waistband and jogged toward the clubhouse. While I continued to deal with twinges of jealousy and anger toward Maddie, I still didn’t want to leave her. But it looked like I had no other choice in the matter.
She was sitting at the bar, Brick caging her in her seat. While I didn’t appreciate how close he was to her, or that he’d had his hands on her before, I trusted him to not be inappropriate or cross any lines where she was concerned.
The moment she saw me, she hopped off the stool and rushed toward me, throwing her hands around my neck. “Please tell me you didn’t kill him.” She sobbed, her concern for this guy making my stomach roll.
I pushed her back so I could see her face, hating every one of her tears that were being shed for another man. “He is none of your concern.”
“Lincoln, please…” Her body trembled as she looked up at me with her imploring stare. “Please don’t—”
“Maddie, listen to me. Whatever happens to him is not on you.” She opened her mouth to interrupt, but I shook my head before continuing to speak. “He knew what could happen by showing up here.” More tears stained her cheeks. “What he did to you is unforgiveable. I know you believe he’s not a bad guy because he was nice to you sometimes, but he’s a coward. He took you to his club knowing what type of men they are. And you can argue with me until you’re blue in the face, but that piece of shit out there,” I said, raising my voice and pointing toward the door, “is not someone who deserves your tears. And don’t think for a second he won’t lure another unsuspecting girl back to his buddies.” Even as the words left my mouth, I became conflicted with the suspected truth of them. Pike had come here to warn us, but as of this moment, I couldn’t figure out if he told us the truth or if this was part of a setup.
When her tears slowed, I looked over her head to Brick. “We gotta go. Can you stay here and watch her?”
“Of course,” he responded right away, alleviating some of my worry.
Maddie clutched on to my shirt, the fabric stretching when I tried to pull away. Gently but firmly unfurling her fingers, I passed her back to him.
As I walked away, I couldn’t help the overwhelming feeling of dread that passed through me over what was to come.