EMILIA POV

I opened my mouth to do exactly that, but the lie wouldn't come. Instead, I found myself leaning into his touch, my body betraying every rational thought in my head.

"That's what I thought," Axel said with satisfaction.

And then he was kissing me.

years of careful control shattered in an instant. His mouth was hot and demanding, claiming mine with a desperation that matched my own. I kissed him back helplessly, my hands fisting in his leather jacket, all my good intentions crumbling to dust.

This was what I'd been running from. This consuming fire that burned away everything else, leaving only need and want and the terrible knowledge that no other man would ever affect me like this.

Axel's hands tangled in my hair, angling my head for deeper access. I could taste the cigarette on his tongue, feel the barely leashed violence in his touch. He was dangerous and wrong for me in every way that mattered.

And I wanted him with a desperation that scared me.

The sound of the back door opening broke us apart. We sprang away from each other like guilty teenagers as Marco stepped outside.

"Em?" Marco's voice was sharp with suspicion. "Is Everything okay out here?"

"Fine," I managed, my voice barely steady. "Just getting some air."

Marco's gaze moved between us, taking in my flushed face and swollen lips, Axel's defensive posture. Understanding dawned in his eyes, followed quickly by fury.

"Inside. Now," Marco ordered. "Both of you."

I started toward the door, but Axel caught my wrist. The contact sent electricity shooting up my arm.

"This isn't over," he said quietly, for my ears only.

"It never started," I whispered back.

But we both knew that was a lie.

As I walked back into the clubhouse, I could feel the weight of several gazes. Jax was watching me with concern, Carmen with knowing sympathy, and several other club members with various degrees of interest and speculation.

I'd been back in Desert Ridge for exactly three hours, and my carefully constructed new life was already falling apart.

My phone buzzed. A text from David: Can we please talk? I made a mistake.

I stared at the message, then deleted it without responding. David felt like a lifetime ago, a different person's problem.

Another buzz. Sofia: How's it going? Surviving the reunion?

I typed back: It's complicated.

Sofia: Complicated how?

Me: We kissed.

My phone immediately rang.

"Holy shit," Sofia said without preamble. "Tell me everything."

"I can't talk right now," I whispered, glancing around the clubhouse.

"Em, are you okay? You sound rattled."

"I am rattled." I walked toward the bathroom for privacy. "He kissed me, Sofia. Against the wall behind the clubhouse like we were teenagers again."

"And?" Sofia prompted.

"And nothing's changed," I admitted. "Six years, and he still affects me the same way."

"That's not necessarily a bad thing." She coos.

"It's a terrible thing," I corrected. "I came here to bury my father and go back to my life. I can't get sucked back into this world."

"Maybe your life isn't in the city," Sofia suggested gently. "Maybe it never was."

"I have to go," I said as Carmen approached the bathroom door.

"Em, wait"

I hung up and splashed cold water on my face, trying to compose myself. In the mirror, I looked exactly like a woman who'd been thoroughly kissed by a dangerous man.

When I emerged from the bathroom, Marco was waiting.

"We need to talk," he said grimly.

He led me to a private room off the main bar, closing the door behind us. The space was clearly his office now Dad's old desk, but with Marco's personal touches.

"Sit," Marco commanded.

I perched on the edge of a chair, feeling like a teenager about to be lectured.

"What happened between you and Axel out there?" Marco asked directly.

"Nothing," I lied.

Marco's eyes flashed. "Don't lie to me, Em. I saw your face when you came back inside."

I crossed my arms defensively. "Nothing happened."

"Bullshit." Marco leaned against his desk. "I know you, and I know him. The question is, how long has this been going on?"

"It's not going on," I protested. "It was just"

"Just what? A moment of weakness?" Marco's voice was getting colder. "Because I distinctly remember having this conversation with Axel six years ago."

My stomach dropped. "What conversation?"

"The one where I told him to stay the hell away from my baby sister," Marco said bluntly. "The one where he promised me it would never happen again."

"That's why he left?" The words came out as a whisper.

Marco's face softened slightly. "You didn't know."

I shook my head, pieces of the puzzle finally clicking into place. "Dad said he threatened to have Axel killed if he ever touched me again."

"Dad was pissed, but it wasn't his threat that mattered," Marco said quietly. "It was mine."

"What did you say to him?" I demanded.

Marco ran a hand through his hair. "That if he ever hurt you, I'd kill him myself. And that getting involved with him would destroy you."

"That wasn't your decision to make," I said, anger building in my chest.

"You were sixteen," Marco said firmly. "He was twenty, two and already knee, deep in club business. What kind of brother would I have been if I'd let that happen?"

