Torch’s Grace: Devil's Fallen MC, #1

By Diane Everly

He'd go to hell and back for her

Eight years ago, The Devil's Fallen MC saved Grace from a fate worse than death. They took her in, protected her, and helped her heal from her nightmares. Now Grace is back fresh from college, ready for the next stage of her life.

If only she could stop thinking of a certain biker.

Torch always admired Grace's strength and determination, but he held back because she needed a friend, nothing more. As the MC's Enforcer, he knows he's not the right man for her. He'll never be able to put her first like she deserves, no matter how much he wants her.

When Grace's past threatens her, he's done waiting.

She belongs to him.

And he'll destroy anyone who tries to take her from him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crow's Lantern Publishing LLC
• Release date: Sep 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988960829

Book preview

PROLOGUE

GRACE

8 YEARS AGO

I’ve officially lost my mind.

That was the only reason I could think of to explain why I was sitting in some stranger’s home, injured and exhausted, instead of curled up in my small bed in the run-down dump I called home.

The heavy weight of exhaustion was creeping over me, threatening to pull me under with every passing second. So much had happened tonight, I still had a hard time processing it all. How did it all end up like this?

I tried to figure out where it all went wrong. Was it bad luck, the crappy hand I’d been dealt in life, or making the mistake of coming home early from school? If I’d known Annabeth wasn’t home, I wouldn’t have gone inside. I would have gone straight to the library until closing like I normally did. But I’d been so tired and it had been a shitty day, all I’d wanted was to collapse in my tiny, worn-out twin bed and sleep. I would’ve made sure Annabeth’s sleazy boyfriend, Frank, hadn’t been there. I should’ve checked. I always checked, but this time, I didn’t.

I shivered at the memory of that man’s hands on my skin, my clothes ripping, tearing, the vile things he whispered in my ear as we struggled. The taste of bile in my mouth as I fought back. The burn of my skin when I cut myself on broken glass trying to get away.

The cuts on my hands, feet, and the painful ones on my back flared, as if reminding me of my carelessness. I should have been more careful. I knew the kind of men my so-called mother liked to bring home. Not a single one of them were good men. She didn’t care if they leered or made a pass at me. Not as long as they got her whatever her current fix was—drugs, booze, sex—who cared if her daughter was too scared to be in her own home. Or sleep in her bed without locking the door every night.

Frank Delany had been the worst of them all. Always hanging around, watching me, trying to touch me, even when Annabeth was around. He made my skin crawl, so I made sure to steer clear. After tonight, I would never forget how dangerous men like that could be. I had permanent reminders on my skin that wouldn’t let me forget.

You okay?

I jumped, looking up at the reason I wasn’t still hobbling on the side of the road or passed out from pain in a ditch.

Gears Anderson.

And no, I wasn’t kidding. That was actually his name. When he’d first introduced himself, I thought he was nuts. Who called themselves something like that? Didn’t help that he looked like one of those guys most moms told you to stay away from, with the leather vest and steel-toed boots. Let’s not forget the motorcycle that caused the ground to rumble beneath my feet when he pulled up.

Still, I’d done a lot of dumb things in my life, but this took the cake. Following a kid, one I barely knew, to his house in the middle of the night.

I guess it didn’t matter in the end what he was called. All things considered, it was the least of my problems. He offered me help, I took it.

They won’t hurt you ever again, he’d told me.

It was his words that stopped me. That was the first time anyone ever promised something like that to me. Not even Annabeth, the woman who gave birth to me, had done that. Let alone someone who didn’t have a clue what I’d been through tonight.

Gears was the only person I trusted right now. Even if only a little bit, but I didn’t have much of a choice.

He found me on the side of the road, limping toward the community center miles away. It was the only place I could think of that was warm and safe enough that I could get my bearings. I’d seen him the few times I made it to town, so I assumed he was a local. Annabeth and I had just moved to Basin, Georgia, so she could be closer to Frank, so I didn’t know many people. I’d heard the rumors that floated around about the group Gears hung out with. Some said they were thugs that hung out with the wrong crowd, selling guns and drugs on the side, and would kill you if you pissed them off or some bullshit like that. I didn’t usually believe rumors, but some of them were almost too creative to be made up. And an object of said rumors had found me on the side of the road and asked if I was okay.

