Page 78 of Iron Heart

“How…” I suck in more air and try again. “How did you find me?”

“Long story about how we found the house,” he rumbles. “But Rourke saw you crawl from the bush to under the porch.”

“Oh, right. You were there. You were probably already hiding, getting ready to attack the house.”

God, if I had known the Lords were on the verge of arriving here to save me, what would I have done? Would I still have jumped? Or would I have stayed in that room, and been killed by one of the men inside when the ambush started? I stifle a shudder.

“You have some cobweb in your hair,” he murmurs, with a slight smile. He reaches up and brushes it away. Then, he lowers his hand to my cheek and caresses his thumb gently across my skin.

Behind me, someone clears his throat. I look up, and for the first time I realize we aren’t alone. Clustered around us are five Lords, including two I recognize. The one called Ranger gives me a grim smile.

“Glad you made it out,” he remarks. “You jump from up there?” He points to the window.

I nod.

“You jump into that bush to break your fall?” Ranger asks. I start to ask him how he guessed, but then I look down and realize my arms are cut to ribbons from the branches.

“Yeah.”

“That took guts,” he says approvingly.

“Or stupidity,” I retort, but his flattery gives me a warm little glow inside.

“We should get you out of here,” Dante breaks in, his voice turning more businesslike. “You feeling better? You think you can ride on the back of my bike?”

I take a moment to evaluate. “I think so. But I’m pretty sure my ankle’s broken.”

“No problem. I’ll carry you.”

Dante shifts his weight, then scoops me up in his arms like I’m no heavier than a pillow. I’m sure I smell terrible from being under the porch, and my clothes are still muddy and wet, but he pays no attention. He lifts his chin wordlessly at the other Lords, and they drift away — some toward the house, some coming with us. Dante tells me their bikes are hidden in an alley a block or so away.

“Wait!” I interrupt suddenly, remembering. “What about Dominic?”

For the first time, I realize that the front of Dante’s shirt is covered in blood.

Dante gives a little shake of his head. His jaw works for a moment before he speaks.

“Dom’s dead,” he says.

“What?” My hand flies to mouth. My eyes flood with tears. “He can’t be! Oh, my God, Dante!”

Dante’s own eyes begin to glisten as well, but he shakes his head and sets his mouth in a deep frown.

“Dom was my brother, but he betrayed the club, Tori,” he says hoarsely. “I’m sorry he’s gone. But his decisions were what got him here. He knew the risks. He lied to the Lords. And…” he finishes, “he lied to me.”

“I know all that!” I whisper as I begin to cry. “He told me.” I shake my head as the tears down my face. “He said he didn’t mean to, Dante! He came to Ironwood to get away from some bad people, but they tracked him down and blackmailed him. He never wanted to hurt you. He never set out to betray the club.”

Dante looks a little stunned by my words. “He told you all that?”

“Yes. Please, Dante, don’t hate him!” I cling to his neck, my eyes searching his. “He knew he made a mistake. A bad one. But Dominic saved me! He helped me escape! I might be dead if it wasn’t for him!”

Dante blinks. He looks like he doesn’t believe me.

“It’s true!” I insist. I’m close to sobbing now. “Dante, he told me to tell you something in case…”

My voice breaks. I let out a sob, shaking my head, overwhelmed.

“What is it, darlin’? Tell me what he said.” His face is still hard, but his voice is gentle