A touch of a smile graces my lips because I can imagine him doing that. I shift in the bed to face her.
Her eyes travel around my face. Her hand comes to my nose and she feels it, making me flinch. “It’s not broken.” Her hands go to my arm, and she brings it toward her as her eyes study it. “Superficial cuts. Are you injured anywhere else?”
“No.”
She raises her arm toward Reaper. “I won’t stop you any longer. You can lie with him now.”
I shuffle over and lie beside him. I briefly close my eyes, appreciating the warmth of Reaper’s skin against mine. His face is still a little pale, but it is better than what it was.
I feel his sister’s eyes on us. “He’s the best person I know,” she says, and when I peer at her, she’s wiping the corner of her eye. “I told you before, but I’m so grateful he’s found someone to love.”
“Do you two have a close relationship?”
She smiles sincerely and stares off as if remembering the past. “I couldn’t have wished for a better brother. Even when he was at war, he always sent me as much money as he could to help me pay for university. I got a scholarship, but I wouldn’t have been able to afford it without Reaper. He has always had my back, no matter what.”
I smile as my eyes drift back to Reaper, then to Milly. “That sounds like him. Always doing everything he can for everyone around him.”
“Keep going with the compliments,” a gravelly voice says next to me.
Milly laughs as I shriek, “You’re awake!”
The guilt hits me as I lean over, making sure I put no weight on him and press my lips to his. When I lean back, I say, “I’m so sorry you got shot.” But then frustration washes over me. “Why did you do that? Put yourself in harm’s way. I was so worried that I didn’t get the chance to tell you I love you, and I do, Bain White. I love you so much.” I press my lips to his again. I feel his smile against my lips, accompanied by a deep throaty chuckle.
“I love you, too, beautiful.”
FIFTEEN
MC FAMILY
Six Weeks Later
Reaper
I lift my shirt and inspect the dark pink scar from the gunshot wound. It’s still tender, but I’ve healed well. I’d do it again if it meant protecting Ava. To see how easily she fits in and genuinely looks after and cares for the men only makes me love her more.
As I pull the shirt over my chest, my phone rings. It’s the attorney, but that can wait. I’m sure she’s calling to update us on how the divorce is going. It’s unfortunate that the process will take a lot longer since they cannot locate Beau. I chuckle to myself, knowing that they will never find him.
I’ve been waiting for Ava to ask me what happened to him, but she hasn’t. Deep down, she probably knows but doesn’t want to acknowledge it. I put my arms through my cut, walk over to the bathroom, and spray on the cologne Ava loves. When I walk out, I put my phone in my pocket, stride through the hallway, and step down the stairs but stop at the bottom when I see Cash and Bomber. I stare at Cash first. “Is everything sorted?”
Cash gives a clipped nod. “Sure is, Pres.”
My heart races. I’m nervous about how Ava’s going to react.
“Is Milly here yet?”
“I think she just pulled up.”
“Get the word out to everyone. Do not let Ava go out the front.”
He smirks. “I’ll do it now.”
When he leaves, my attention goes to Bomber. “What did you think about the meeting this morning with Graham?” Graham is the founder of Kings of Chaos.
“He had no issues with us shooting Jude. Did you know the prospect was Jude’s nephew?”
“No, I didn’t, but that Jude and him were stealing weed and dealing it on the side...” I shake my head and let out a low whistle. “I think he got let off too easy.”
“I agree, but what are your thoughts about the future?” he asks, rubbing the side of his head with his hand. “Did you want to keep doing business with them?”