I hadn’t had many other options. I was underage and most hospitals would just call Annabeth. If that happened, they’d go to the house and see what was in there. They’d send me straight to jail. I barely made it out of that place alive. Self-defense or not, I wouldn’t get off easy. So it was either go to the cops or accept a stranger’s help. I’d been about to drop from exhaustion and my injuries, and the lesser of two evils gave me a hand offering help.

Accepting this guy’s help may end up getting me killed. But without it, I’d be dead anyway.

When I didn’t say anything, Gears shrugged and sat on the coffee table in front of me, grabbing one of my battered feet and tugging it gently into his lap. I kept looking around while he pulled out random things from the first-aid kit he'd brought with him.

I saw you around town a lot, he stated as he dabbed my foot with disinfectant. Always wanted to talk to you, but you always disappeared before I got the chance. My girlfriend, Mina, would have kicked my ass if I hadn’t helped you. Was this the reason why you kept to yourself?

I didn’t answer and thankfully he didn’t press.

Gears kept talking, as if to fill the silence, but I didn’t really pay attention to what he said. Instead, I watched him bandage my feet. They were covered in cuts, dried blood, and dirt just like my hands.

I didn’t say anything about my back. It didn’t feel sticky anymore, the blood having long since dried, gluing my tattered shirt to my skin.

My eyes grew heavier by the minute. Whether it was from blood loss or the adrenaline fading from my system, I wasn’t sure.

You don’t talk much, do you? he asked, grabbing a fresh gauze pad.

Not today, no. I gave a small shake of my head, fighting to keep my eyes open.

Trying to stay awake, I looked around the house.

Sorry it’s nothing fancy. Gears said when he caught me staring.

I blushed, lowering my head to hide my embarrassment. Actually, I was jealous. You couldn’t tell a guy lived here. They had a lot of things we could never afford because of our tight budget, like a TV and furniture that wasn’t meant for outdoors. And it was clean, like, really clean. Annabeth didn’t care much about keeping up appearances, so most of the cleaning fell to me.

Don’t worry, he said in a soothing tone. It’s just me, my brother, and a couple of our friends here. They’re cool. No one’s gonna call the cops, trust me. They don’t like us all that much.

Us? Did he mean him and his brother? Or those friends he was talking about?

As much as I wanted to ask what he meant, I couldn’t. I was too tired to string my thoughts together, let alone get out a sentence.

I focused on keeping calm, reminding myself I could trust him—temporarily or not—to keep me safe. At least, that was what I tried to do when a booming voice made me jump out of my skin.

You better say your prayers if Mina finds out you brought another girl home.

My heart nearly stopped at the sight of the two strangers that appeared out of nowhere. Fear kept me rooted to the sofa.

They towered over us, even when Gears stood to his full height. One reminded me of a highlander. Broad shoulders, bulging muscles, dark brown hair that brushed against his shoulders. His eyes stared me down like he was seeing into my soul. Couple that with the don’t-fuck-with-me vibes he gave off, he was beyond intimidating.

The other man looked like an older version of Gears, but way hotter. Six feet tall at least, wearing a T-shirt, jeans, and a vest similar to the one Gears wore. His hair was a sandy color, short on the sides while the top hung a little in front of crystal clear blue eyes. Tattoos dotted his hands, swallowing every inch of open skin on one arm.

The second guy studied me. For what exactly, I wasn’t sure, but it made me feel tingly all over. My heart fluttered in my chest for an entirely different reason. What the hell? Did I hit my head or something?

Gears didn’t look too concerned with their being here, so I guessed that they were friends of his. I was still wary.

She’s cute. Highlander smirked. But he’s right, Mina will most definitely kill you.

