Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 246

CHAPTER 141-1

The clubhouse had never felt this quiet.

Even with more than a dozen Iron Vipers gathered around the large table, nobody was talking loudly, because the events at Lawson Customs were still fresh in everyone’s minds and the smell of smoke seemed to have followed us home.

Charlotte sat at the far end of the table between Derek and Mason, and she kept her hands folded tightly in her lap while every pair of eyes in the room remained fixed on her.

Jace stood at the head of the table, his hands resting against the back of a chair.

“Nobody leaves this room until we decide what happens next.” Jace said and Charlotte swallowed.

“I need protection.” Charlotte said.

A few men exchanged looks, and Derek leaned back in his chair.

“You came to a motorcycle club after helping Victor Kane, and now you want us to protect you from him.” Derek said as Charlotte’s face tightened.

“I know how that sounds.” She said.

“It sounds exactly like what it is.” Mason replied.

I looked around the table, because I understood their anger, and I felt it myself.

Charlotte had lied, manipulated people, and helped create problems that had eventually reached Lawson Customs, but she was sitting in front of us because Victor had turned on her.

That did not erase what she had done.

It simply meant she was afraid of what would happen next.

“I am not asking anyone to forgive me.” Charlotte said and Derek gave a humorless laugh.

“That is convenient.” Derek said.

“I know what I did.” She said.

“Do you?” He asked and Charlotte looked at him.

“Yes.” She said and the room fell quiet again.

Jace finally pulled out the chair beside him and sat down.

“We have a bigger problem.” Jace said as everyone looked at him.

“The attack tonight was not random.” He added and nobody disagreed.

“They came after Charlotte because they wanted that recording. Until we know exactly what is on it, we have no idea how much danger she is in or how much danger the rest of us are in.” Jace continued and Ben folded his arms.

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“So what are you suggesting?” Ben asked.

“We keep her here.” Jace said and Derek immediately shook his head.

“You’re serious?” Derek asked.

“Yes.” Jace said.

“After everything?” Derek ásked and Jace looked around the table.

“I am not asking you to trust her.” Jace said as his eyes moved toward Charlotte.

“I am asking you to understand that if Victor wants her dead, letting her walk out that door could put a body on the street before sunrise.” He added and Charlotte lowered her eyes.

“I will do whatever you tell me.” Charlotte said and Derek stared at her.

“That is the first useful thing you have said.” Derek said.

I looked at Charlotte, and despite the anger I still carried toward her, I could see how badly she was struggling to hold herself together.

She had finally realized that Victor had never considered her an equal.

She had been useful to him until she stopped being useful., Now he wanted her gone.

“I have something to say.” I said and the room quieted so I looked directly at Charlotte.

“I am not defending what you did.” I added and she nodded slowly.

“I know.” She said.

“I am not pretending that you did not hurt people.” I said.

“I know.” She said.

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“And I am not going to tell everyone here that they should suddenly trust you because you are scared.” I said as Charlotte looked down.

“But nobody deserves to be murdered.” I added and her eyes lifted toward mine.

I continued before anyone could interrupt.

“Whatever you did, whatever mistakes you made, and whatever part you played in Victor’s plans, I do not believe anyone deserves to have their life ended because they became inconvenient.” I continued.

Jace looked at me, and something softened in his expression.

“I agree.” Jace said and Derek sighed.

“So she stays?” Derek asked.

“She stays.” Jace said as Mason nodded reluctantly.

“Until we know what is on that phone.” Mason said.

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“Exactly.” Jace said and Charlotte’s voice was quiet.

Thank you.” Charlotte said and I held her gaze.

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CHAPTER 149

CHAPTER 141-2

“Don’t thank me yet.” said and she frowned.

“I am keeping you alive because you are a person, not because I have forgotten what you did.” I added and Charlotte nodded.

“I understand.” She said and Jace stood.

“Derek, you and Mason will rotate security.” Jace said.

“Already figured that.” Derek said.

“Ben, check the guest room upstairs and make sure there is nothing she can use to get herself into trouble or leave unnoticed.” Jace said as Ben nodded.

“Done.” Ben said.

“Mia, make sure she gets food and water, because we are not locking someone in a room and pretending basic needs do not exist.” Jace said and Mia nodded.

“I will take care of it.” Mia said as Charlotte stood slowly.

“Where am I supposed to sleep?” Charlotte asked.

“The secure guest room.” Jace answered and she looked toward the hallway.

“For how long?” She asked.

“Until we know what that recording contains.” I said.

Charlotte looked like she wanted to argue, but she seemed to realize there was little point.

“Fine.” She said and Jace pointed toward Derek.

“You stay outside the room tonight.” Jace said and Derek nodded.

“I will.” Derek said.

“And nobody gives Charlotte access to a vehicle, the garage, or the main exit without clearing it with me.” Jace said.

The seriousness in his voice made it clear that this was no longer a discussion.

Charlotte walked toward the stairs with Mia, and I watched until they disappeared from view. Then I looked at Jace.

“Do you really think she is telling the truth?” I asked.

“I think she is afraid.” He said.

“That is not what I asked.” I said as he met my eyes.

“I don’t trust her.” He said.

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The answer relieved me more than It should have.

“But you believe the recording is real?” I asked.

“Yes.” He said and glanced toward the staircase.

“Then Ethan needs to look at that phone.” I said and Jace nodded.

“He already knows.” Jace said.

As if summoned by the conversation, Ethan entered the clubhouse carrying his laptop and a small equipment case.

He placed everything on the table and looked around the room.

“Where is the phone?” He asked as Jace pointed upstairs.

“Charlotte has it.” Jace said and Ethan frowned.

“She is giving it to me?” Ethan asked.

“She has no choice.” Jace said.

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