"The kind who trusted me to make my own choices," I shot back.

"You were a kid, Em. You had no idea what you were getting into."

I stood up, pacing to the window. "I'm not sixteen anymore, Marco."

"No, but you're still my sister. And Axel is still dangerous as hell."

I turned to face him. "He's your friend. Your brother. If he's so dangerous, why is he here?"

"Because I trust him with my life," Marco said simply. "But that doesn't mean I trust him with your heart."

"My heart is my business," I said firmly.

Marco pushed off from the desk. "Not when it comes to family. Em, you don't understand what Axel's been doing these past six years."

"Then tell me," I challenged.

Marco hesitated, then sighed. "He's been working as an enforcer for hire. Traveling from club to club, taking the jobs nobody else wanted, especially the violent ones."

My blood chilled. "What kind of jobs?"

"The kind that would scar you if you found out," Marco said quietly. "Inside and out. He's not the same man you remember."

"Neither am I," I pointed out.

"Aren't you?" Marco asked. "Because from where I'm standing, you look exactly like the sixteen, year, old girl who used to sneak out to meet him behind the garage."

Before I could respond, a commotion erupted from the main room. Shouting, the sound of chairs scraping, someone yelling for Marco.

We rushed out of the office to find the clubhouse in chaos. Members were grabbing weapons, and through the front windows, I could see motorcycles pulling into the parking lot.

"Reapers," someone shouted.

Marco was instantly in President mode. "Lock it down. Nobody in or out without my say, so."

I pressed myself against the wall as club members moved. Weapons appeared from hidden compartments, and the atmosphere shifted from relaxed to lethal in seconds.

"Em, get to the back room," Marco ordered.

"No." I stood my ground. "I'm not hiding."

"You're not armed, and you're not wearing colors," Marco said sharply. "You're a liability."

"I'm Vincent Romano's daughter," I said with more confidence than I felt.

EMILIA POV

The front door burst open before Marco could argue further. Five men in Crimson Reapers colors strutted in like they owned the place. I recognized their president immediately: Victor "Viper" Kane, a man whose reputation for cruelty was legendary even by MC standards.

Kane was tall and lean, with pale eyes and graying hair slicked back from his angular face. He wore an expensive suit instead of leather, but the gun under his jacket was visible to anyone who knew how to look.

"Marco," Kane said pleasantly. "Sorry to interrupt your family reunion."

"Victor," Marco's voice was ice, cold. "You've got some balls showing up here."

Kane's gaze swept the room, cataloging the number of Iron Serpents present before landing on me. His eyes slid over me like oil, his smile turning smug.

"And you must be the famous Emilia," Kane said, taking a step in my direction. "You’ve grown into quite the woman. Your father always said you were too good for this life."

He reached out, his knuckles brushing against my jawline before I could flinch away.

The entire clubhouse exploded.

Axel was suddenly in front of me, his gun half-drawn, his body a wall of pure, homicidal rage. "Touch her again and I'll paint the walls with your brains, Viper."

Every Iron Serpent in the room tensed, hands dropping to their holsters. Kane's men shifted nervously, their fingers twitching over their weapons. The temperature dropped past freezing.

Kane laughed, low and genuinely delighted, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Easy, Ghost. Wouldn't want to start the war early. I've heard about your work, anyway. Such an impressive kill count."

"Not impressive enough," Axel said quietly. "Yet."

"Gentlemen, please," Kane said with amusement, lowering his hands but keeping his predatory gaze fixed on me. "No need for threats. Yet. I just came to pay my respects. Vincent was a worthy adversary."

"You killed him," I said, my voice shaking with a mix of fury and fear.

Kane's smile widened. "Did I? That's a serious accusation, sweetheart. But let's be civilized about this. Vincent's dead, which means his territory is up for grabs. I'm prepared to make a generous offer for the Iron Serpents' operations."

"We're not selling," Marco said firmly, his hand clamping down on Axel's shoulder hard enough to bruise, physically holding him back from pulling the trigger. I could see the veins standing out on both their necks.

"Everyone has a price," Kane replied. "Even you, Marco."

"Not everything's for sale," I snapped.

Kane's attention snapped back to me. "Everything's for sale, princess. It's just a matter of finding the right currency. You've got seventy-two hours to consider my offer. After that, I will be forced to take a more direct approach."

"There's nothing to consider," Marco said flatly.

Kane shrugged, turning toward the heavy doors. He leaned in one last time, his voice dropping to a sinister purr. "Seventy-two hours, princess. Find what your daddy hid… or I’ll take you instead. And I promise I’ll enjoy breaking you in."