I would love to see her kick your ass, but I’m not sure if this is the best reason for you to die, the other one said.

Ha ha. You two are hilarious. Gears scoffed, then turned back to me. The one who thinks he’s Mr. Comedy is our friend, Fury. He waved at Highlander. He’s usually more funny, less jerk.

Oookay.

Then he waved toward the man next to him. And that’s my brother, Torch. Don’t mind his ugly mug. It’s permanently stuck like that.

His brother rolled his eyes.

That explained the resemblance.

Hey, that’s not nice. Fury pouted.

Kinda the point. Gears grinned.

Torch snorted, leaning against the doorframe, staring right at me.

More strange names. Torch, Fury, and Gears? Were they just nicknames? Or did someone actually name their kids that?

She can’t stay here. Torch told his brother. His eyes skimmed over me, taking in my tattered clothes and pale skin, stopping at my bandaged feet. I curled them underneath me. Someone could be looking for her. And I doubt Mac would be happy if we brought trouble to his door, or Butch for that matter.

I froze, my breathing sticking in the back of my throat. All the calm I managed to get vanished in a heartbeat.

Lay off, Torch. Gears snapped, shooting him a glare before turning back to me. He grabbed my hand, uncurling my fingers from its clenched fist. No one’s going to get you. I promised, didn’t I?

The other two exchanged a look.

She was on the side of the road, Gears explained. What was I supposed to do?

As he moved to stand in front of them, I saw a symbol on the back of his vest. I caught a glimpse of it earlier, but now, I could see it better in the light. It was a skull with pair of wings on either side and a crooked halo and horns above it. Between the wings were the words Devil’s Fallen in big letters. I noticed Fury also had one when he turned away from me to whisper something to Torch. Was it a uniform?

I couldn’t just leave her out there by herself. She hasn’t talked much, but I figured Nan could put her up for a while and Fury, maybe you could talk to Butch about granting her the Devil’s protection? He listens to you.

Devil’s protection? This was starting to sound like a cult. Why would they want to help me anyway? I didn’t get why they wanted to help me, yet here were three perfect strangers suddenly doing just that.

Just because I’m his son doesn’t mean he’ll listen to me. Fury sighed, rubbing his neck and glanced my way. My stomach dropped at the uncertainty in his eyes. Besides, we should ask Mac, not Butch. This is his turf, we’ve got no say here.

Wouldn’t it be better if she left town? She could come back home with us. It’s safer.

You don’t live here? I squeaked, my stomach sinking further.

Gears explained they were here on business, but that didn’t make me feel any better.

Who’s to say she even wants help?

I kept my mouth shut. I didn’t know these people or what kind of help they’d give.

But would they give it if I told them what happened? If they knew what I’d done, they’d toss me out in a heartbeat.

Gears glared at Fury. Are you fucking serious? Whoever did this left her in bad shape. She can’t possibly go out on her own right now.

All three of them looked at me, I stared right back, my gaze unwavering.

Torch was the one to break the silence.

Got a name, sweetheart?

Gears stepped between us, almost like a guard as he told his brother to back off. Torch watched me, waiting for an answer.

It’s Grace, I said. It was a struggle to keep the pain from my voice, but I refused to show weakness. Not after I’d made it this far. Not sweetheart.

Something flashed in his eyes, but it was gone too fast for me to decipher it. Then he smiled. It was subtle, just a soft curl of his lip, but it was there. My stomach flipped again. Seriously, what was going on with me?

And I was totally staring at him. To be fair, he was staring at me too.

Fury sighed, startling me into breaking eye contact first.

Guess I got a call to make.

I blinked.

What did he say?

Gears grinned. Thanks, man.

Fury shook his head. You owe me one for this, you know?

Yeah, yeah.

Fury threw a smile my way. Sit tight, beautiful.

Then all three men left, leaving me to wrap my head around what just happened. Those men knew nothing about me and yet they were helping me. It boggled my mind. I heard their voices coming from the other room, but couldn’t make out the words. Maybe they were talking to that Butch guy they mentioned.

