I turn to the big guy, appreciating the offer, but knowing it’s best if I tell him to go. I’m here now. I can look after Granny.
“You should probably go.”
His body tenses, but he nods.
“We might need a ride home once she’s discharged, though.”
Rex seems relieved. I’m not sure why. “Just give me a call. I’m happy to do it.”
“Okay.”
We remain in place, standing in a silly, awkward silence until Rex takes a step toward me.
“I won’t be far. Whoever did this to your Granny and the Butter Bliss is still out there, Camille. It’s not safe for you both to be alone.”
Shit. I didn’t think of that.
“What do you suggest?” It takes a lot for me to ask, more than I want to admit.
“You need protection. If not me, then another member of the club. It’s your call. You and Granny Jo can decide who you want for the muscle, but I don’t want to leave until I know there’s a King outside that hospital door.”
He’s right. I’ve seen too many police procedurals and crazy shows where the bad guys infiltrate places like hospitals or churches, and people end up hurt worse or killed. I won’t risk Granny Jo’s life. She’s eighty-two.
“Talk to Scythe. I trust his judgment.” Fatigue and worry feel like they’re pressing down on my shoulders. I haven’t had enough rest yet, and now that Granny is awake, I know I won’t sleep again until she does. “Tell him I need the best. He can call me.”
“If it’s the best you want, it’s me, Phantom, or Scarecrow.”
He’s holding back what he wants to say. I can see it in his body language. I’m not a fool. I know he wants to be the one who stays here with us, but I also don’t think I can handle being around him twenty-four-seven. I’m making an effort to keep the peace right now, to be civil, but that doesn’t mean I forgive him for the past.
“Phantom or Scarecrow then, whoever is available,” I decide.
For a brief second or two, I see anguish spread across Rex’s features, betraying a reaction that surprises me. As much as he’s acting like he wants to be here, I remember the past. I haven’t forgotten what he said to me. Rex Coleman made it clear he didn’t want me. There’s no room for hurt and regret now. They were buried long ago.
“I’ll make the call,” he informs me in a tight voice before turning his back and striding down the hall to put some distance between us. I can’t seem to move as I watch him, wondering if Scythe will overrule my choice.
I can’t hear what Rex is saying, but he looks pissed. He begins to pace, spearing his hand through the spiky hair on top of his head. He’s always worn it shaved close on the sides, longer on top. His face used to be clean-shaven. Now he’s got a beard.
The big biker, with his lumberjack red flannel under a black leather vest, is a contrast in itself. He challenges every rule andexpectation. He’s strong but incredibly gentle when he wants to be, covered in dark ink but articulate when he speaks. Rex rides a motorcycle and carries an ax wherever he goes. He’s equal parts intimidating and teddy bear.
My heart squeezes as I let the secret wish die in my chest for something more. It’ll never happen. Relationships don’t work when they’re all one-sided.
I return to Granny as the nurse is finishing her vitals. She leaves with a promise to send in the doctor soon.
“Where’s Rex?”
“Calling Scythe. He’s checking to see if Phantom or Scarecrow is available for protection duty.”
She gestures to a nearby chair. “Sit. You’re exhausted.”
I tug the chair beside her bed and plop onto it. “I am tired. Overnight flights will do that,” I tease.
I’ve got to keep this light, or I’ll just end up crying.
“I’m okay, Cami, honey. I promise.”
“It’s not, Granny. We don’t know who did this or why.”
Rex enters the room in time to hear me. “That’s why I’m going to investigate. As soon as Phantom arrives, I’ll talk to Braden. He’ll be able to tell me about the arson.”
