Page 48 of Judge's Justice

"Judge?"

I turn back.

Phoenix is smiling. Actually smiling. "I'm happy for you. Really. You deserve this."

"Thank you."

"And Judge? Lock the door next time."

I flip him off as I leave, and his laughter follows me down the hallway.

I find them in the common room. Nora is sitting on the couch with Ivy, both of them watching as Grace teaches Canvas the sign for "poker." Canvas is trying his best, his large hands fumbling through the letters, and Grace is giggling so hard she can barely breathe.

Nora sees me first. She stands immediately, her eyes searching mine. "How did it go?"

"Good. Really good." I walk over to her, pulling her close despite the protest from my ribs. I keep my voice low so only she can hear. "Phoenix gave us his blessing. Said the whole club stands behind us."

"Really?"

"Really. We're good, Nora. We're safe here. Both of you."

Nora's eyes fill with tears. "I can't believe this is real. Can't believe we found this. Found you."

"Believe it." I kiss her forehead softly. "Because I'm not going anywhere. I promise."

Grace notices us and runs over, signing rapidly. "Judge! Did you talk to the president? Is everything okay? Can we stay?"

I crouch down to her level, ignoring my body's protests and sign. "Everything's okay. You and your mama can stay as long as you need. You're safe here with me and my brothers. We're going to protect you both. I promise."

Grace's face lights up. "Really? We can really stay?"

"Really."

"Good. Because I like it here. And I like you. And Mama likes you too, I can tell." She grins mischievously.

I glance at Nora, who's turned pink. "Your mama's pretty smart."

"She is. She's the smartest person I know. Well, she was. Now you're smart too." Grace pauses, then signs more seriously. "Are the mean men going to come back?"

"Maybe. But if they do, my brothers and I will stop them. Just like before. You don't have to worry, Grace. I won't let anyone hurt you or your mama. That's a promise."

"You're good at keeping promises," Grace signs. "You said you'd be okay and you are. You said we'd be safe and we are."

"And I'm going to keep keeping my promises. Every single one."

Grace throws her arms around my neck, gentler this time, mindful of my injuries. When she pulls back, she's smiling. "Can we celebrate? Can we have ice cream? Ivy said there's a really good ice cream place in town."

I look at Nora, who's laughing and wiping at her eyes. "Can we have ice cream?"

"I think we need to stay at the clubhouse for now," Nora says gently. "Until Judge and his brothers say it's safe to go out. But maybe we can have some here? Do you have ice cream here?"

"Actually," Ivy speaks up from the couch, "we do. Phoenix keeps the freezer stocked. We've got chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and I think there's some cookie dough."

"Cookie dough!" Grace signs enthusiastically. "That's my favorite!"

"Mine too," I sign back.

Grace's eyes go wide. "Really? We have the same favorite?"