It wasn’t long before I started to drift off. My body was close to its limit and the muffled timbers of their voices started to lull me to sleep.

Next thing I knew, a warm hand was nudging me awake. It took me a minute to remember where I was. Because there was no way I was in my shitty house. This place was too nice and there was a hot guy kneeling in front of me…

Hey there, sweetheart.

Seeing Torch startled me. I jerked back and immediately regretted it. I’d forgotten about my back. The adrenaline had faded, bringing back the pain that had been pushed to the background all this time.

I cried out as it hit me, doubling over in pain.

Torch was at my side, asking what was wrong. I couldn’t do anything but grit my teeth and ride out the pain. I held onto Torch’s hand, which had made its way into my grip. He whispered soothing things to me to help me through it. Or at least, it sounded like whispering with the roaring in my ears. He also brushed my hair out of my face and wiped away the tears I hadn’t noticed falling down my cheeks.

It took a few minutes before the roaring in my ears died down enough for me to hear him, but the pain remained.

It’s okay. You’re gonna be—

I glanced up at him. Only he wasn’t looking at me. I could tell even if I couldn’t see his expression with the tears still burring my vision. He was silent as he got up and crouched in front of me again.

You didn’t tell my brother about your back, did you?

I shook my head.

I need to get a better look. From what I can see, it’s bad. It could be infected.

I tensed.

It’s okay, he told me again.

My gaze slid past him to the room the others disappeared into. They hadn’t heard me when I cried out, but I didn’t want them seeing my back. Torch was right, the wounds could get infected if left untreated. But the idea of even moving made me want to hurl.

They don’t have to see if that’s what you want, he promised. We can go to the bathroom upstairs. But I’m going to have to pick you up. That okay?

Yeah, I squeaked. The pain was getting so bad, I couldn’t manage more than that.

His hands settled on my waist. I placed mine on his shoulders.

Are you sure?

I nodded, clutching tighter to his shirt as another wave hit me.

Don’t worry, I got you.

He scooped me up into his arms, careful to avoid touching my back. I wrapped my arms around his neck, burying my face into his shoulder. He apologized when I whimpered as his steps jarred my back, murmuring words of encouragement every now and then. He carried me so easily, as if I weighed nothing. I should’ve been worried about that, but all I could focus on was the warmth of his hands and the pain in my back.

Reaching the bathroom, Torch set me down on the counter as gently as he could. I forced myself to release him when he stepped back to give me space. I gripped the counter, taking deep breaths.

You okay there, darlin’?

I flinched.

I hated being called that. It was what Frank always called me. Every time he did, it twisted my insides.

Don’t call me darlin’, I snapped.

Torch cocked his head to the side, like Gears did earlier. Before I could ask him why he was looking at me like that, he nodded.

Alright, sweetheart.

I gaped at him.

What? You didn’t have much of a problem with that one earlier, he said, that lip curling up again. His eyes lit up as he watched me. I could think of something else if you want. How about Cupcake or Doll?

Did he really just ignore that I wasn’t a fan of the pet names? Honestly, this guy was something else.

Then it hit me. He was trying to make me feel better. I felt a sudden urge to smile. After everything that happened to me, this complete stranger made me want to smile for something as stupid as debating what nickname to give me.

I really couldn’t figure out if he was serious or not. His face was expressionless, giving away nothing. His eyes, though, hid a humor I didn’t expect from someone like him. I wasn’t sure what I’d done to change his mind, but it seemed like he wasn’t wary of me anymore.

Anything but darlin’, I told him finally.

He face morphed into a smile.

Sweetheart it is then.

I couldn’t help but smile back.

Then he turned serious.

I should’ve been scared, being alone in a room with a man as intimidating as him.

Right now, though, I couldn’t bring myself to be tough. Not when it took everything I had to keep the tears at bay.

Let me see, he ordered.

I shook my head, which was a total mistake. The simple movement hurt a hundred times worse than before. So I tried to keep still.

Torch grasped my chin, bending down so we were eye level.

