“Get Cheyenne and get her in the car. We’ll drive her out of state, then we’ll come back and deal with Hogan and his gang.”

Spike runs his fingers through his hair, he’s clearly distressed. He’s gotten not only himself, but Chey in a situation that’s beyond dangerous.

“I don’t know if tryin’ to get out is the best move, Cade.”

“What will you do then? Leave her here? They come lookin’ for you, they’re goin’ to come here. You need to get her out.”

“I’ll lock her in the basement; she’ll be safe. I’ll go face them, keep them away from the house.”

“That’s a fuckin’ risk and you know it.”

He growls. “Fuck, mother fucker.”

“Go and get her. We’re gettin’ her out now.”

“What’s going on?”

We both turn to see Chey standing at the door. She’s a beautiful woman, with silky blonde hair, big brown eyes and a tiny petite build. Her stomach is just starting to round out with their unborn babe. Chey is the love of Spike’s life; he’s given up everything to make her happy, to be with her, to adore her. And he does, he adores the living shit out of her. I watch as he walks over, wrapping his arms around her. Compared to his height, she looks like a child. Her head rests on his chest; he’s a good foot taller than her. He holds her close, and for a moment, I let him. Time is running short though, Hogan’s gang is already in town. It won’t take them long to find Spike’s address.

“We gotta move, Spike.”

Spike let’s Chey go and looks down at her. “We’re goin’ to have to go for a drive, sunshine? Got me?”

She nods. “What’s going on?”

“Just a biker problem, Cade here is goin’ to sort it for us, okay?”

She looks at me, her eyes hopeful. I smile at her, giving her the best reassuring glance I can. “Just goin’ for a few days, yeah?”

She nods, and turns and quickly gathers her purse. “I can get clothes on the way.”

Spike meets my gaze and I nod at him, then I grip the keys and jerk my head towards the garage. “My car.”

“Haven’t you two been drinking?” Chey asks.

“It’ll be fine,” I assure her.

“I have an unborn child. I’m not comfortable with you two driving.”

Fuckin’ women, they can be so fuckin’ stubborn.

“Let Cade drive,” Spike says in a warning tone.

“No,” Chey says, crossing her arms.

“Might be a good idea to let her drive,” I suggest. “If they see her, and we’re low in the back seat, they won’t get suspicious.”

“Great idea, can we go?” Chey says, grabbing the keys out of my hand.

I can see she’s scared as hell, but she’s covering it well.

“I say no,” Spike argues. “It’s not safe.”

“Spike, just let it be. It’s the safest option.”

“For who?” he roars at me. “You and me?”

“They won’t recognize her!”

“You underestimate them!” Spike bellows.

Chey walks over, rubbing Spike’s shoulder. “Hey, it’s okay. I’m with Cade on this one; he’s got the right idea. It’ll be fine, honey, just fine.”

Spike is trembling with rage, but he nods with defeat and we all pile into the car. Spike and I get into the backseat, and Chey gets into the front.

“Stay low, boys. I’ll tell you when it’s clear.”

We both sit low as Chey backs out. When she’s out on the road, I can feel Spike trembling beside me. He’s scared, and I know why. These guys aren’t the sort you fuck with. Jack’s and the boys are out of town, so I can’t even call on them for backup. This is our only option, and it’s a shitty one.

“It’s clear so far,” Chey says from the front seat.

“Keep drivin’ sunshine, yeah, good girl,” Spike encourages, his voice trembling.

We drive for ten minutes and thus far, things are workin’ out. Then everything changes. Just like that, it all becomes a nightmare.

“Spike, there’s some bikes behind me,” Chey says in a panicked voice.

“Fuck,” Spike growls lifting his head enough to look out the back of the car.

“Is it them?” I ask, reaching into my jeans for my gun.

“Fuckin’ mother fucker. It’s them all right, with back up. There’s at least twenty of them.”

Fuck.

“Keep drivin’, Chey,” I say gently to the woman having a panic attack in the front of the car.

“Spike, I’m frightened,” she wails.

“Baby, you’re gonna be just fine,” Spike soothes her, but his eyes are wide and panicked.

“Oh God, I don’t want to get hurt. I don’t want to,” she sobs.

“Hey, Chey, listen to me, yeah? You’re gonna be just fine. It’s fine. You just keep drivin’, sugar, just keep drivin’,” I say to her, using my best comforting voice; even though right now, I’m anything but comforted.

“I say pull over,” Spike growls in my ear. “Let me face them. It’s me they want.”

“They’ll fuckin’ kill you,” I hiss.

“I’m not riskin’ her.”

“I won’t pull over!” Chey cries, picking up speed.