Leigh entered the bathroom.Her sister was moving more easily.Soon, her physical injuries would heal, but would the mental scars always haunt her?
Sliding down on the couch, she let her head rest on the back cushion.To distract herself from her situation, she tried to imagine what Hunter was doing tonight.
The moment they stepped into the clubhouse earlier, a wave of tension filled the room.At first, she thought it was because of their arrival.But none of the men paid attention to them.They were rushing around, many carrying boxes out of the room.
She puffed out her cheeks and exhaled slowly.There was a real chance that by coming back here, they were jumping from one problem to a completely different one.While the Royalla Motorcycle Club hadn't hurt them, they might be involved in dealing drugs, pornography, or whatever else bikers hustled to make a living.
Looking around the room, she took in the multiple duffel bags stacked against the wall near the door.In the bedroom, Hunter had a dresser full of clothes and tattooing equipment—yes, she snooped the last time she stayed with him.
What made him help her?Why was he even there the night Jason tried to run her down?
She stared at the ceiling but sleep never arrived.Her mind kept replaying how he had held her the night before.His strong arms wrapped around her, and his broad chest was like a pillow, so solid that his heartbeat echoed in her ear, lulling her to sleep.He provided the quiet support she hadn't realized she needed until he gave it to her.
So, when the door opened early in the morning, he saw her sitting on the edge of the couch, hugging her stomach, and awake.She hadn't meant to wait for him.Or maybe she had.
Hunter stepped inside, filling the small room.She studied him by the light above the kitchen counter.His hair hung around his shoulders, windblown and tangled.His gaze grew sharper, adding extra lines around his eyes.
He was older than her and Leigh, probably in his forties.
She raised her hand and mouthed, "Hey."
He gave a short nod, eyes flicking toward the closed door of the bedroom, then back to her.
Annie hesitated, her heart pounding.She wanted to ask where he'd gone and needed to know what he did for a living.She also wanted to understand him better.But she had no right to ask.He had saved her and Leigh, so she couldn't ask anything more from him.
Yet, all she wanted was a hug.
Just a hug.
She opened her mouth, but before she could speak, Hunter crossed the room.
As if he had read her mind, he pulled her into his arms.She sank into his embrace.The sudden relief caught in her throat, and she fought back tears that threatened to spill.
He pulled her close, his warmth settling into her and calming her trembling hands.He guided her to the couch, settling down with her tucked against him like he had last night.
Annie allowed herself to sink into him, her cheek pressed against his chest, listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat.
It was strong.Unwavering.
She tilted her head enough to look up at him.
He claimed her mouth as her cry escaped.
The kiss came out of nowhere.His lips brushed hers, knowing what to do.
Her breath caught in surprise.But her body had already melted against him.
She curled her fingers into his vest, holding on when he deepened the kiss, tasting her.
When he pulled back, he searched her eyes, steady and unreadable.Annie's chest rose and fell, her heart racing.
She felt safe.
And wanted.
The world fell away.
Jason's threats.Leigh's pain.The fear that shadowed her every step.