That wasn’t a suggestion, sweetheart. You’re obviously hurt. You did good keeping it from my brother, but not from me. I won’t ask again.

If I wasn’t seconds from passing out, I would’ve told him no. I didn’t know this man or his brother or his friend. I had always been on my own. I couldn’t afford to trust anyone. Even if this man’s touch, this stranger’s touch, burned through my jacket when he’d held me, searing my skin. It felt… good. It warmed me from the inside out. It wasn’t a feeling I was used to. I shoved those thoughts aside.

But he wasn’t going to budge on this. I could see it in his eyes. I nodded. That lip quirked again as he trailed his thumb over my chin before releasing it. I barely managed to hold back the shiver wanting to run through me. Why did I mourn the sudden loss of his touch?

It’s just exhaustion.

Good girl.

Those words should not have made me happy to hear.

A hiss escaped through my clenched teeth as fabric scraped against my damaged skin. The blood had dried to the wounds, tugging on it as my jacket started to come off. I could still feel the blade digging into my skin from when Frank carved up my back. It hurt worse than anything I’d felt before. Gears hadn’t noticed the blood or how much my back hurt. But Torch had.

I managed to get a shoulder free, but it hurt too much go much farther than that.

Think you can stand? he asked when I whimpered again.

His hands sat at my hips, waiting.

I honestly wasn’t sure how long I’d last if I stood up again. All I wanted was to curl up in a ball and cry. I wanted the pain to stop.

I think so, I said instead. With his help, my feet touched the tile again. After making sure I wasn’t about to drop like a sack of potatoes, he had me turn to face the sink.

This will hurt. Bear with me, he said. Then he pulled the jacket off.

My teeth ground together as jolts of pain shot through me. I fought hard not to make a sound as the jacket slid off. I bit my lip hard enough to draw blood, clutching the counter for support, lifting my hands long enough to pull my arms from the sleeves. It was a relief when I heard the heavy fabric drop to the floor—even the tattered shirt I wore underneath fell with it.

My skin burned where the cool air hit it, but thankfully the pain eased up after a few seconds, I didn’t even care that I was standing there practically half-naked—aside from my bra—from the waist up.

Until pure, undiluted anger clogged the small space, coming directly from Torch.

Instinctively, I shied away, moving away from him, my heart hammering in my chest. He grabbed my arm when I swayed and pulled me back toward him, once again lifting me onto the counter. His large hand captured my chin again, lifting it until I met his gaze.

Who did this? he growled.

Judging from his reaction, my back was worse than I’d thought. Knowing his anger wasn’t directed toward me was some comfort, but it also scared me.

I shook my head. It wasn’t that I was helping that monster. I’d rather die than help him after what he did to me, after what he tried to do. When I’d woken to Frank taking a blade to my back over and over, the pain had been so unimaginable, I was more focused on getting away than I was about the damage. It was that I knew just saying his name out loud would send me right back there. Back to that pain, that fear. I wasn’t safe and I never would be because of what I’d done.

Grace. Torch said, his voice low, drawing me back toward reality. You need to tell me who fucking did this to you.

I shook my head again.

You’re safe, Grace. I promise no one will hurt you.

His brother had said the same thing, but I still wasn’t sure.

I also knew I needed help, even though it pained me to admit it. I had nowhere to go once I left here, no one to turn to. I was drowning and here was someone handing me a lifeline.

I killed someone.

My voice was no higher than a whisper, but it echoed off the walls like a cannon. The words left me breathless. I squeezed my eyes shut, too scared to see the disgust in his eyes.

Grace, look at me. Torch said.

I shook my head.

Sweetheart. Look. At. Me.

I did, meeting his gaze. There was no disgust in his eyes. Instead, there was a strange understanding.

Tell me.

Taking a calming breath, I told him everything and how this time I messed up when Frank cornered me in the kitchen.

He came onto me. I whispered.

Torch growled.

I jumped, but didn’t stop talking. I couldn’t. Not now that I’d started.

