Page 53 of Sinner's Redemption

Afraid to love him, afraid to live a life without him.

All the worries in the world didn’t mean shit unless I decided.

Take the leap Tessa, my momma’s voice whispered in my head as I closed my eyes and said, “Yes.”

“Yes?”

Nodding, I whispered. “Yes. I will marry you.”

Chapter Sixteen

Montana

“You want me to what?” Storm questioned, leaning forward on the boardroom table.

It was something I wasn’t proud of, but it was the only way I knew to keep tabs on her. I meant what I said last night. I didn’t want to stop her from being herself. She deserved to live her life and do what she wanted. I just needed reassurance. Something tangible to hold on to so I didn’t go stark raving mad with worry.

As it was, it still took me longer than usual to leave the house this morning. It wasn’t because she needed my help with anything; it was the fact I didn’t want her out of my sight.

Somehow, some way, Tessa had entangled herself deep inside me. I may have branded her with my mark, but she branded my soul.

The fear of losing her still rode me hard.

Her drugged-out face, naked on that nasty fucking mattress still ever present in my head, sent shivers of fear coursing through me. I wasn’t lying when I told her I thought I lost her. Seeing her laying there, that was an image that seared into my brain, and I didn’t like the feeling that accompanied it.

Failure.

For the first time in my life, I felt like I had failed at something. That I was useless to stop the inevitable. That even with all my power, I couldn’t protect my woman.

It was a formidable feeling. One that brought me to my knees.

So, yeah. I was going to keep her tracker on.

“Tracker stays active. I want a twenty-four-hour watch on her.”

Storm looked about the room worriedly as brothers hung their heads, saying nothing. Cautiously, he asked, “Distance?”

“Manhattan should cover it. Anything she wants, she can find in the borough. She leaves Manhattan without me for any reason I want to be notified.”

“Montana, you sure about this?” Happy questioned. “She finds out she’s gonna lose her shit.”

“You gonna tell her?” I snapped, challenging the chaplain of the club. I knew Happy had a fondness for Tess. They all did. Had no fucking problem with that, but Tessa was my woman. Mine. If Happy wanted to voice an opinion, then he could go find his own damn piece and leave mine the fuck alone.

I could see the uncertainty in my brother’s eyes.

It wasn’t something that was generally done, but after what happened while I was gone, I was not taking any more chances where Tessa was concerned. I wanted her ass locked down tight. Even if that meant someone followed her everywhere she went.

I didn’t give a damn.

Soon she would have my ring on her finger. With that came a whole slew of fresh problems. I was covering every base. No one was going to fuck with what belonged to me ever again. I wanted everyone to know that she was mine. Fuck with her and the Soulless Sinners would rain down hell.

“No, Prez,” Happy said, looking at Mercy for help, who shifted in his seat. I fucking knew what was coming.

Mercy was the voice of reason for the club. Somehow through everything life threw at him, Mercy stayed level and clear-headed. Not much ruffled my V.P.’s feathers and even on the rare occasion that happened, the man still maintained some sense of decorum.

“Montana,” my vice president and good friend cautiously whispered.

“No, Mercy. Whatever you are going to say, save it. I’ve made up my mind.”