Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 109

CHAPTER 68-2

‘s successful because of the people it helps. So today, I’m proud that something built in his memory can help children who need it.” I finished and the applause that followed was louder than !

expected.

I stepped down from the stage and Jace immediately met me. His hand settled gently against my lower back.

“You did great.” He said.

“I nearly forgot how to speak.” I said.

“You didn’t.” He said.

“I was terrified.” I said.

“I couldn’t tell.” He said and I laughed.

“You’re lying.” I said.

“I’d never lie to you.” He said as he leaned closer.

“Unless we’re playing poker.” He added and I smiled.

“That reminds me, Derek still refuses to play me.” I said.

“He’s protecting his money.” Jace said.

“He’s protecting his pride.” I said and Jace laughed before kissing my cheek.

The auctioneer began the bidding. The first offer was generous. The second was higher and then

the numbers climbed.

People competed from different parts of town and eventually the motorcycle sold for an amount that made several members of the hospital staff stare at each other in disbelief.

The final bidder received a standing ovation and I covered my mouth for a moment as Jace slipped his arm around me.

“That’s a lot of money.” He said.

“It’s going to help a lot of kids.” I said and he squeezed me gently.

“That’s what matters.” He said.

By late afternoon, the fundraiser had raised far more than anyone expected.

The hospital representatives thanked Lawson Customs publicly and several local businesses

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CHAPTER 68-2

announced plans to support future events.

The atmosphere around the Iron Vipers had changed too. People weren’t looking at them like dangerous men standing outside a clubhouse anymore. They were seeing fathers. Husbands.

Mechanics. Business owners and neighbors. People who showed up when their community

needed them.

Clauri

As the sun began dropping, Jace and I stood near the edge of the field and he wrapped both arms

around me from behind and I leaned back against his chest.

“You tired?” He asked.

“A little.” I said.

“Want to go home?” He asked and I turned in his arms.

“Not yet.” I said as his hands rested gently at my waist.

“Then we’ll stay.” He said and I smiled.

“You always make everything sound simple.” I said.

“That’s because it is.” He said as he brushed his thumb along my cheek.

“We’re together.” He added and I leaned closer and kissed him softly.

For a few seconds, the crowd disappeared. There was only him, his arms around me and the

warmth of knowing that I had finally found somewhere I belonged.

Neither of us noticed the man standing across the road.

Victor Kane watched the event from inside a dark vehicle.

His expression was cold as he watched people shake hands with Iron Vipers members and thank

them for protecting the fundraiser.

“They’re gaining support.” Victor said as the man beside him nodded.

“More than expected.” The man said and Victor stared toward Paige.

“She keeps turning every attack into an advantage. That needs to stop.” Victor said as his jaw

tightened.

He looked toward the clubhouse members gathered around the event.

“The more people who stand behind her, the harder she’ll be to reach.” Victor added as his phone

vibrated and he glanced at the screen.

A message contained only an address and a time. He looked toward the driver.

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COMPTER 68.

CHAPTER 68-2

“Leave.” Victor ordered and the vehicle disappeared before anyone noticed.

Later that night, Victor stood inside an abandoned building on the edge of town and he wasn’t

alone.

A woman stepped from the shadows wearing a dark coat and when she moved beneath the overhead light, Victor recognized her immediately.

Charlotte Lawson.

She stopped several feet away.

“You said you could help me.” Charlotte said as Victor studied her.

“I said we could help each other.” Victor said.

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