He wouldn’t listen when I told him no. Then he pulled a gun on me and said he would shoot me if I didn’t… if I didn’t do what he said…

I stopped, unable to go further. I could easily recall what happened next. Frank coming after me again, us struggling. I managed to hurt him enough to get a few feet away when he grabbed my ankle and pulled me down. My head slammed into the linoleum and I blacked out. I wasn’t out for long, but when I came to, my back was on fire. The pain nearly made me pass out again. My fear and survival instincts kicked in. I tried to break free, kicking and screaming and doing whatever I could to get away, but nothing worked.

Until I saw the gun.

I don’t know when he put it down, I forced the words out through the lump in my throat, tears threatening to spill over again. I grabbed it… and sh-shot him.

My throat closed up once I got the words out. Torch didn’t move from where he’d stood the whole time I’d told my story. Now he stood there fuming, clenching and unclenching his fists.

Several minutes passed before he let out a harsh breath and relaxed his hands.

Suddenly, I was in his arms, tucked safely in his embrace. He cradled my head against his chest, careful not to touch my back. His cheek rested against the top of my head. I sat numbly in his arms, either in shock from my injuries or that I let someone hold me.

After a moment, I wrapped my arms around him, gripping his shirt with all my strength. I took a deep breath, inhaling the best combination of oak and chocolate as tears burned in my eyes.

After several minutes, he stepped back, wiping a stray tear from my cheek.

Let’s take care of your wounds.

Now I was in shock.

You’re… not going to turn me in? I whispered.

He cocked his head. Why would I?

Because a normal person would after hearing I murdered someone! I screeched.

His lips turned up, unaffected by my tantrum. The simple motion transformed his whole face, making my heart jump in my chest.

He braced his hands on either side of me, leaning in until we were inches apart. Again, I wondered why I wasn’t afraid of this man. Everything about him screamed of someone I should fear. Yet, something in his eyes promised I was safe, something I hadn’t felt in a long time, if ever.

Trust me. Normal is the last thing people would call me, he said, brushing a tendril of hair out of my face. You defended yourself, Grace. Nothing more. That fucker got what he deserved. If you hadn’t, I would’ve killed that son of a bitch myself.

But… What if the police go to my house? What do I—

It’ll be taken care of, he promised. For now, just worry about yourself. Alright?

I didn’t understand what he meant by taken care of exactly, but I nodded anyway.

Satisfied with my answer, he nodded. He crouched in front of the sink, digging inside the cabinet for something. He muttered something about another one being in there somewhere. After some searching, he pulled a first-aid kit similar to what Gears had.

As he pulled out several gauze pads. I wondered how bad the injury on my back actually was. The pain had faded enough for me to move some, but I hadn’t seen it yet. Then I remembered there was a mirror behind me.

I turned my head slightly just as Torch looked up and shouted Don’t! But it was too late, I’d seen it. I saw the blood covering over half my back. The marred skin split and puckered. But what made bile rise in my throat were the letters forming F-R-A and the beginning of an N.

Oh God. He tried to… he almost… carved his name into my skin.

My stomach rolled and I clapped a hand over my mouth. I would’ve fallen to the floor had Torch not caught my shoulders. He cradled me against his chest, holding me like before.

This time, I did cry. Ugly, heaving sobs that wracked my whole body. What kind of monster did that to someone? Scarred someone for life like this.

The whole time, Torch gently ran a hand over my matted hair, telling me to take slow, deep breaths. He was patient with me when he had absolutely no reason to be.

You with me? he asked once I’d calmed down some. I kept my head down.

Not really, I croaked.

I need to clean it up before it gets infected, okay?

Okay.

He helped me off the counter again and set me on the edge of the bathtub while he closed the lid on the toilet and sat down on it. He handed me a towel for me to keep myself covered, promising to grab me some spare clothes once I was cleaned up since my bra—which was already old and tattered and falling apart—needed to come off so he could reach my injuries. I’d hesitated at first, still holding onto the more reasonable part of my brain. When he asked if I’d rather have Gears do it instead of him, I panicked. He probably felt I was more comfortable around his brother, but the idea of someone else seeing what happened terrified me even more. I grabbed his arm, quickly telling him no.