The Reapers filed out as suddenly as they'd arrived, leaving the clubhouse buzzing with lethal tension.

"That was a threat," Tank observed unnecessarily.

"No shit," Marco said grimly. "Double the watch rotation. Nobody rides alone."

"What about the funeral tomorrow?" Carmen asked.

Marco's jaw clenched. "We proceed as planned. But everyone stays armed and alert."

The club members began to disperse, discussing security arrangements and contingency plans. I remained frozen by the wall, processing the venomous promises Kane had left behind.

"Are you okay?" Axel asked, turning to me, his green eyes still wild with the urge to kill.

I nodded, though my heart was hammering against my ribs. "He's going to try to take over Dad's business."

"He's going to try," Axel agreed. "But he won't succeed."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I will kill him first." The casual, flat delivery sent a chill down my spine. This was the man Axel had become in the years he'd been gone—detached, lethal, a weapon.

"You can't just kill him," I whispered.

"Watch me," Axel replied.

Before I could respond, my phone started ringing. An unknown local number flashed across the screen.

"Hello?" I answered cautiously.

"Miss Romano?" An unfamiliar male voice cut through the static. "This is Detective Ray with the Desert Ridge Police Department."

My stomach dropped. "Yes?"

"I'm sorry to bother you so late, but I understand you just returned to town. I was hoping we could meet tomorrow to discuss your father's case. There are some inconsistencies in the witness statements that I'd like to clarify with you. Would ten AM work?"

"I... yes, I suppose."

"Excellent. The station on Fourth Street." The line went dead.

"Who was that?" Marco asked immediately, stepping over.

"Detective Ray," I said. "He wants to meet about Dad's case."

Marco's face darkened. "You're not going."

"Actually, I am," I said, defiance flaring up. "Someone needs to find out what really happened that night. You say the Reapers killed him, but can you prove it? Kane seemed entirely confident he couldn't be touched."

Marco and Axel exchanged a tight, heavy look.

"Em, there are things you don't understand," Marco started.

"Then explain them to me! I'm not a child anymore, Marco. Stop treating me like one."

"Some things are better left alone," Axel said quietly.

"Are you seriously going to shut me out of my own father's murder investigation?"

"We're trying to protect you," Marco said.

"From what? The truth?"

"From getting killed," Axel said bluntly. "Kane wasn't making idle threats tonight. He wants something, and he thinks you're the key to getting it."

"What could I possibly have that he wants?" I demanded.

Again, that heavy, suffocating silence stretched between Marco and Axel.

"What aren't you telling me?" I asked.

Marco sighed heavily, rubbing his face. "Dad left something behind. Something valuable. And Kane thinks you know where it is."

"What kind of something?"

"The kind that could end the Reapers permanently," Marco said grimly. "Or get us all killed trying to use it."

My phone buzzed in my hand, a harsh vibration against my palm. This time, it wasn't a call. It was a text.

Unknown Number: I had to get through hoops to secure your number, easy if I might say. Your father hid something that belongs to me. Find it, or your family pays the price. You have 72 hours.

I turned the screen around, showing the message to Marco and Axel. Both men's faces went deadly pale.

"Pack your things," Axel said immediately, his voice dropping into that iron command structure. "You're not staying here tonight."

"Where am I going?" I asked.

"Somewhere safe," Axel replied. "My place."

"Absolutely not," Marco said flatly.

EMILIA POV

"It's the most secure location we have," Axel argued. "Off the grid and Kane doesn't know about it."

"I'm not putting my sister alone with you," Marco said.

"She won't be alone with me," Axel said calmly. "She'll be under my protection."

"Same thing," Marco muttered.

"Actually," I interrupted, "it's my decision. And I'm going with Axel."

Both men stared at me. "Em" Marco started.

"Kane specifically threatened my family," I said. "That means you're in danger because of me. I won't be responsible for getting you killed."

"That's not how this works," Marco protested.

"That's exactly how this works," I replied. "Axel's right. His place is probably the safest option."

Marco looked like he wanted to argue further, but another text arrived on my phone.

David: I saw the news about your father. I'm flying out tomorrow. We need to talk.

"Perfect," I muttered, showing them the message. "Now David's coming."

"Who's David?" Axel asked, his voice dangerously quiet.

"Her fiancé," Marco supplied helpfully.

“Ex Fiancé” I corrected.

Axel's face went completely blank. "Ex, fiancé."

"As of yesterday," I confirmed. "Caught him cheating with my best friend."

Something dark and satisfied flickered in Axel's eyes. "Where's he staying?"

