“Thank you,” I sobbed out.
“Anything for you, my darlin’ girl.” She came over and gave me a hug, and I melted into her. I never knew what it felt like to have someone embrace me and communicate all their feelings into that one action. It was a true mom hug.
“I’m so happy you’re okay, and I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to deal with me hovering for a bit. Blood or not, you are my daughter, and I love you.” Her declaration echoed my thoughts.
“I love you too. Thank you for being here. For everything,” I replied tearfully as the door swung open. Bash and Guard entered, concern evident on their faces.
“What’s wrong?” Bash demanded, and his mother rolled her eyes.
“Just having a girls’ moment. Mind your business,” Cece said as she stood up and walked over to Guard.
“Woman, you’re making her cry, and everyone knows that ain’t gonna help a concussion.” Tucking Cece under his arm, Guard turned to me.
“You gave us all a scare. I’ll scold you properly when you’re not concussed. Now, rest up. Need you back in fighting form as fast as possible.” I nodded, then closed my eyes as my head started to spin.
The hospital insisted I stay overnight, so I was grateful for the change of clothes Guard and Bash had brought me. Bash’s parents stayed as late as they could, but by midnight, Bash sent them home. I was getting woken up every few hours when the nurses made their rounds. I wasn’t sure if Bash slept a wink. He sat by my side, staying vigilant all night. Sometime in the early dawn hours, I turned to find him hunched over in his chair, head in his hands. I grabbed his hand, and he looked at me, tears in his eyes.
“Never again. Never. I don’t know what I would do without you, Fee. I don’t even have words to explain what it felt like when I found out you were missing. I can’t live without you, Fiona. I love you so fucking much. You’re my world. I don’t have a life if you’re not in it.”
Bash leaned over to kiss me. When he tried to pull away, I stopped him. Shifting in the cot, I made as much room as I could so he could join me. Kicking off his boots, it was a tight fit, but neither of us minded being that close. Just as I was starting to fall asleep with my head on Bash’s chest, a thought reached me.
“How did you find me? How did you know I was down there?”
“We didn’t, at first. We were all out searching for you, we even called in the other charters for help. Your brother helped us find you. He’s the one who saved you. When Atlas—I mean, Jackson, found out you were missing, he reached out.” Bash pulled myarm across his chest, his thumb stroking the charm bracelet on my wrist.
“He put a tracker in your bracelet. Said he never wanted to lose you again.” Unsure how to respond, I just blinked up at Bash.
“I know it’s a lot to take in. Just get some rest now, Fee. We can talk about everything else tomorrow.
Bash
Following a clue from Atlas was not where I saw that day going, but I was grateful for any trail to follow. I cursed myself for not paying more attention, and couldn’t remember if Fiona had that bracelet on or not.
Speeding back to the clubhouse, a million thoughts ran through my mind.How could we have missed her if she’s in the clubhouse? When will we find her?My phone started ringing, and I answered quickly as Scythe’s voice came out of my speakers.
“I volunteered to search the downstairs rooms, found Fiona in the paint shop, and brought her into the infirmary. She’s okay, conscious, but I need to call X.”
“Fuck. Jesus fucking christ,” I exclaimed, relief and panic was still warring inside of me. “Thank you, Brother. Thank you for finding her,” I managed to get out before hanging up so Scythe could call X.
Speeding, the ride to the clubhouse was a blur as I was desperate to see Fiona.How badly is she hurt?She had been down there for over five hours. Barely coming to a full stop outside the clubhouse, I threw the car in park before jumping out. I ran through the clubhouse, taking the stairs two at a time before I was rushing through the paint shop to get the infirmary.I stopped short at the sight of blood against the white walls and floors.
Long swaths of dark red marred different surfaces, spanning from one side of the room to the other. Shaking myself out of the stupor, I hurried to the infirmary, terrified of what I would find. My mother and X were standing near the doorway, talking in low voices, but all I could see was Fiona. She looked smaller than ever. Her wrists were raw, red marks and cuts marring her porcelain skin. There was bruising already visible on her face, especially highlighted by her pallor.
Rushing to her side, I dropped to my knees, afraid to touch her, hurt her. Before I could make a move, she was in my arms, and all I could do was clutch her to me. Whispering back and forth to each other, the relief was short-lived when Fiona pulled away from me, her eyes wide as if just realizing something.
“Crow is the thief!” she blurted out, trying to explain what had happened between the two of them earlier in the day.
Despite my need to know what he had said and done, my focus was on Fee and making sure she was okay. Fiona was not thrilled about a trip to the hospital, but I was relieved we were going. I had to know she was okay. I wanted her checked head to toe, nothing missed. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust X or my mom. It was something else; it wouldn’t feel real until I had multiple doctors telling me she was okay.
Once at the hospital, I was grateful for X and his connections. Fiona had a private suite, and the doctor was waiting for us when we got there. Once all the tests were done and Fee was settled in her room, Ma started issuing orders.
“Dalton. Take Cal back to his house and pack a bag for Fiona. Bring her favorite pajamas and her own pillow. Anything else you want from the house, dear? You’re going to have to spend the night, so let’s try to make sure you’re as comfortable aspossible.” I wanted to refuse, not ready to leave Fiona’s side, but then she replied.
“Fresh pajamas sound amazing. I don’t want to put my dirty clothes on, and I’d prefer to have more than this hospital gown to wear for the night. Can you bring me my fuzzy socks too?” At my girl’s request, I gave in and headed out with Dad. The ride was silent for a bit before I finally spoke up.
“Crow was behind all of this. He’s the one who’s been stealing from the club. He told Fiona everything,” I said. Looking at my dad from the corner of my eye, I saw the flash of rage and sadness wash over him.
“How are we gonna tell Reaper? Why would Crow do this?” I voiced the questions out loud, not really expecting an answer.