Torch squeezed my hand.

It’s okay, sweetheart. I got you, remember?

It’s shock, I told myself. What other reason would I be okay with this?

Much like his brother had done, Torch carefully tended to my injuries, his touch was soft and light, even when it burned where he touched my skin. He asked me if I needed a break whenever I flinched. Every time, I told him no. I just wanted this to be done.

And I wanted space to clear my head and figure this man out. He was such a contradiction. He was harsh with the others, but gentle with me. He looked like a man that would kill you without a second thought, but aside from the introduction he’d been nothing but sweet, even though I could still feel the anger simmering within him. I hadn’t yet sorted through my own feelings on what happened tonight, but he had. He’d known me all of fifteen minutes and he was angry on my behalf.

I didn’t want to think about how nice that felt, or think about what that meant to me that somebody, even if only for a little while, actually cared about what happened to me. It was such a foreign feeling, I wasn’t sure what to do about it.

Those thoughts scattered when someone banged on the door. I froze, clutching the towel to my chest. My breath locked itself in my chest, held prisoner there until my panic could subside.

I felt his hand land on my head, giving me comfort once again.

Fuck off, G! he shouted at the door.

What the hell, man? Gears yelled back, his voice muffled by the closed door. Why the fuck are you in there with her?

She needed help. Torch answered simply.

Gears snorted. I heard him say something to Fury, but I couldn’t make anything out other than a few words here and there.

Open the door, Torch. his brother demanded. She’s been through—

It’s okay. I blurted before a fight broke out. Or worse, the others came in and saw the shape I was in. I wasn’t sure I completely trusted Torch and I didn’t want them to fight, but I wanted people in this room even less.

Torch looked at me in surprise. That made two of us.

You sure? Fury asked on the other side of the door.

Not really.

Yes. I’m sure.

To make matters worse, my stomach growled, cutting the tension. I swallowed, wincing at the dryness in my throat and pain in my belly. I hadn’t eaten since this morning. Torch didn’t say anything about it or even smile. He just cocked his head, studying me like he had when we first met.

Go downstairs. We’ll be out in a bit. Torch said, never taking his eyes off me. Get her something to eat while you’re at it.

Gears grumbled, but did as his brother asked once Fury said something to him.

Thank you. I whispered once their footsteps faded.

You’re welcome, sweetheart.

He took the seat behind me again and continued cleaning my back. I decided not to question why my stomach did little flips every time he called me sweetheart and not in a bad way.

What’s that symbol mean? I blurted, remembering what I saw on those vests.

I asked it as a distraction, but I was curious too. It had bothered me since I’d seen it, even with the fog trying to pull me under.

What symbol?

I clutched the towel like a lifeline.

On your jacket. I clarified. For both brothers and their friend to have similar designs on their backs, it had to mean something.

He was quiet for a moment, tossing another bloody rag into the trash bin.

It’s called a cut, he explained. We’re called The Devil’s Fallen. The symbol’s one way for other motorcycle clubs to recognize us. Not many people are big fans of us though. Because of our… less than legal ways we like to spend our time. The club is like family. We have each other’s backs.

Oh, I said. I wasn’t sure what I’d expected, but I didn’t think it would be that. Guess that was what Gears meant by the police not really liking them so much. He’d been talking about this Devil’s club thing earlier. Though I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what kind of illegal stuff they were clearly into. That’s… cool.

He chuckled, sending a shiver down my spine. It felt different than before. It felt… good. I ducked my head, hiding my bright red cheeks.

"It’s very cool," he laughed.

I was taken aback by his laughter, my body warming at the sound. I kept my head down.

You know, you could get a tattoo to go over this once it heals, he said, throwing me for another loop.

I turned my head slowly.

What good would that do? I asked, my voice sharper than I’d meant it to be.

