Kelly’s lips twitch like she thinks that’s funny.
“No one is spying,” I state firmly.“But she’s not staying alone.”
“How can you be so sure the accident wasn’t just bad luck?”Kelly asks quietly.
“Because nothing about it looks like luck.”
Her breath shakes.“How can you tell?”
I take a long breath, then step closer so she can see my face clearly.“Because I’ve seen people try to intimidate before.And I’ve seen people try to kill before.I don’t want to scare you, but you need to know the risks.”
Her pulse jumps in her throat.
My voice softens.“This wasn’t a scare tactic.They hit you twice.They wanted to make a statement.”
Ally gasps, covering her mouth with both hands.
Kelly stares at me, eyes widening with fear.Not fear of me, but of what happened.What could’ve happened weighs heavy in the air between us all.
“That’s why you’re staying with us,” I finish.“We don’t leave people exposed.”
She’s quiet for a long time.Long enough that I start shifting my weight, unsure what’s going on behind those eyes.
Then she asks, “Us?”
It takes me a beat to realize what she’s asking.She wants to know if I’m part of thatus.I thought the answer was obvious.But she’s working from a blank slate.
“Yes,” I share.“Us means my club.The brother and me too.I’ll be with you.”
Her breath catches again.Something flickers across her face not recognition, but instinct.Some echo of the past trying to wake up.
“You don’t have to,” she whispers.
I step closer, careful, like approaching a skittish animal.“I already told you,” I murmur.“I’m not leavin’.”
Her eyes grow shiny.“Why does that make me feel relief?I shouldn’t be relieved that a stranger won’t leave me.”
My voice drops low.“I’m not a stranger.”
Her fingers twitch at the blanket again.
“I believe you,” she whispers.
The room goes still.Those three words, I didn’t expect them.
But God, they crack something inside me wide open.
A knock hits the door a deeper one this time.A brother.I know the knock by instinct.I turn, already bracing.
Chux steps in, half-hidden by the doorway.Ally softens the worry on her face instantly knowing my brother will keep her safe.Kelly’s eyes widen like she senses danger without knowing why.
Chux nods respectfully to her.“Kelly.Glad you’re awake.”
She gives a small nod, unsure.
He turns to me, voice low.“Need a word.”
I glance at Kelly.Her shoulders tense, like the idea of me leaving—even for a minute—sets something off inside her.
