He pressed a kiss to my forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment. “There’s more.”
I leaned back to blink up at him. “More?”
His beautiful eyes took on an apologetic gleam. “We also got solid evidence tying your parents to the purchase. Enough to bury them if it ever comes out.”
The people who had raised me and shaped my entire life had bought me like an accessory for their political image. Part of me had already accepted that truth. But the knowledge still made me ache. “They could lose everything.”
“They could.” Thayer’s jaw flexed, but his eyes stayed gentle on mine as he reminded, “But they also stepped up when it mattered.”
“True,” I conceded.
It wasn’t the unconditional love I’d always wanted, but it was a small act of protection from the only parents I’d ever known.
Thayer cupped my face with both hands, tilting my chin up. “You okay?”
I nodded, leaning into his touch. For the first time since the truth had come out, I felt safe. Cherished in a way that had nothing to do with appearances and everything to do with the man standing in front of me.
“I’m okay,” I finally whispered. “Because I’m with you.”
His expression shifted into the softness I was learning to crave. He kissed me, his voice rough when he pulled back. “What do you want to do about your parents?”
I gaped up at him, my eyes widening. “I figured you guys would decide because it’s club business now.”
Kane approached us, casting me an approving glance. “They’re your parents, and you belong to Cage. So you get input.”
All eyes turned to me. I took a breath, surprised at how steady my voice came out. “You have evidence that could destroy them, but only the club knows the full truth about me. That I wasn’t their biological child. It gives you leverage, an important tool my father might regret teaching me about. He’s a powerful state senator with connections in government and law enforcement. That could help the club stay protected.”
Thayer’s hold on me tightened. “Are you sure you want to handle them this way, baby?”
I nodded and met Kane’s gaze directly. “Use it. Keep him in your pocket. Not to hurt them, but to make sure the Redline Kings have an ally where it matters most. He owes me that much.”
The room went quiet for a beat. Then a genuinely impressed smile spread across Kane’s face. “Well, damn. Didn’t expect that. Cage chose well.”
I felt my cheeks warm but didn’t look away. “I want to protect what’s mine the same way you all protected me.”
Savannah grinned proudly beside her husband. Kane nodded, clearly pleased.
“I like the way you think,” he complimented. “And for the record, we would never use this information against you. This stays between us and your parents. You have my word that we won’t weaponize it without your explicit okay. You’re family now, Hadley. We don’t fuck with our own.”
The reassurance made me feel better about my decision. I glanced around the room and saw nothing but respect and acceptance on every face.
“Thank you.” My voice was thick with emotion. “You’ve all shown me what real family looks like. I trust you completely.”
Thayer brushed a kiss against the top of my head, his pride practically radiating off him.
“Then it’s settled.” Kane dipped his chin in agreement. “We’ll handle your father carefully. He’ll learn real quick that crossing us isn’t an option.”
I felt lighter than I had in weeks. I’d made a real contribution, choosing to look out for my new family the same way they’d watched over me.
Thayer pulled me aside, backing me gently against the nearest wall. Cupping my face, he murmured, “You amaze me, baby. Standing in there like you were born for this life. Suggesting leverage on a fucking state senator without flinching. That’s my woman.”
I smiled up at him, my heart full. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”
His expression turned fierce and tender all at once. “Damn right you are. And I’m about to make sure the whole damn world knows it.”
He took my hand and led me through the clubhouse, straight past curious glances and knowing smirks from the brothers and old ladies. My heart was racing, buzzing with anticipation.
He pulled me into the room we’d been staying in at the clubhouse and closed the door behind us. When he turned to face me, the intense look in his eyes made my heart clench.