I know this guy, he said gently, as if I hadn’t spoken. He does tattoos for vets and people that have had serious accidents. He does tats for our guys from time to time. He could do something for your back if you want. Give you a fresh start.

Oh.

Just think about it.

He finished cleaning my back in silence. Once he placed the last bandage on my cuts, he sat back.

I’m gonna go grab you some clothes. Then we can get some food in you.

When he rose to leave, I panicked and grabbed his arm again.

Can… can you not… tell anyone? I asked quietly.

He didn’t ask me what I meant. Instead, he lifted my face with a finger under my chin until I looked up at him.

I have to tell my president, but no one else will know. I promised you I’d take care of it, right? I nodded in his grip. You trust me?

My eyes narrowed, still wary.

That’s good. You should be cautious.

He gave my chin a gentle squeeze, then released it before leaving.

He came back with clothes a few minutes later, then waited outside while I got dressed. It was slow going because of my injuries, but it wasn’t as bad now that they were treated. Plus, I didn’t feel comfortable letting someone I barely knew see me totally naked. Before, the pain had been so consuming, I couldn’t think straight. Now I needed to get my head on right—and fully clothed—so I could figure out my next move.

Soon as I was done changing—and rid of those grimy clothes—I told Torch I was done.

You need me to carry you downstairs?

I shook my head. I didn’t want to rely on him too much.

He stayed close to me on our slow trek down to the first floor. When I looked at him curiously, he just shrugged and kept his slow pace. I just rolled my eyes, making it to the bottom by myself just fine.

To prove I didn’t need his help, I made it to the kitchen on my own where Gears and Fury were waiting with a bowl of something that smelled delicious. I slowly lowered myself into the chair Torch led me to and dug in. Each movement jostled my injuries, but since they’d been tended to, it was no more than a mild sting.

The guys started talking about something, but I tuned them out, too distracted by my hunger. Once I finished, I sat back. When was the last time my belly was full? The thought immediately sent me back to what waited for me once I left here.

Where was I supposed to go now? Not back to that place. Annabeth would likely be long gone by now. Torch promised he’d take care of it. Knowing what little he told me of the club he was in, I had an idea of what he meant by that, but what happened after that? I wracked my brain for something that would get me out of this mess and came up empty.

That was when I glanced up and noticed the look passing between the guys. I hadn’t realized I’d said that out loud until Fury spoke.

Look, Grace, he started, sitting in the chair across from me. "Torch said he explained The Devil’s Fallen to you. One of the things we do is help people who need it. And before you ask, no, we aren’t do-gooders or ‘nice guys,’ but we do occasionally help people. They’re given protection, which can be given a number of different ways. Now, we don’t know what happened to you, and you don’t have to say anything."

I glanced at Torch, wondering why he hadn’t told them anything I said.

He simply watched me from the sidelines with a straight face. I quickly turned back to Fury.

Torch found an ID in your jacket, so we know you’re a minor. I stiffened, but he continued before I freaked out. So we’ve called Nan. She’s on her way now. She’ll be here in the morning.

I scrunched my face. Nan?

She’s kinda like the house mom. She loves taking care of us. He rubbed the back of his head. And yelling at us.

And call us out on our bullshit, Gears added.

Fury rolled his eyes. Yeah, yeah. Point is, she can help you. We got permission to take you back to Brookewood, if you accept our help. You’ll get a new name, a new life, whatever you need. And you can stay with her as long as you need to.

It sounded like a nice offer, but it still seemed too good to be true. You didn’t get something for nothing.

I glanced between the men. Just because they helped me so far didn’t mean I could really trust them. This Nan person could just be the same. She could easily call the cops when she got here. Hell, she may not even exist and it was really the cops on their way here.

While I was lost in my head debating, Torch sat in the seat next to me. He snagged my chair, turning it to face him.

You can either trust us, or don’t, Grace. Torch said, watching me. It’s your decision.

Bro. Gears snapped.

Torch ignored his brother.

"The way I see it, you don’t have