"I have no idea, and I don't care," I said firmly. "I'm not seeing him."

My phone rang again. This time, it was David calling directly.

"Don't answer it," Axel said immediately.

"I have to," I replied. "If I don't, he'll just keep calling."

I swiped to answer. "What do you want, David?"

"Em, thank god," David's voice was tight with worry. "I've been trying to reach you. I saw about your father on the news, and I booked the first flight out. I'll be there tomorrow morning."

"Don't come," I said firmly. "We have nothing to discuss."

"Baby, please. What happened between Rebecca and me was a mistake. I love you, and I want to make this right."

"There's nothing to make right," I said. "We're over, David."

"I'm not giving up on us," David said. "I'll see you tomorrow."

He hung up before I could respond.

"Son of a bitch," I muttered.

"Problem?" Axel asked with deceptive calm.

"He's coming whether I want him to or not," I said. "Probably thinks he can sweep in and rescue me from my 'criminal family.'"

"Sounds like a smart man," Axel said dryly.

"Sounds like a dead man if he shows up here," Marco added grimly.

I looked between them. "You can't hurt David. He's annoying, but he's not dangerous."

"Anyone who threatens what's mine is dangerous," Axel said quietly.

"I'm not yours," I said, my voice low.

Axel stepped closer as his voice was barely audible to Marco but I could hear him, his green eyes burning into mine. "Keep telling yourself that, princess."

Marco cleared his throat loudly. "Okay, that's enough. Em, go with Axel. But I want hourly check, ins."

"Marco" I started.

"Non, negotiable," Marco said firmly. "Kane made this personal when he threatened you. Until we find what Dad hid, you're not safe anywhere public."

I nodded reluctantly. "What about the funeral tomorrow?"

"We'll figure it out in the morning," Marco said. "Right now, just focus on staying alive."

Thirty minutes later, I found myself on the back of Axel's motorcycle again, my small overnight bag strapped behind me. The ride to his place took us deep into the desert, away from town lights and civilization.

His houseif it could be called that was more like a fortified cabin tucked into a canyon between two mesas. Solar panels on the roof, generator backup, and what looked like enough security equipment to guard Fort Knox.

"Home sweet home," Axel said as we pulled up to the front door.

"It's very... isolated," I observed.

"That's the point," Axel replied, helping me off the bike. "Nobody can approach without me knowing about it."

Inside, the cabin was surprisingly comfortable. Rustic furniture, but clearly expensive. A stone fireplace dominated one wall, and through the large windows, I could see the desert stretching endlessly under a canopy of stars.

"You can take the bedroom," Axel said, carrying my bag down a short hallway. "I'll sleep on the couch."

"This is your home," I protested. "I can take the couch."

"No," Axel said firmly. "You take the bedroom."

I followed him down the hall, curious about how he lived. The bedroom was spartanly furnished but comfortable, with a large bed and an en, suite bathroom.

"There are clothes in the dresser if you need them," Axel said, setting my bag on the bed. "Towels in the bathroom."

"Whose clothes?" I asked suspiciously.

"Yours," Axel said simply.

I stared at him. "What?"

Axel looked uncomfortable for the first time all day. "I bought some things. After I heard you were coming back."

I walked to the dresser and opened the top drawer. Inside were women's clothes in my size jeans, t, shirts, underwear, all with the tags still on.

"Axel," I said quietly. "Why?"

He didn't answer immediately. When he finally spoke, his voice was rough. "Because I never stopped hoping you'd come home."

The confession shocked me as I gasped. "I can't," I whispered.

"Can't what?" Axel asked, moving closer.

"Can't do this again. Can't let myself feel"

"Feel what?" Axel backed me against the dresser, his hands bracing on either side of me. "Say it, Em."

"Feel anything for you," I finished weakly.

Axel's smile was sharp and knowing. "Too late."

He was right, and we both knew it. Six years of careful distance evaporated every time he looked at me like that.

"This is a bad idea," I said, even as my hands came up to rest on his chest.

"Terrible idea," Axel agreed, his head dipping toward mine.

"We can't" I started.

"We shouldn't," Axel corrected. "There's a difference."

His mouth was an inch from mine when my phone rang. We sprang apart like guilty teenagers, and I fumbled for the device.

Sofia's name on the screen.

"I should take this," I said breathlessly.

"Yeah," Axel said, stepping back. "You should."

He left the room, and I answered the phone with shaking hands.

"How's the family reunion going?" Sofia asked cheerfully.

"Complicated," I said, sinking onto the bed.

"Good complicated or bad complicated?"

I looked toward the doorway where Axel had disappeared. "I honestly don't know."